Tender process should be limited to save time

I would like to offer my own exasperations to recent sentiments that have been expressed on tendering, at the lack of thought, the number of questions asked and the amount of samples expected (Letters, DW 20 April).

I was asked, recently, for a brief history of my company and then allocated no more than two sentences for an answer, which makes me wonder how they can make a sound judgment and differentiate between each design consultancy involved in the tender.

In addition, I was asked to support my answers with examples and supply samples for every design piece mentioned. I would like to think that this will add credibility, but my cynical view is that it simply provides an ‘ideas pool’ for future promotional material yet to be designed.

I also had to pay £50 to take part in the bid. If we don’t get through to the next round, are we then expected to pay for the samples to be returned? Wouldn’t it be nice if this cost was taken out of the cash pot generated by interested parties?

I would like to see pre-questionnaire tenders limited to no more than ten questions, only one sample to be included and the rest to be supported by screen grabs and photos.

This should allow the organisation inviting participation to judge whether or not they would like to see the agency through to the next stage, and would surely save time for both parties.

Neil Berry, Managing director, Juice, Surrey, SM3 8BL

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