LoKator™ Job Bidding — Post Jobs & Get Bids
How to post print jobs on LoKator™, manage incoming bids from shops, and communicate in real time.
How to post a print job
Any customer can post a print job on LoKator™ without creating an account. Click the "Post a Job" button on the LoKator™ directory page, fill in the job details (description, quantity, decoration method, delivery location, deadline, and budget range), and submit. You will receive a magic link via email that gives you access to a private dashboard where you can manage your posting and incoming bids.
- 1Go to the LoKator™ directory at kontraktr.io/find-a-printer.
- 2Click "Post a Job" in the top bar.
- 3Fill in your job details: description, quantity, method (screen print, embroidery, DTF, etc.), delivery location, deadline, and budget.
- 4Enter your email address and submit the posting.
- 5Check your email for the magic link to your job dashboard.
The more detail you provide (artwork files, exact quantities, Pantone colors, garment preferences), the more accurate the bids you will receive.
Managing bids
Once your job is posted, shops in the LoKator™ network that match your job's specialty and delivery location are notified. Shops submit private bids — each bid is visible only to you, not to competing shops. Your dashboard shows all incoming bids with the shop's profile, price, estimated turnaround, and any notes.
- 1Open your job dashboard via the magic link.
- 2Review incoming bids — each shows the shop name, bid amount, turnaround time, and message.
- 3Click on a bid to view the shop's full LoKator™ profile, portfolio, and reviews.
- 4Use the "Message" button to ask questions or negotiate before accepting.
Real-time messaging
Each bid includes a real-time messaging thread powered by Server-Sent Events (SSE). You can chat directly with the shop about pricing, artwork requirements, garment options, and timelines. Messages appear instantly without refreshing the page.
Accepting a bid
When you are ready to proceed, click "Accept Bid" on your chosen shop's offer. You will be taken to a Stripe Checkout page where funds are placed in escrow. The shop is notified immediately and can begin production. Funds are released to the shop once you confirm delivery.
Accepting a bid is a commitment. Funds are charged immediately and held in escrow. If you need to cancel after accepting, contact the shop directly to discuss options.
Platform fees
LoKator™ charges a small platform fee on each transaction to fund the marketplace: • Default: 5% of the bid amount • Starter tier shops: 4% • Growth+ tier shops: 3% Your first 3 jobs are free (no platform fee) so you can try the service risk-free. The fee is included in the total shown at checkout — there are no hidden charges.
For shops: bidding on jobs
If you are a shop listed on LoKator™, you will receive notifications when jobs matching your specialties and service area are posted. To bid on a job, open the job listing from your LoKator™ dashboard, review the requirements, and submit your bid with a price, turnaround estimate, and optional message. Your bid is private — other shops cannot see it. You can message the customer before bidding to clarify requirements or negotiate scope. Once your bid is accepted, funds are held in Stripe escrow until the customer confirms delivery.