Getting Quotes
Last updated: 2026-09-27
Feature: Request quotes from mechanics, electricians, and other marine service providers - even if they're not on MyVSSL.
Overview
Need engine work, electrical repairs, or antifoul done? You can request quotes from any service provider by email, and they can respond without creating an account.
How it works:
- Create a maintenance task for your vessel
- Send a quote request to a provider's email
- They receive professional details about your vessel
- They respond with a quote through our simple portal
- You get notified and can accept their quote
Sending a Quote Request
Step 1: Create a Task
- Go to My Tasks from the menu
- Tap + Create Task
- Fill in:
- Task name (e.g., "Engine Service")
- Description of work needed
- Select your vessel
- Link relevant components (optional but recommended)
Step 2: Request a Quote
From your task detail page:
- Tap the ⋮ menu (three dots)
- Select Request Quote
Step 3: Enter Provider Details
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| The provider's email address | |
| Name | Their name or business name |
| Company | Business name (optional) |
| Trade | The kind of provider this is (Shipwright, Yacht Painter, Marine Surveyor, etc.). Optional - leave blank if you're not sure or want to keep your options open. |
| Service Category | High-level area of work (e.g. Painting, Electrical, Survey). The list shrinks to what the picked trade actually offers; with no trade picked you see every category that some trade on MyVSSL offers. |
| Service Type | The specific service in that category (e.g. Antifoul, Topsides Repaint, Pre-purchase Survey). Recommended types from real providers appear first; the full catalog list is added below so you're never blocked. |
| Specific Service | Optional free-text - use this for jobs that don't fit a tidy service type, e.g. "Mainsail batten pocket re-stitch". |
Step 4: Send
Review the preview and tap Send Quote Request.
The provider will receive:
- A professional email
- PDF with your vessel and component details, including the structured trade / service category / service type / specific service summary
- A link to respond with their quote
Checking Your Requests
View All Requests
Navigate to Quote Requests from the main menu.
Understanding Statuses
| Icon | Status | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| 🔵 | Sent | Waiting for them to open |
| 🟡 | Viewed | They've looked at it |
| 🟢 | Responded | Quote received! |
| ✅ | Accepted | You accepted |
| ❌ | Rejected | You declined |
When You Get a Quote
- You'll receive an email notification
- Open the request to see:
- Quoted amount
- Their availability
- Any notes they included
- Tap Accept or Reject
What Providers See
The link in the provider's email opens the Guest Portal response (/guestForm with view=quote_request). That is the provider typing a quote. It is not your Accept Quote / Decline Quote screen. Your decision screen is Accepting a Quote (view=quote).
When a provider clicks the link in their email, they see:
Your Vessel Info:
- Name, type, year, length
- HIN (Hull Identification Number)
- Location
Component Details (if linked):
- Make and model
- Serial number
- Hours/usage
- Last service date
Your Request:
- Task description
- Any photos you attached
- Your contact info
Response Form:
- Quote amount ($)
- Availability date
- Estimated days to complete
- Notes/comments
They don't need to create an account to respond!
Tips for Getting Better Quotes
1. Link Your Components
Before sending a request, make sure relevant components are linked to your task. Providers need:
- Engine serial numbers
- Hours/usage data
- Last service dates
- Known issues
2. Be Specific
Good description:
"Annual engine service for twin Volvo D4-225. Last serviced June 2024, now at 1,245 hours. Owner reports slight vibration at 2400 RPM - please include prop shaft inspection. Boat is at XYZ Marina, Pier 5."
Poor description:
"Need engine work done."
3. Include Photos
If there's visible damage or specific issues, attach photos to your task before sending the request.
4. Use Recent Contacts
Already contacted someone before? They'll appear in your recent contacts dropdown - no need to type their email again.
Daily Limits
To keep the system fair, there are limits on quote requests:
- 5 requests per day for standard accounts
- 1 request per provider per week (no spamming the same email)
Need more? Contact support.
After Accepting a Quote
Once you accept a quote:
- Contact the provider to schedule the work
- Track progress in your task (update status as work progresses)
- Mark complete when the job is done
If the provider joins MyVSSL, later requests can go through the app.
Marketplace Alternative
If you'd rather browse providers already on MyVSSL:
- Go to Browse Marketplace from the menu
- Search with "Search services or providers..."
- Filter with the category chips
What those cards and chips show is Marketplace.