Supplier Ordering
Sparkel has a built-in ordering flow that lets you send a takeoff directly to one or more suppliers as a request for quotation (RFQ). Suppliers receive a link, see your quantities, and can respond through the platform. All communication is kept in one place, attached to the takeoff.
How it works
The flow has three stages: adding suppliers, publishing the takeoff, and communicating. Before you publish, make sure your quantity table is structured the way your supplier will need it — one item per product type or scope of work.
Step 1: Add suppliers to the takeoff
Navigate to the takeoff you want to send.
In the Suppliers panel on the left, click the + button.
Select the supplier(s) you want to receive the takeoff.
Click Save.
Each supplier is given a separate, independent link. Suppliers are not aware of each other — you can invite multiple suppliers to quote on the same takeoff without them knowing you're comparing prices.
Step 2: Publish the takeoff
In the Takeoff Information panel, click Publish.
Write an opening message to your supplier(s). This message will be visible when they receive the notification from Sparkel and sets the context for the quote request.
Wait for the status to change from Publishing to Requested.
Once published, suppliers receive an email notification with a link to view the takeoff. They see your item list, quantities, and any attachments you've added.
Step 3: Communicate and confirm
Use the communication thread within the takeoff to exchange messages, clarifications, drawings, and pricing with each supplier independently. When a supplier submits their quote and you're ready to proceed, confirm the order within Sparkel to update the takeoff status.
Attaching drawings and documents
Before publishing, upload any relevant drawings, specifications, or documents to the takeoff as attachments. Suppliers will be able to access these alongside the quantity list. Use drag-and-drop or the attachment button in the Attachments panel to add files.
Best practices
Structure your items to match how the supplier will price — if they quote per product type, make sure each product type is its own item. See The Quantity Table for how to organise and label items.
Include a clear description in the opening message: what the project is, when you need pricing by, and any specific requirements.
Use labels to filter the quantity table before publishing if you only want to send a subset of items to a specific supplier.
Keep all communication inside Sparkel rather than switching to email — it stays attached to the takeoff and is easy to reference later.
If you need the quantities in a document format instead, use Excel Export to produce a file you can attach to a formal tender.