The Request for Quote (RFQ) Addon in CS-Cart enables businesses to provide quotes to customers upon request. This is most effective for businesses selling customisable or bulk products and when price depends on factors that include quantity, product variations, or even customer-specific needs.

Key Features of the RFQ Addon for CS-Cart:

1. Customer-Initiated Quote Requests:
   • Customers can order a quote for products in which they are interested just by clicking the "Request a Quote" button on the product pages. 
   • This quote request form may accommodate customers, products, quantities, special instructions, and customizations. 
2. Admin Panel Quote Management:
   • The admin will be able to see all the quote requests on the admin panel. These will include customer details, the products they requested, and messages or extra details from customers. 
   • The admin can make a quote or can adjust the requested price according to customer needs.
3. Quote Customisation:
   • Admins can personalise the quote with a personalised price by applying discounts or special pricing based on customer relations, order history, or bulk orders. 
   • Admins can also add extra charges for shipping, installation, or other customizations. 
4. Multiple Quote Options:
   • The system will allow admins to produce several quote options for one product or a set of products. This would be useful if there are different prices depending upon the varied quantities, customised features, or delivery dates. 
5. Quote Notifications:
   • Customers and admins are notified if a quote is submitted, modified, or accepted.
   • Customers receive quotes and are allowed to accept, reject, or request quotes to be modified. 
6. Quote Validity and Expiry:
   • Admins can set an expiration date for quotes. After that, the price is no longer valid. This helps control price fluctuations and ensures profitability for the business. 
7. Customer Dashboard for Quotes:
   • Customers can view their quote history in the account dashboard. They can see the pending, accepted, and declined quotes. 
   • This is very helpful for return customers who may need to refer to previous quote requests. 
8. PDF Quote Generation:
   • Admins can easily generate a PDF version of the quote that may include product details, price, and terms and conditions for customers. 
   • The PDF can be sent directly to the customer via email in order to provide a professional formal quote document.
9. Flexible Payment Options:
   • When the customer accepts the quote, integrated payment gateways will accept payments. 
   • Admins can set different terms of payment for different quotes (e.g., partial payment, upfront deposit, etc.).
10. Customisable Quote Form:
    • The RFQ form can be customised as per the need to request more details from the customer. This might include product specifications, shipping preferences, or even delivery timelines, based on the business's exact requirements. 

Benefits of the RFQ Addon for CS-Cart:

1. Enhanced Customer Interaction:
   • The RFQ system would let customers connect directly with the company about their needs. 
   • This also allows businesses to offer customised pricing and to improve relationships with customers. 
2. Improved Conversion Rates:
   • In firms dealing with high-ticket or bespoke products, the RFQ module increases conversion rates since flexibility in pricing can be availed. 
   • Since providing potential customers with a customised quote means the business has an improved opportunity to close the sale, especially in B2B markets.
3. Better Price Control:
   • The module allows businesses to have better control over pricing. Admins can tailor each quote to the unique circumstances of the customer and the market, reducing the risk of losing business because of fixed prices. 
4. Simplified Process for Complex Products:
   • For businesses that offer complex or configurable products, the RFQ module streamlines the quoting process. Admins can process multiple requests for customisations and quote more precisely based on the specifications of the customer. 
5. Clear and Professional Communication:
   • Formal, detailed quotes are sent to the customers through the system to ensure that both parties are on the same page concerning the specifications of the product, the price, and the terms. 
   • The PDF quote option makes sure that a company looks professional and that the customer will not have a problem referring to the details involved. 
6. Increased Business Opportunities:
   • RFQs can be further utilised to capture business opportunities with customers not yet ready to buy but wishing tailored options. 
   • Businesses can attract more customers, in terms of bulk buyers or special pricing, through providing flexible and personalised quotes. 
7. Automation of Quote Process:
   • Automation is the process of requesting and managing quotes reduces the amount of work that admins need to put in, freeing them for other critical business tasks. 
   • The system handles quotations that expire, records, and more, making it easier and much more organized. 
8. Foster Repeat Business:
   • The RFQ system will assist the business in tracking customer requests; hence, a history of quotes will be built, which might probably benefit loyal customers with special deals or discounts in the future.