RFP process FAQ

1. How should we structure our RFP?

10 sections: context, scope, quality, materials, sustainability, branding, pricing, delivery, compliance, decision criteria. We have a template at /templates/rfp-template-corporate-merch.

2. How long do you need to respond?

7-14 days for standard RFPs. 3-5 days for tight rush. 21+ days for complex multi-region tender. We'll flag at acknowledgment if timeline is unrealistic.

3. Do you accept e-procurement platforms?

Yes. Coupa, SAP Ariba, Jaggaer, Oracle iSupplier, Ivalua, Workday, ServiceNow, Tradeshift — we have logins for most major systems and invoice through them as required.

4. What is your typical scorecard?

Price (25%), Quality/AQL (20%), Lead time (15%), Sustainability (15%), References (10%), Compliance docs (10%), Cultural fit (5%). We coach clients to weight quality and sustainability higher than price for retention-impact items.

5. Do you do reverse auctions?

Reluctantly. Reverse auctions optimize for price at expense of quality, sustainability, and supplier relationship. We participate but flag the 3-year TCO downside in writing.

6. Can we trial-run before signing?

Yes. We propose a pilot of 50-500 units at fair price (no aggressive discount that distorts the relationship) before annual blanket commitment.

7. What references can you provide?

200+ B2B clients across 6 served countries since 2010. References are NDA-bound; we share matched profile (industry, size, geography) on second-round shortlist.

8. How do you handle preferred-supplier or master-vendor schemes?

We can be a preferred or master vendor, with transparent rate cards, quarterly volume rebates (above tier thresholds), and consolidated invoicing. We don't accept exclusivity that prevents you sourcing from anyone else.