ProfiCircle Knowledge base

Why do I need an auction if I want prices very fast?

Auctions are created to achieve the lowest possible price for certain request. By taking advantage of auctions, the buyer can access storage solutions with on average 15% less cost compared to without auctions. The difference between “auction” and “no auction” prices is 2-3 days. If the buyer explicitly states that he does not want to take the advantage of the auction, then Proficircle can provide the first come-first-serve price quotation basis. 

Do the suppliers see each others’ quotes?

All suppliers see the quotes in the live time on the projects where they participate. The only data which is sanitized is the name of the competitors they have in a certain auction. On average during the auction, sellers bid against each other 5 times and decrease the price up to 15%.

How fast do you deliver?

Proficircle allows you to decide how fast you want a project to be delivered from the beginning. This gives us an estimate over what vendors are most applicable to be invited to bid on your project. With our recurring clients we have built a weekly delivery schedule. With other one-time buyers, the auction allows them to compare between price and delivery period and speak directly to vendors to request quicker production/delivery time.  

Is Proficircle a dealer?

Proficircle is the largest procurement platform for warehouse and retail equipment. Proficircle does not represent exclusively any producer or dealer. Proficircle is a digital network of local and international suppliers of warehouse, retail and logistics equipment and material handling where companies can request and buy free of charge. 

Who is the seller if I request via your platform?

The seller is the winner who the buyer chooses between 3-5 offers that are visualized via the comparative table. It is the buyer's decision to decide who will be selling the equipment to them. Proficircle is not the seller in this transaction but upon request from the buyer can issue the invoice and be a middle party.

Can I speak to the suppliers once I see the prices?

Yes, buyers can speak to all suppliers once they receive the prices in the comparative table. We encourage transparency and allow buyers to ask each seller any questions about their offer.  

What does an auction mean?

This is one of the advantages of the platform. Proficircle uses auctions to encourage competitiveness among the suppliers who are willing to quote a price. They have limited time to bid against each other while decreasing the price on average with 15%. Then the best 3-5 prices are visualized to the buyer.

What is a comparative table?

A comparative table is the place where each offer is visualized. The table includes the name of the vendor, terms of the payment, information about the equipment, delivery terms, production time, price and offer validity. On the top of each offer, each buyer can choose to chat directly with the seller if there are any unanswered questions.

How fast can I get the first price?

In 48 hours the first price will be submitted to you. Depending on the complexity of the project, it might take up to a week to get prices

Do I need to register to request a price?

Each buyer can request their equipment without the need of profile in our system. However, to be able to review the prices, speak to vendors, request changes, choose between other services, the buyer needs to activate their account and log in to their dashboard.  

Why do I need to register to get the prices?

Proficircle is built with the intention to help the journey of each buyer and simplify his decision making and procurement process. With each registration Proficircle allows the buyer to review their project request, make changes, add services, review prices in comparative table, speak to vendors, decide on payment method and much more.  

How much time does an auction take to obtain the prices?

Each auction is different and is dependent on the project specifics. Usually, to obtain all offers in a comparative table it takes on average 3-7 days. However, buyers receive email when an offer is uploaded and can review it prior to the end of the auction. In case they don’t want to wait anymore – a winner can be selected.

Is there a validity of the prices?

Yes, each supplier has his own terms and validity per offer. Depending on the project materials and complexity, each offer has a certain time period in which it is valid. If the buyer is unable to decide before the offer expires, he can request again.