# Initiate bulk search
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/track-search/documentation/use-cases/initiate_search/index.md

This endpoint allows users to initiate a bulk search for Suppliers or Buyers. For more information on how to implement this use case, refer to the [Create a bulk search](https://developer.mastercard.com/track-search/tutorial/bulk-search/index.md) tutorial section.

### How it works {#how-it-works}

The user journey with this endpoint is as follows:
Diagram initiate Note: With the April 2023 release, the response payload includes the Supplier profile ID, which can be used to retrieve the Supplier's payment preference information and Supplier profile status. Only payment agents receive the Supplier profile ID in the response payload.

**Step 1**: The user initiates a Search request by calling the POST /bulk-searches endpoint.

**Step 2**: Mastercard Track Search verifies the user is authorized to search for the entity.

**Step 3**: Mastercard Track Search verifies the required details are provided.

**Step 4** : Mastercard Track Search verifies that a unique `searchRequestId` is provided withing the payload.

**Step 5** : Mastercard Track Search returns a 202 OK with the `bulkSearchId`.

API Reference: `POST /bulk-searches`

Review the error codes associated with this endpoint in the [Initiate search request error codes](https://developer.mastercard.com/track-search/documentation/code-and-formats/index.md#initiate-search-request-error-codes) section.

## Next Steps {#next-steps}

After you have successfully integrated with this endpoint, you will receive an ID of the initiated search. Using the ID, you can check for the [status of your request](https://developer.mastercard.com/track-search/documentation/use-cases/check_status/index.md).