FAQ

How much does it cost?

ClearSource is always free to use.

How it works:

Step 1: Select Products

Browse brand catalogues by category or use the search bar to enter specific part numbers and descriptions. Click to add the items to your Quote Cart.

Step 2: Select Distributors

Review the items in your Quote Cart, then enter the address where you will ultimately need the items. Our system will provide you with a list of the closest geographic distributors authorized to carry the products on your list. Select one or more distributors to request quotes from.

Step 3: Request Quotes

(At this point you’ll be prompted to log in.) Indicate your shipping preferences, as well as, when you need the product. The quote request(s) will instantly go to distributors’ order desks for them to complete with pricing and availability details.

Step 4: Review Quotes

Review each quote separately, then confirm a quote as an order.

How to create your first quote request:

How To Create An RFQ from ClearSource on Vimeo.

How to complete an order:

How To Complete An Order from ClearSource on Vimeo.

Where is pricing indicated?

Pricing is purposely not indicated on ClearSource. This is because each customer gets unique pricing from distributors (see next question below). YOUR price will appear in the quotes that are returned to you.

Wait, you’re telling me that everyone pays different prices at distributors?!

If you were unaware that prices are different for each customer, sorry to shock you. It’s standard in the industry. This is why when you want to simply repeat an order your distributor often needs to send you a quote rather than simply charge you again for the same items. It’s imperative that you understand that the prices that the distributors have to pay to buy product from manufacturers changes (sometimes frequently) throughout the year…so, therefore, does your price. For more, read this blog post.

I don’t see the product I want.

More and more brands are being added to the platform every week. We would love to know which brands you’re after so please let us know at feedback@clearsource.ca

Why do I see ClearSource on my local distributor’s website?

ClearSource is not only helping people who BUY industrial supplies, we’re also helping those who want to SELL online but haven’t had the time, money, or know-how to do it. We provide local independent distributors with their own version of ClearSource (we call it a Virtual Order Desk) that they can simply turn on (fully stocked), link to their website, and direct their customers to it.

What is the difference between a Distributor’s Virtual Order Desk and the ClearSource Marketplace?

There are two important differences.

• The distributor’s Virtual Order Desks will have fewer brand catalogues to browse. This is because a distributor’s VOD will only show the brands that the distributor is authorized to carry. The ClearSource Marketplace allows you to browse all brands from all distributors.
• The distributor’s Virtual Order Desk will only allow you to submit a quote request to that distributor. The ClearSource Marketplace provides you with the unique ability to submit simultaneous RFQs to multiple distributors if you wish.

I’m excited about what you’re doing, can I help?

We’re looking for contractors like you to help break ClearSource. This means that you tell us all the things you think we’re doing wrong, where things don’t feel right, and basically give us feedback on the workflow and functionality! In short, make us cry. We want you to use and abuse ClearSource so we can make it as great as possible!

I don’t use the internet. Why should I use this?

Welding is a funny industry. It’s full of people who “say” they don’t use the internet. But most of them actually do. What they’re really saying is, “I don’t want to change the way I do things.” And that’s okay. The people who say this typically won’t be in the industry that much longer anyway. However, the new people in the industry grew up with the internet, and for them, it’s strange that you can’t procure industrial supplies online. This is for them. For the people that don’t want to change, we still have built -in functionality for you. You can browse all our catalogues and even see who carries the items you’re looking for locally, without having to login.

Permitting 3-Bids-And-A-Buy, aren’t you creating a race to the bottom (of price)? I don’t think that’s helpful.

Not at all! We’re not doing anything that isn’t already happening offline when people shop for welding supplies. It’s not uncommon for people to want to shop around a bit for pricing (or more likely, availability.) We’re just making the process more efficient so that everyone can get to their yes or no faster.

What is “launched in beta”?

Beta testing is the final round of testing before releasing a product to a wide audience. The objective is to uncover as many bugs or usability issues as possible in this controlled setting. For our purposes, ClearSource will forever be “in beta”.