How it works: finding a supplier

For buyers

Have your parts made, your works carried out or a service provided (cleaning, maintenance, transport…) by finding the right professional, without endless phone calls and quote requests.

Posting a request is free.

Post a request

1
Describe what you need

A clear request attracts relevant quotes. You do not need an account to get started: it is created, free of charge, when you publish. Provide:
- a precise title and the category: manufacturing, building and construction, cleaning and maintenance, transport and logistics, business services;
- a description of your need: part (material, quantity, use), site or premises (area, access, frequency), transport (volume, route);
- an indicative budget (range in € excl. VAT) and your preferred deadline;
- the location, and whether suppliers from other regions can respond (shipping is possible for parts, while proximity is often useful for on-site work).
2

Attach your drawings and documents

Add your drawings (PDF, DXF, STEP, STL…), floor plans, specifications or other useful documents, up to 15 files of 25 MB each, plus a maximum of 10 photos. Drawings are only visible to signed-in members of the platform, never via a public link. You can also state that a non-disclosure agreement is required.
3

Receive and compare quotes

Interested suppliers send you a quote: price excl. VAT, lead time, message and attachments. You are notified of each new quote. You can view their profile (references, equipment, reviews, “Verified business” badge), reply to their public questions and talk to them through messaging.
4

Choose a supplier, then review them

Once you have decided, accept the quote: the request moves to the “Supplier chosen” status and the other suppliers are informed. Then agree the terms directly with the supplier (quotation, order, payment). Before signing, ask for their certificates (insurance, qualifications depending on the trade): Meaflow verifies that the company exists (SIRET in France, company or VAT number elsewhere), not its insurance. Once the work is done, you can review each other.

The keys to a good request

The more precise your need, the more relevant and comparable the quotes.

A precise title

State the service and its scale: “Machining of 200 aluminium 6082 brackets” or “Renovation of 300 m² of offices” say far more than “Parts” or “Works”.

The technical context

For a part: material, standard, use and constraints (watertightness, environment, mechanical strength…). For building work or cleaning: area, type of premises, access, hours, frequency. For transport: type and volume of goods, addresses, access.

Drawings, photos and documents

Attach dimensioned drawings, critical tolerances and the surface finishes required (a 3D STEP file speeds up pricing) or, for premises, floor plans and photos of the site.

Quantities and recurrence

A single part, a series or a regular cleaning contract are not priced in the same way: give the quantity, frequency or duration, and say whether the need is likely to recur.

An indicative budget

A range in € excl. VAT helps suppliers calibrate their quote. Leave “On quote” if you do not know.

A realistic lead time

State the deadline and flag urgency only if it is genuine: a credible deadline attracts better quotes.

Location and proximity

Specify the town or city and whether you accept suppliers located outside your region. For parts, shipping is possible; for on-site work, proximity makes visits and lead times easier.

Confidentiality

Keep sensitive information in the drawings (members only) and require a non-disclosure agreement before going any further.

Four example requests

The useful information differs from one trade to another. These fictional examples show what is worth specifying.

Manufacturing: machining of 200 aluminium brackets

Attach the dimensioned drawing (PDF) and the 3D file (STEP), state the material, quantity, critical tolerances, finish and lead time, and say whether the order may be repeated.

Building: renovation of 300 m² of offices

State the address, area, nature of the work (partitions, painting, flooring, electrical…), the condition of the premises and any scheduling or access constraints (occupied premises, off-hours work). Attach plans and photos, and offer a site visit before pricing.

Cleaning: office contract, 3 visits a week

Specify the area and type of premises, the days and time slots, the services expected (floors, washrooms, windows…), access arrangements, the start date and the desired contract duration.

Transport: relocation of a 12-machine workshop

Give the departure and arrival addresses, the desired date, the list of machines with their dimensions and weight, access (loading dock, floor, goods lift) and any dismantling, reassembly, packing or storage needs.

Quotes, selection and reviews

How the platform works, from the first reply to the final review.

Life cycle of a request Open Supplier chosen Completed The buyer can also close their request at any time (“Closed” status) and reopen it.

Quotes

A supplier sends a price excl. VAT, a lead time, a message and, if needed, attachments. Each quote has a status: pending, accepted, not accepted or withdrawn.

The buyer compares quotes and profiles side by side, and can ask or receive questions before deciding. Public questions and answers are visible to everyone.

Selection

When the buyer accepts a quote, the request moves to “Supplier chosen”, the quote is accepted and the other pending quotes are declined: their authors are informed.

Meaflow connects buyers and suppliers but plays no part in the contract or the payment: the parties agree the terms between themselves (quotation, order, invoicing).

Reviews

Only the buyer and the chosen supplier of the same project can review each other, once each, with a rating from 1 to 5 and a comment.

The average rating displayed is the arithmetic mean of all the reviews received, without weighting. No review can be bought.

For suppliers

Workshops and machinists, building, cleaning and maintenance companies, carriers, design offices or freelancers: access real requests and showcase your expertise.

Registration is free and commission-free at launch.

Create my supplier profile View requests

1

Build a profile that inspires trust

Add your logo or a photo, describe your company, your expertise, your machinery or equipment, your materials, your certifications and qualifications, then illustrate with photos of your work. Enter your SIRET (in France) or your company or VAT number (elsewhere in Europe) and request verification to earn the “Verified business” badge.
2

Spot the requests that suit you

Filter by category, region, budget or urgency, save the requests you like and view the drawings (once signed in). Read the request in detail before committing: replying is free of charge.
3

Ask your questions, send your quote

A public question clears up any doubt and benefits all suppliers. Your quote states a price excl. VAT, a lead time and a personalised message; attach your detailed quotation. Take care over it: it is what sets you apart.
4

Talk, deliver, get reviewed

If the buyer chooses you, you are notified and can talk to them through messaging. Carry out the work, then receive a review: only the buyer and the chosen supplier of the same project can review each other. Your reputation is built project after project.

Making your quote a success

A few good practices to stand out and get chosen.

Read everything, ask questions

Study the drawings, photos and specifications; a relevant public question shows you are serious. For building work or cleaning, offer a site visit if it helps with pricing.

A clear price excl. VAT

State the price in € excl. VAT and specify what it includes (material or supplies, tooling, finishing, travel, transport).

A lead time you can meet

Announce a lead time you can genuinely meet: reliability matters more than promises.

A personalised message

Rephrase the need, present your approach and your references close to the project.

Useful alternatives

Suggest a more economical or better suited material, process or organisation if you think it is relevant.

A quick reply

Buyers compare quickly: reply as soon as possible and stay available on messaging.

Respect the confidentiality of drawings. A buyer’s drawings and documents must only be used to prepare your quote and, if you are chosen, to carry out the work. See our terms and conditions.

Ready to get started?

Post your need in a few minutes or create your supplier profile. It’s free.

Free to post a request
Verified businesses (company number checked)
Drawings visible to members only

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Any questions? Visit the help centre or contact us.