"And the culprit is..."

"We believe this product will work with your application."

It's been five years since I was introduced on the art of bidding for a purchase requisition. "Art" as I call it, because you need not only technical understanding of your application, but also "detective" skills. 

Unfortunately, polygraph is not allowed on these kind of discussions, so research is very essential to arrive at the best offer in front of you.

Last year, I was tasked to order steam traps to replace the existing ones which were found inappropriate. I asked four suppliers to do survey of the system, then provide me their offer. It later came out there are some differences in the results of their study, and they quoted different types of traps, which put me in a "lost" situation.

Now, let's try to make things simple...

I decided to look for expert, NEUTRAL opinions, but it's quite difficult to look for such in our area. So I sought the help of Linkedin, a social networking site for professionals.

Being affiliated in so many groups, that made my search easy. After posting my problem in the page, steam experts who has worked in various companies such as the suppliers who came to me, responded to my call. Good thing, those suppliers are world famous corporations, so everyone in the group understands how to approach my problem.

I later found out from the consultation that the bidders quoted to me the steam trap product where they have the majority of world market share. I also found out through the said experts and from some online literature which type is the best for my need, so I was able to make the best choice. 

I was also able to pinpoint the salespersons who are eager to make a sale and recklessly offering unsuitable products which can mean great loss in our operations, which they care less about.

Social media is not only there for us to connect with friends and get gossips, but will also assist us in our chosen career. So we must make a wise use of them, and not confine our thinking with the common.

How do you evaluate options put in your table? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!