Chapter 12: Procuring Goods and Services (Msn web hosting) 251 Even
Chapter 12: Procuring Goods and Services 251 Even in the best of times, be sure to thoroughly read the contracts before committing to anything. Sometimes, and not usually intentionally, the terms agreed to in writing don t match what was discussed and agreed to orally. The written terms almost always win in any contract dispute. Everything in life is negotiable, and in slow times for the suppliers, negotiations can be favorable for you. If you are offered a good deal, or you just plain negotiated the deal of a lifetime, get it in writing as fast as you can and get the job done. You ll look good for negotiating a good contract, look better when your project is running like a precision clock, and look great when you bring the project in on time and under budget. That is the plan, isn t it? Using a screening system Remember the devil the one hiding in the details? Start to get rid of it by using a screening system to sort through all the ins and outs of the proposals before you. A screening system can be something as simple as making a plus/ minus (or pros and cons) list on a legal pad. Or, you may use a database with artificial intelligence for filtering all the offerings. Any screening system should, in the end, give you a clear idea of the advantages and disadvantages of each vendor. Sometimes, one vendor shows a clear advantage over the others and makes the selection simple; unfortunately that doesn t often happen. In any system, be sure that you can tally and evaluate the minutiae of the contracts, as well as the major items. Know how tech support functions and where it is supplied. Technical support must be available when you need it, not when it s convenient for the vendor. Using the help of others It s also beneficial to ensure that your system involves other people. Though the final decision is yours, you might as well have more than one set of eyes looking into all the facets of a proposal. Team members may see something you missed, or may verify a pertinent detail you weren t sure of. An evaluation committee using a screening tool such as a product comparison spreadsheet can provide essential input and insights as you approach decision time. A properly used screening system can greatly diminish the chances of signing up to a less than desirable stipulation in a purchase contract.
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