Vendor Management

Why am I paying this much? I signed the contract, when do I start getting what we need?

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Your vendors should be open, transparent, and earning their money.  Do you ever feel unsatisfied with a provider? Perhaps your costs keep rising and you're not getting what you've expected.  Advancing technology means getting more while spending less, right!

Do you want to get the most out of your vendors and vendor relationships. Keep reading to see what the plan is.

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1. We start looking right at home.  First, we want to make sure that engaging Your CIO  for vendor management makes sense.   A good fit for our vendor management services should meet these criteria:

   • The cost of Your CIO services, with the anticipated savings, should put money back in your operating and/or capital budget. 

   • Goods and services that your business has contracted to receive, are NOT being received to your satisfaction.

   • Your business needs goods and/or services and you need a good, honest vendor(s) to provide them. 

2. What is your vendor pain point?  Your business may have more than one pain point with your vendors.  Let's list them out and take a quick look at how Your CIO could address them.  Remember, technology plans should add value and release you to operate your business more confidently.  If you feel like your business is working to pay your vendors, instead of your vendors freeing you up to operate your business, let us take a look and offer a viable action plan that makes you more comfortable.
    

3. Do you know when your contracts are due to be renewed and what happens if you let them lapse?  So, it's not the height of technology, but if you have copier service contracts, leased laptops, data lines (phone/internet/etc.), or software agreements and you don't know when they are up for renewal? If your vendors aren't letting you know when they are due, it is probably in their favor to let it expire and let all the incentives they promised you when you signed to go away.  Not only can we help with existing contracts, but we can also help you negotiate, or negotiate on your behalf, new and upcoming contracts. With decades of experience with contracts, we are going to get you a great deal suits your needs, and it won’t take your time away from your business.
    

4. Are you taking advantage of your vendors’ included offerings? Depending on from whom, and how many units you purchase, you may be entitled to services and bonuses that you may not be aware of. 
   For instance:

   • One of the worst things about buying a new computer for business is removing all the unnecessary software and installing your licensed application. You could save hours or maybe a whole day of someone’s time if it arrived with your applications on it, ready to go.  Sometimes software installation from the vendor is free or may be added to the purchase for a nominal fee.

   • Did you know that when you purchase a new firewall, you may be entitled to a free perimeter security test or free transfer of your previous firewall rules and security if you are changing brands?

   • This happens A LOT - When you lease a copier, they typically come with all services built into the contract. Are you paying for services you shouldn’t be billed for or becoming a low priority because you are under contract?

Key Takeaway:  If you think something isn't right or you are unhappy, we're happy to investigate that for you.