How to Select the Right Quoting Tool

Due to the state of things in 2020, we’re finding ourselves having to wait longer for things than we normally would: mail, packages, vacations, toilet paper, and the list goes on.

Did you know there’s one thing you no longer have to wait for? A DigiKey quote! We offer three different quoting tools to quickly and easily check price and availability and instantly generate quotes with secure pricing, accessible from any device or location.

Not sure which one is right for you? Let’s take a deeper dive into each one, hopefully allowing you to decide the best choice for your situation.

1. myLists

The list management tool is great if you’re not a registered user or are looking to get real-time data at an exact moment in time. It has even more benefits for registered users, including creating an authentic DigiKey quote without waiting for a DK rep to send it to you. Use this tool if you:

• Want real-time standard pricing and stock check
• Need to save or share your list when finished (registered users)
• Want the ability to convert your list of parts to a quote to lock in pricing for 30 days (registered users)
• Want the ability to upload and download lists
• Need a hardcopy authentic DigiKey quote

2. Price and Availability API

APIs allow companies to connect their data system directly to DigiKey’s. Using the Price and Availability API, customers can ensure they’re getting the pricing according to the agreement you have with DigiKey, including discounted prices. One would also want to use this tool if you:

• Want real-time standard pricing and stock check instantly uploaded to your ERP or other internal purchasing software
• Need the fastest connection for on-demand price and availability

The right quoting tool for you will depend on factors including secure pricing, the need for a hardcopy quote, or the ability to connect directly to DigiKey’s servers, among others. But, there is one thing all these tools have in common: you will not have to wait for a DigiKey representative to send you a quote. I think that is a benefit we can all quickly agree on.

3. Quote API

If you need more than just a snapshot in time of price and availability, consider the Quote API. This option has all of the benefits of the Price and Availability API but gives you reassurance that you can get the best price as well as make ordering even easier. Use the Quote API if you:

• Need pricing secured for 30 days
• Want to return a Quote ID that can be referenced when ordering
• Need to create a quote automatically but be visible on the web in My Lists
• Want the ability to update and delete quotes via API as well