RFQ Tips

Part 1

The RFQ or Request for Quotation is also referred to as a Request for Qualifications. Both procurement forms are used by Buyers when they approach Vendors for goods or services in the Quotation instance and in the Qualifications scenario they are looking for specifics to determine whether you as the Supplier might qualify to complete a requirement the Buyer has identified.

The RFQ for Qualifications might be to determine whether you are able to complete special artwork for a public environment like say a public library for example. In this instance, the Buyer might offer the Supplier a small stipend like $500-1000 to create some form of facsimile of what they would provide as artwork for this public space. From the samples of artwork provided by potential bidders the Buyer would then consider an award.

In general, when talking RFQ’s most vendors would assume you are looking for a price quotation for either goods or services. A RFQ is a great way to get the current pulse or cost in the marketplace for the item(s) you seek. By issuing a RFQ, the vendor understands they have a shot at winning your purchase order or supply contract so they are often motivated to provide the best terms in an effort to gain your business. Not a guarantee however it is an assumption…read on. (more…)

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Why complete a Supplier Audit

Sample Site Audit Forms

The benefits of a site supplier audit are many. Having assurances in respect to supply, environmental compliance, safety standards and quality measures are the primary reasons we complete them. And finding the right suppliers has never been more important than today. The global recession has added additional pressures on the very survival of many companies.

How do you know that your supplier is capable of meeting their obligations or commitments? You do so by completing a site audit of their production facilities. This is often part of a buyers due diligence with large dollar spend and should be an exercised practice in your buyer / supplier relationship. Note, not every vendor you do business with warrants a site audit. Site audits can be costly when you factor in travel to the manufacturer’s facility and can be time consuming so be strategic and target vendors which are integral to your supply chain.

A physical audit is the best way to gather reliable information about your supplier’s business practices, capabilities, competitiveness, cost drivers, safety standards and service culture. From these audits you can (more…)

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Cost Savings

Part 2 – Buyers Guide to Cost Savings

Our last post on spend analysis was part 1 of our cost saving series and we are going to stay focused on this topic by providing areas to save money both within and outside of your organization.

We noted the importance of going after your class “A” Vendors or your top 20 which account for 80% of your spend. This is our target list and we will review how as a Buyer you can better leverage your vendors experience to help you generate cost savings.

In this scenario, your pricing on products you purchase is acceptable and lets assume they are under contract. Now where do you turn to find the next round of savings? More cost savings can be found in your suppliers’ organization. Pardon…you want me visit my suppliers and tell them what they can do to reduce costs so I can get a better deal? Not at all, we are suggesting you get into the heads of their technical and support staff to mine their knowledge, experience and ideas.

Your Vendors are in an excellent position to help review your processes and reduce your costs for the following reasons:

  1. They have a long list of clients which use their product and have experience and knowledge of potential best practices. This can be useful information. While asking vendors to divulge proprietary information is not appropriate, you can ask for suggestions on what we can do better. Keep in mind Vendors would rather you seek cost savings elsewhere versus from their pocket so they should be quick to jump on this approach.
  2. The technical knowledge of their own products. There is no better source to suggest alternative specifications or practices which can reduce expenses without sacrificing quality.
  3. They are a known entity.

How do you approach this? (more…)

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Spend Analysis

Part 1 – Buyer’s Guide to Cost SavingsAs a buyer or purchasing professional, evaluating your organization’s spend is essential. But what does this involve, and how does it benefit your…

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