# Find a backup supplier before your main one lets you down > Auto mode lets Claude check site after site without stopping to ask you to approve each step. Hand Claude the whole supplier search in one message and let auto mode run it. You come back to a ranked shortlist with prices, minimums and lead times, plus sample request emails to send. - Page: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/backup-supplier-shortlist-in-auto-mode/ - Category: Make smarter decisions - Made for: Small business owners - Works in: Claude - Time: About 30 minutes while Claude works on its own - Effort: A few steps - Note: Auto mode became the default on Claude Pro, Max and Team in late October 2026. You can switch back to manual anytime. - Published: 2026-11-03 ## How do I find a backup supplier for my small business with AI? Give Claude your product, order size and current supplier in one message, and let it run the search in auto mode. As of November 2026, auto mode is the default on Claude Pro, Max and Team plans, so an automated check lets safe steps go ahead and blocks risky ones instead of asking you each time. It fits best when you'd rather come back to a finished table than watch the research. If you want to approve every step yourself, switch back to manual. ## The prompt Fill in the parts in [square brackets], or leave them and the AI will ask you for them. ```text I buy [WHAT YOU BUY, e.g. kraft gift boxes, 4x4x2 inch] from [CURRENT SUPPLIER] and I need a backup in case they run out or raise prices. I order about [ORDER SIZE, e.g. 500 a month] and ship to [SHIP TO, e.g. your state or country]. Work through this on your own without stopping to check in. 1. Find 6 to 8 suppliers who sell this or a close match. 2. For each one, check their own website for the unit price at my order size, minimum order, typical lead time, shipping options and whether they send samples. 3. Mark anything you couldn't confirm instead of guessing. 4. Put it all in one table, ranked by how well each fits my order size and timing. 5. Draft a short, friendly sample request email for the top three. Don't contact anyone or fill in any forms. I'll review and send. ``` ## Step by step 1. Open Claude on the web or desktop and start a new chat 2. Leave auto mode on so Claude doesn't stop for approvals 3. Paste the prompt below with your product and order details 4. Step away, then review the table and the draft emails ## What you'll get A ranked table of 6 to 8 backup suppliers with checked prices, minimums and lead times, and three ready-to-send sample request emails. ## Good to know **How do I find a backup supplier for my small business with AI?** Give Claude your product, order size and current supplier in one message, and let it run the search in auto mode. As of November 2026, auto mode is the default on Claude Pro, Max and Team plans, so an automated check lets safe steps go ahead and blocks risky ones instead of asking you each time. It fits best when you'd rather come back to a finished table than watch the research. If you want to approve every step yourself, switch back to manual. **Which AI tools does this work in?** It works in Claude. On this page, Claude opens with your prompt already typed in. Auto mode became the default on Claude Pro, Max and Team in late October 2026. You can switch back to manual anytime. **How long does it take?** About 30 minutes while Claude works on its own. It's rated "A few steps". There are 4 steps, listed above. **What do I need before I start?** Just your details for 4 blanks: what you buy, current supplier, order size and ship to. You can skip any, and your AI will ask for them. **What will I get back?** A ranked table of 6 to 8 backup suppliers with checked prices, minimums and lead times, and three ready-to-send sample request emails. Idea spotted on X, shared by @claudeai: https://x.com/claudeai/status/2113360845409583307. The prompt is The Solo Creators' own version. ## Go further Ready-made skills in the Solo Creators AI Studio (https://thesolocreators.com/studio/) that fit this: Board of Advisors (Convene seven AI advisors who debate your decision, vote, and hand back a stress-tested verdict); Fact Checker (Every quote, number, date, and link in your draft checked against its real source, with the fixes handed back as tracked changes you accept or reject). From AI Use Cases and Prompts by The Solo Creators: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/. Free to use; please link back to the page when you share it.