Preparing your RFP (7 points)

Preparing your RFP for Issue

7 key points to review when preparing a RFP

Most of your business associates are likely aware of the term RFP and what it stands for. They might not understand how it is used by purchasing professionals, however they should know it is a formal procurement document sent out to solicit responses from other businesses or suppliers.

The RFP document is a Request for Proposal form and a company would typically opt to send it out to three or more vendors or suppliers. Before we cover other areas to review when preparing a RFP let’s touch on Vendors for a moment. When the RFP is issued, it is expected the vendors or suppliers you decide to select or include in the bid are qualified to generate a desired response to the Buyer’s needs.

A qualified vendor is often:

1. A supplier you have done business with before
2. One you recently pre-qualified using a formal process
3. They come recommended from other business associates or
4. Have references you can check

Always narrow your vendor list down to supplier’s you know will submit a quality product and service. It is not considered a best practice to submit requests to vendors which may provide a sub-standard service or poor quality product.

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The Art of Negotiating with Suppliers

Supplier Negotiation

Negotiating with Suppliers (8) General Points

The art of negotiation comes in useful in all aspects of life and is a skill many people struggle with. If you are an Agent or representative of a company, this is one task you should embrace and make every effort to develop. There is no question that skilful negotiators are able to achieve the very best deals with Suppliers which can lead to improved margins and profits for your company.

Here are a few tips and points to consider when you find yourself negotiating with Suppliers:

  1. Always attempt to research the “should be” costs (more on this in an upcoming post) of the product you are dealing with – if you know how much of a mark-up your Supplier has then it can help you determine whether you are in fact receiving a good deal.  Better yet, if you understand the manufacturing costs it puts you at an even stronger position when it comes time to negotiate.
  2. Build a rapport with your Supplier’s. In order to negotiate the best deals – be attentive, listen, respond to any issues they have and improve communication. The better the working relationship is with your Suppliers, often better terms will be negotiated.
  3. Find areas of mutual gain – if your supplier stands firm and won’t budge on price then it might be time to focus on other areas instead. For example,  payment terms, down payments, length of warranty, discounts for volume purchases, discounts for contract extensions, etc. If you can come up with something which benefits both parties you are onto a winner.
  4. Get quotes from (more…)

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