How to get an online CNC quote

How to get an online CNC quote

As a product designer, I have designed CNC machined parts for my client's projects. There is always a question from my clients about the cost of CNC machined parts.

Usually, there are two main options to get a quote for custom cnc machining services, and I have tried them both in the past.


(A)

The first and oldest method is emailing machine shops. Many engineers attach 3D models and 2D drawings along with a spreadsheet with information such as materials, quantities, surface finishes, etc. for each CNC machined part in their RFQ to their email. Companies either have an established relationship with their cnc machining companies for a long time, and they already know which email address files should go for getting CNC machining quotes. Otherwise, engineers need to lookup local machine shops for a list of CNC machining services.

There are disadvantages to taking this route as well. For example, sending an email back and forth for cnc machining services to online CNC companies is not practical in a resource-critical project. Also, for some machine shops, it will sometimes take a few days to prepare the CNC machining quotes. Moreover, some designers are interested in looking for a machine shop with lower CNC costs on the China CNC machining market. Since the Chinese manufacturing market is unknown territory for many engineers, their companies try to avoid communicating directly with machine shops in China.


(B)

Thanks to technology, a handful of online CNC companies have addressed some of the issues in the method (A). An engineer can upload their 3D models on their platform and work with their user-friendly online CNC quoting platform. Also, they can pay for their CNC orders on the same platform, and these online CNC companies will take care of CNC machining of the parts using their network of qualified machine shops locally or in China. With the help of machine shops locally or in China, they can get the parts CNC machined in the time frame and to the price they had quoted to the customers.

Original machine shops have to communicate with customers over the wall of these online CNC services via their customer service agents. Their customer service agent usually is not well aware of the design intents of the CNC machined parts. Not being able to communicate directly with the designer of the CNC machined part could result in delays and also miscommunication, which may lead to a faulty CNC machined part. More importantly, in this business model, a customer doesn't know how much online service fees third party websites add on top of machine shop CNC costs.


Can a designer benefit from the advantages of (A) and (B)?

The question we asked before working on partZpro as a new service was how we could make the manufacturing of custom parts work as an open-source project. CNC machining customers have the right to know who CNC machines their components and how much the service provider adds for their service fees. Our main goal was to reduce the manufacturing costs for CNC machining and also provide services for 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.

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PartzPro Frequently Asked Questions

The "Open-Book" Business Model

Q: Why is there a factory invoice in the box?
That is your Commercial Import Invoice. Because we ship Factory Direct to your door, international customs requires an invoice that travels with the package.
  • Transparency & Compliance: This invoice lists the origin factory (showing you exactly who made your parts) and declares the exact value you paid at checkout.
  • Why it matches your payment: We ensure the commercial invoice matches your transaction value so that Customs calculates your duties correctly and legally, preventing delays or penalties at the border.
Q: Why don't you offer Instant Quotes?
Because "Instant" usually means "Inaccurate." Competitors use algorithms to guess the price based on geometry averages. This often leads to:
  • The "Bait & Switch": They quote low instantly, then email you 24 hours later to raise the price once a human actually looks at it.
  • The "Risk Buffer": They inflate the price by 30% just to cover the errors their algorithm makes.
We measure twice, cut once. We have the factory validate the CAM strategy before we give you a price. You wait a few hours, but the price you get is the price you pay—guaranteed. No surprises.
Q: If I have the factory’s info, why shouldn't I just go direct next time?
First, strictly speaking, you cannot. To protect our platform, our Terms of Use include a Non-Circumvention clause that prohibits direct transactions with our suppliers for 24 months.

But practically, clients stay for the "US Shield." When you order through PartzPro, your money is held in US-based Escrow. We handle the legal leverage, language barriers, and financial security. If you go direct, you lose that protection and have zero recourse if something goes wrong.
Q: What exactly does your Service Fee cover?
Your fee covers Financial Security (Escrow), Vendor Vetting, AI Engineering Analysis, and Project Management. We act as your US-based legal firewall. We find the best factories, negotiate the rates, and hold the money until the job is done right.

Logistics, Customs & AI Technology

Q: Who handles the HTS Codes and Customs paperwork?
Our AI does the heavy lifting; you just confirm the release. We don't leave you guessing on complex government tariffs.
  • Heavy AI Analysis: Our proprietary AI Assistant performs a 40-point analysis of your part's geometry and material. It automatically searches the official US Government HTS database to generate a precise HTS Code Breakdown for your specific parts.
  • The Process: This data is provided to the carrier (DHL/FedEx/UPS). When the broker contacts you, the classification is already estimated—you simply confirm it to release the shipment.
Q: Who pays the duties?
You do—which saves you money. Because we ship DAP (Delivered at Place), you pay the exact duties owed to the government based on the AI-generated HTS code.
  • Why this is better: Competitors who offer "Free Shipping/DDP" often inflate the price to cover the worst-case tariff scenario. By paying the actual duties yourself, you ensure you are never overcharged for import taxes.
Q: How fast is shipping?
Since we skip the "Middleman Warehouse," our standard international shipping is extremely fast (typically 3–5 days transit). Your parts fly directly from the machine shop to your desk.

Quality Assurance & Liability

Q: Competitors inspect parts at a US warehouse before shipping. Why don't you?
Because "double handling" kills speed and adds unnecessary cost. We operate on a "Dock-to-Stock" model. The factory performs the rigorous QC, and parts ship directly to you.

We treat you like a professional: we know you will verify the fit and function of your parts upon arrival. By removing the redundant middleman inspection, we save you 30% on cost and 3–5 days on lead time.
Q: What happens if the parts arrive out of spec?
You are protected by the PartzPro Escrow Guarantee. Because we hold the funds, the factory does not get paid until you verify the order.

The Process: You have a 3-Day Inspection Window upon delivery to verify fit and function. If parts are non-conforming, simply upload a photo and inspection report within that window. We will either force an immediate priority remake at the factory’s expense or issue a refund.

*Bulk Order Extension: For large volume orders, this inspection window can be extended. To request an extension, simply reply to your automatic invoice email.
Q: Does your AI just check for geometry errors?
No. Our AI Cost-Driver Audit goes beyond simple DFM (Design for Manufacturing). It helps you perform Value Engineering by highlighting features that are disproportionately expensive (e.g., deep pockets, tight radii, non-standard threads). We show you the cost drivers so you can engineer the price down before you order.

Payments & Corporate Orders

Q: We are a company, not a hobbyist. Can we pay via Purchase Order (PO)?
Yes. We specialize in serving agile engineering departments and mid-sized manufacturing firms.
  • How to order with a PO: You can select "Pay via PO / Wire" at checkout or email our sales team directly with your PO attached. We will verify your company details and send a payment link or wire instructions immediately so production isn't delayed.
Q: Do you offer Net-30 Terms?
We offer terms to qualified business partners after an initial credit review. Please contact our sales team to set up your corporate account. For new customers, we recommend using our PO-to-Wire workflow for the fastest start.

Disclaimer: Information for users reference only on our blog and website
‍Please be advised that the content presented on our blog and throughout our website is intended strictly for informational purposes. It is designed to serve as a preliminary guide and reference point for our customers embarking on their projects. We endeavor to provide insightful and useful information, but it is imperative for each individual and organization to undertake their own comprehensive research and assessment before making any decisions related to their designs or component usage.Our blog and website content should not be considered as a replacement for specialized advice suited to your unique requirements. For more detailed terms and conditions, kindly refer to our Terms of use. The responsibility for the application of any information obtained from our blog or website in your designs, applications, or parts usage, rests solely with you, the reader or user. Our goal is to inform, advise, and inspire; however, the ultimate application and use of this information is under your discretion and liability.

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