External Quote Requests
Last updated: 2026-09-26
Feature: Request quotes from marine service providers who aren't MyVSSL users yet.
Overview
When you need specialized work done (engine repair, electrical, antifoul, etc.) and the provider isn't on MyVSSL, you can send them a professional quote request directly from the app.
What happens:
- You create a task with vessel/component details
- You send a quote request to an external email
- They receive a professional PDF with all the details
- They respond via our Guest Portal (no login required)
- You get notified and can accept/reject their quote
How to Send a Quote Request
Step 1: Create or Open a Task
Navigate to Tasks from the main menu and either:
- Create a new task with the work description
- Open an existing task you want quotes for
Step 2: Open Task Actions
In the task detail view, tap the ⋮ menu (three dots) in the top right.
Step 3: Select "Request Quote"
Choose Request Quote from the menu options.
Step 4: Enter Recipient Details
Fill in the recipient information:
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Email Address | ✅ | Provider's email (e.g., john@marinemechanics.com) |
| Recipient Name | ✅ | Contact person name |
| Company Name | Optional | Business name |
| Trade | Optional | Provider archetype (e.g. Shipwright, Marine Surveyor). Leave blank to keep your options open across every trade that offers the chosen category. |
| Service Category | ✅ | High-level area of work (e.g. Painting, Electrical, Survey). Categories are scoped to the picked trade; with the trade left blank, every category that any active trade offers is available. |
| Service Type | ✅ | Specific service within the category (e.g. Topsides Repaint, Antifoul, Pre-purchase Survey). Recommended types from each trade's offerings appear first; the full catalog list is appended so nothing is hidden. When no trade is picked, each type is annotated with the trades that offer it. |
| Specific Service | Optional | Free-text refinement (e.g. "Mainsail batten pocket re-stitch") for jobs that don't map cleanly to a single service type. |
Tip: Recent recipients appear in a dropdown for quick selection.
Trade left blank? Your request still goes out to one provider, but the structured intent (trade left blank, category, service type) travels with the task. If you later send the same task to the marketplace, the marketplace fan-out routes it to every trade that offers that category at the time you submit.
Step 5: Review & Send
The app shows a preview of what will be sent:
- Vessel details (name, type, year)
- Component information (if linked)
- Task description
- Your contact information
Tap Send Quote Request to email it.
Viewing Sent Requests
Access Quote Requests List
Navigate to External Quotes from the main menu under Business Management.
Request Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🔵 Sent | Email delivered, awaiting view |
| 🟡 Viewed | Provider opened the portal link |
| 🟢 Responded | Quote received! |
| ✅ Accepted | You accepted their quote |
| ❌ Rejected | You declined their quote |
When You Get a Response
- You'll receive an email notification
- The request card shows the quoted amount
- Tap to view full response details
- Accept or reject the quote
What the Provider Sees
Email They Receive
Subject: Quote Request from [Your Business] - [Vessel Name]
Hi [Provider Name],
[Your Business] has requested a quote for work on [Vessel Name].
Please see the attached PDF for full details.
[View Details & Respond →]
Or reply to this email with your quote.
Guest Portal Experience
This screen is the provider response (/guestForm, collection=quotes, view=quote_request, title "Quote request response"). The client's Accept Quote / Decline Quote screen is the owner article Accepting a Quote (view=quote). Do not treat Guest Portal as that client screen.
When they click the link, they see:
- Full vessel details
- Component specifications (serial numbers, hours, etc.)
- Your task description
- A simple form to submit their quote
No login required - they can respond immediately.
Tips for Better Responses
Include Component Details
Link relevant components to your task before sending. Providers appreciate:
- Serial numbers
- Hours/usage
- Last service date
- Known issues
Be Specific in Description
Good: "Annual engine service required. Owner reports slight vibration at 2400 RPM. Please include oil change and impeller inspection."
Bad: "Engine needs service."
Follow Up
If no response after a week, you can:
- Resend the request
- Contact them directly
- Try another provider
Rate Limits
To prevent spam, quote requests are limited:
| Account Type | Daily Limit |
|---|---|
| Free User | 5 requests/day |
| Verified Business | 20 requests/day |
Per-recipient limit: 1 request per week to the same email.
Provider Joins MyVSSL
When providers respond through the Guest Portal, they see an invitation to join MyVSSL.
If they sign up:
- They appear in your contacts automatically
- Future requests go directly in-app
- No more email back-and-forth
Pending Requests
Pending Requests in the Marine Professionals menu opens /pendingRequests (PendingRequestsWidget). That list is marketplace booking requests waiting on your organization. It is not the external-quote Guest Portal.
Each card shows a requested date ("Requested: ..." or "Not specified"). Reject opens "Reject Booking" and asks for a reason. Review & Accept is the other action on the card.