Help
Frequently asked questions
Everything about posting, bidding, privacy, and who runs the platform.
For customers
What does it cost to post a job?+
Nothing. Posting a job on ScanBid NY is free, and you are not obligated to accept any bid. You pay the vendor you choose directly under whatever terms you agree on with them.
What is the difference between laser scanning, a 3D walkthrough, and as-built documentation?+
Laser scanning produces a measurable point cloud of a building or site with survey-grade accuracy. A 3D walkthrough is a navigable virtual tour built for viewing and rough measurement. As-built documentation is a set of drawings or a Revit model of the existing conditions, usually drafted from a scan. If you are not sure which you need, describe your goal in the post and vendors will tell you.
How detailed does my job post need to be?+
The more specific, the more comparable the bids. Include the property type, approximate square footage, the number of floors, whether you need interiors, exteriors, or both, the deliverable format, and what the work is for. You can add photos and existing drawings if you have them.
How quickly will I get bids?+
Vendors are notified when a job is posted in an area they serve. Most jobs receive their first bids within a day or two, and you can leave the post open as long as you like before choosing.
Can I ask vendors questions before accepting a bid?+
Yes. Each bid has a message thread where you can ask about equipment, accuracy, file formats, hosting, insurance, and scheduling before you decide.
Will the drawings be acceptable for a DOB filing or a Landmarks application?+
The vendor produces existing-conditions drawings, and your architect or engineer of record uses them in the filing. State in your post what the drawings are for so vendors can bid the appropriate level of detail and format. Ask bidders whether they have delivered drawings for similar filings before.
For vendors
Who can bid on jobs?+
Any business that provides laser scanning, 3D walkthroughs, or as-built documentation and serves at least one of the listed areas can register as a vendor. You will be asked to describe your services, equipment, and coverage area, and to accept the vendor terms.
Does it cost anything to bid?+
Registering and bidding are free. Any fees that apply to vendors are stated on the vendor terms page, and there are no hidden charges.
How are vendors chosen?+
The customer who posted the job reviews every bid and picks one. There is no automatic ranking by price. A clear scope, a realistic schedule, and prompt answers to questions matter as much as the number.
What should a good bid include?+
State exactly what you will deliver and in what format, what accuracy or resolution the customer can expect, how long fieldwork and processing will take, what the customer needs to provide for access, and your total price. If hosting or revisions are included, say so.
Does the platform operator also bid on jobs?+
ScanBid NY is operated by a company that also provides scanning services and may bid on jobs like any other registered vendor. The vendor terms page explains how that is handled.
How does the customer pay me?+
You and the customer settle payment directly, outside the platform, on the terms in your bid. ScanBid NY does not process payments or hold funds.
Still have a question? Contact us.