We offer a few approaches to repeat work and orders that are identical or nearly identical to a previously fulfilled order. The sections below cover the options and the best procedures to execute a successful repeat order.
Top Questions and Answers for Repeat Orders
Below are answers to the most common questions we get about repeat orders. Be sure to check the sections below this Q&A for more detailed information and best practices on each aspect of the re-order process.
Will pricing and lead time be the same for repeat orders?
While we strive to maintain a consistent and predictable customer experience, pricing and lead times may vary due to external factors such as fluctuating material prices and other socioeconomic factors. If you have pricing or lead time concerns, feel free to contact Xometry support or your account representative.
Will the same Xometry supplier work on repeat parts or orders?
On tooled process orders, such as injection molding or die-casting, the same supplier will perform repeat work. For lower volume processes, such as CNC machining, it's not always guaranteed that the same supplier will work on the repeat order, but we are happy to accommodate same-supplier orders if desired.
What is the best way to mark a part or order as repeat work?
This is covered in greater detail in the sections below; however, here is a summary of the best ways to tag and set repeat work:
- Only upload your files once to maintain their unique Part ID number.
- Toggle the Repeat Part button on the quoting interface (if not already selected) for previously ordered parts.
- Use the Copy Order button from your order details page to build a new quote that matches an existing or previous order.
- Upload part revisions for repeat orders via your Parts Library page or the Revise CAD button on the quoting interface.
The Importance of the Xometry Part ID Number
Before we outline the best practices for putting through a repeat order, it is vital that we cover what the Xometry Part ID number is. The part ID number is a unique identifier Xometry assigns to each part uploaded to your account. With it, we can associate a history of that part, keeping track of its revisions, order history, and more. Our sourcing process factors in a parts order history for repeat work.
If a part revision, or even a part of the same revision, is uploaded as a new part, a different Part ID will be assigned to that file. This can break the chain of history associated with the part and complicate the repeat order process. Therefore, it is crucial the same Xometry part ID number is maintained. Below are some best practices for ensuring your files retain their unique part ID numbers:
- Do not upload the same CAD file more than once.
- Follow the proper part revision process (detailed below).
- Create repeat orders from your parts library or copy an order (detailed below).
Tagging Line Items As Repeat Work
As you configure your quote within the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine®, you can tag line items as repeat work. This is done by simply activating the "Repeat Part" toggle to the upper right of the line item panel on the quote summary screen, as shown below:
This is a simple and effective way of communicating to Xometry that you have ordered the part before. Be sure to have this toggle selected for repeat work, as it will trickle down into our backend systems and increase the efficiency of processing your repeat order. Additionally, it can be helpful to provide us with related quotes, order numbers, or purchase orders in the notes section.
Note: This toggle will be automatically selected when creating a quote via the "Copy Order" function or when our system identifies a part as previously ordered.
Setting Up A Repeat Order
The best way to set a repeat order is to pull up the order you wish to reorder. You can navigate to your order history from the menu bar by selecting Account > Orders. From here, you will see a searchable list of previous orders. To initiate a new quote for reorder, click on the three-dots menu (…) of the chosen order, then select "Copy Order" from the options. Alternatively, the "Copy Order" function can be found on the order detail page.
From the quoting screen, you will see all the same line items, quantities, and configurations from the copied quote have been carried over. You can edit the quote by adding or removing line items, adjusting quantity, etc., or go to checkout.
Can I Have the Same Supplier Work on My Repeat Order?
One of our goals is to provide our customers with a consistent manufacturing experience and give our manufacturing partners steady opportunities. Often, having repeat work completed at the same facility can be a win-win for all parties. For tooled processes such as injection molding or die-casting, the same supplier is typically involved in repeat work. However, with lower volume processes such as CNC machining, it's not always guaranteed that the same supplier will work on the repeat order. We are happy to accommodate same-supplier requests if desired. To ensure we match your repeat order with the preferred supplier, please follow the steps below:
- Setup your repeat order by using the "Copy Order" function detailed above or by marking line items as repeat parts with the "Repeat Part" toggle.
- Do not re-upload your files to create a repeat order.
- Reference related Xometry order numbers from previous orders in the Notes section of your quote or mention it to your support/account representative.
- Ensure the Xometry assigned "Part IDs" on the reorder quote match previous orders.
- You can check a line item part ID by viewing the PDF version of the quote, accessed via the button in the upper right of the quoting page. Part IDs can also be found on the order details page.
- Your Xometry part IDs should not change if the reorder quotes were created via the "Copy Order" process described above.
Considerations for Same-Supplier Repeat Orders
While sticking with the same supplier for repeat work has its benefits, please keep the following considerations in mind when requesting the same manufacturing supplier to be used:
- Lead time could be affected by the supplier's current capacity/workload.
- Changing a repeat order's manufacturing process, country of origin (e.g., economy vs. domestic), or other attributes may prevent the same supplier from being used.
- Communicate any changes or desired changes (e.g., packaging requirements, part marking, etc.) from the previous order via the part notes section while configuring the quote.
How to Revise A Part On A Repeat Order
We understand as products are developed and realized, the need for design revisions may arise. Revisions should be updated before placing the order. Upload your revised designs via the "Revise CAD" buttons on the quoting page or part configuration screen.
You can also revise a part via your Part Library page by clicking the "Update Part" button.
When updating via the parts library, your part revisions will automatically be updated on any current quotes. Revisions will not update for any orders placed before the revision change. If you have a new part revision on a current order, please get in touch with our customer support team.
You can read our article on Updating Part Revisions if you need additional guidance on properly revising the files in your account.
