About COVID-19 Supply Hub
Q
How does it work?
A We’re matching up those who need supplies with those who can help out, either because they have supplies, or perhaps they can switch their production to making things that are needed.
Q
What do I do if I need to buy supplies?
A Hit ‘I need…’ to raise a request. It helps if you can be as specific as possible. Our system will then match suppliers who may be able to help.
Right now it may well be that the responses aren’t exactly what you’re looking for – the quantities might be higher (due to minimum order values) or lower, different items may be suggested. If you receive multiple quotes there may be a choice between speed, quality and cost.
But you’re in control: you can decide what best fits your need and you’re not obliged to place an order.
Right now it may well be that the responses aren’t exactly what you’re looking for – the quantities might be higher (due to minimum order values) or lower, different items may be suggested. If you receive multiple quotes there may be a choice between speed, quality and cost.
But you’re in control: you can decide what best fits your need and you’re not obliged to place an order.
Q
What do I do if I can help with supplies?
AIf you would like to register with Applegate as a supplier, call 0345 600 7177 for a chat.
Q
Help! How can I get support?
A During office hours you can use the chat function on the site (blue circle in the bottom right) or call 0345 600 7177. Or you can email covid19@applegate.co.uk at any time.
Q
How are suppliers matched to requests?
A We have technology which identifies the suppliers most likely to be able to help out, and a team of real people who get involved with matching the more complex requests.
Q
Who is running this?
A Applegate Marketplace Ltd, a business formed in 1996 and incorporated in 2000, which has operated an online procurement service since 2016.
Applegate helps thousands of organisations in over 150 countries source the goods and services they need.
Applegate helps thousands of organisations in over 150 countries source the goods and services they need.
Q
Is there a charge for the service?
A No, it’s a free service for buyers and we don't take commission on transactions.
Q
How are prices for items decided?
A Each supplier sets prices independently, they don’t know who else is quoting on the request nor what they’re charging. Suppliers will naturally want to show good value in their response.
At the moment, with global supply chains disrupted, prices for items may be very different from normal – for example if an item normally manufactured in large volumes in China is now being machined in small batches in the UK, with much higher wage costs and no economies of scale.
Often there are trade-offs between price, quality and speed – but the choice is yours.
Applegate plays no role in setting prices and does not take commission on transactions.
At the moment, with global supply chains disrupted, prices for items may be very different from normal – for example if an item normally manufactured in large volumes in China is now being machined in small batches in the UK, with much higher wage costs and no economies of scale.
Often there are trade-offs between price, quality and speed – but the choice is yours.
Applegate plays no role in setting prices and does not take commission on transactions.