> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.goautonomous.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send vendor requests for quotes

> Request pricing from external vendors directly from Flow when products aren't available from stock.

## Overview

When a customer orders products that you can't fulfill from existing stock, you may need to request pricing from an external vendor. The vendor quotation feature lets you send a request for quote (RFQ) to vendors directly from Flow — without switching to another system.

## Sending a vendor RFQ

<Steps>
  <Step title="Identify the products that need vendor pricing">
    In the product cart, identify which lines need to be sourced from a vendor.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the vendor quotation panel">
    Access the vendor quotation feature from the Flow toolbar to view available vendors for the selected products.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the vendor">
    Search for the vendor by name. Vendor information (name and inbox address) is stored in your organization's [Reference Data](/knowledge-base/administration/product-catalogs).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and send the RFQ email">
    The platform generates an email to the vendor with the product details. Review the email content — product fields and the email template are configurable by your admin. Click **Send** to dispatch the RFQ.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Tracking vendor responses

After sending an RFQ, you can track its progress directly in Flow. Each vendor quotation has a status:

* **Awaiting** — the RFQ has been sent and you're waiting for the vendor's response.
* **Needs action** — the vendor has responded and the quote needs your review.
* **Processed** — the vendor quote has been reviewed and applied to the order.

## Processing a vendor response

When a vendor replies with their pricing, Go Autonomous captures the response and links it back to the original request. The platform re-simulates the order with the new vendor pricing, so you can see the updated totals before confirming.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the vendor response">
    The vendor list in Flow shows the updated status. Click on the vendor to view their response.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the quoted prices">
    Compare the vendor's pricing against your order. Updated prices and availability are displayed alongside the original request data.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply and confirm">
    Accept the vendor pricing to update the product cart, then proceed to confirm the order as usual.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Vendor email templates and product fields included in the RFQ are configured in your organization's settings. Contact your admin to customize these.
</Note>

## What's next

* [Confirm orders partially](/knowledge-base/flow/partial-confirmation)
* [Manage reference data and product catalogs](/knowledge-base/administration/product-catalogs)