Describe the part in free text or paste a photo — AI parses it into structured fields. Pick CRITICAL, HIGH or MEDIUM urgency. Eligible UK sellers are routed in seconds, you compare quotes side-by-side and accept one (or several, for partial fulfilment). One supplier of record, one invoice, one returns address — we handle the procurement.
Every request lives inside one of five canonical broad types. Each has a tree of Level 1 main categories (Motors, Bearings, PLCs…) and Level 2 subcategories. The AI parser picks the leaf for you on submission — you can always override it on review.
Rotating, translating and load-bearing components. The most-requested broad type by volume on the platform.
Power control, motion control, automation and protection. Motors, drives, PLCs, sensors and wiring all live here.
Compressed-air actuation, control and conditioning. ISO 6432 / 15552 cylinder spec is recognised from the part number.
High-pressure fluid power — including seal kits, hose assemblies and obsolete pump lines, the latter often via NETWORK sellers.
The recurring spend behind every maintenance job — PPE, adhesives, lubricants and cleaning supplies, ordered by the box.
Every request picks one of three urgency levels. The tier sets the expiry window, the notification timing and which seller waves see it first. Extend unlimited times — just wait the gating window since the last extension. Later waves only fire while fewer than three quotes are in, or always for CRITICAL and HIGH.
For genuine line-down emergencies. Notifies Wave 1 sellers immediately, Wave 2 after 5 min, Wave 3 after 15. Requires buyer email + phone verification before submission.
Urgent repair, same-day-needed parts. Wave 1 immediate, Wave 2 +7 min, Wave 3 +25 min. No additional verification beyond standard onboarding.
Scheduled MRO, BOM sourcing, multi-line panel builds. Wave 1 immediate, Wave 2 +10 min, Wave 3 +35 min. The default tier; legacy LOW values normalise to MEDIUM.
Sellers don't set delivery prices — the platform does, live from five UK courier providers. You pick the speed tier per quote at checkout. The quote is frozen on the order record at acceptance so the price never moves between display and pay.
What the platform will route, what it conditionally routes (with verification or trade-account requirements), and what it declines on principle. Column three isn't us — we'll point you at the right specialist channel.
Multi-quantity is built in. Request the quantity you need and the platform aggregates partial coverage from multiple sellers into a single Order. You pay once via Stripe (or Purchase Order for TRADE accounts), each accepted quote ships independently, and each has its own tracking, payment release and dispute window.
When a seller doesn’t stock the exact part you asked for, Smart Alternatives suggests a functionally equivalent line from another manufacturer. The quote is tagged ALTERNATIVE (not EXACT), with full lineage on what you requested vs what they’re offering — nothing is silently swapped.
Four questions to suggest your account type and approximate fit. STANDARD buyers are card-only and fastest to start. TRADE buyers unlock the Trade portal, Hokodo Purchase Order credit, and Companies House — verified procurement.
No email, no signup. The result lives only in your browser.
You're a clear TRADE account fit.
If your part fits the five-type taxonomy, the answer is yes. Post in free text, AI parses the fields, choose CRITICAL, HIGH or MEDIUM, and Wave 1 sellers see it inside the second.
