by Janice Marquardt | Apr 22, 2025 | e-Auctions, Processes
The what-about-ism in e-auctions runs strong, and nowhere does it run stronger than the question “What about if an e-auction becomes a race to the bottom?” In the early 2000s, e-auctions often did become a race to the bottom. There was no Request for Proposal (RFP)...
by Janice Marquardt | Apr 15, 2025 | e-Auctions, Processes
“The 80/20 rule always applies” is a phrase I’ve lived with so long I don’t even know where I heard it first. But I’ve definitely repeated it – to my teams, to clients, to my poor family who are no longer at all interested (if they ever were). But what is it,...
by Janice Marquardt | Mar 25, 2025 | Processes, Supply Chain Career
Several months ago, I published an article on what makes a utility supply chain unique. This article is the same for the manufacturing supply chain – which is a HUGE category with thousands of businesses represented. I’ve been working in and with manufacturers...
by Janice Marquardt | Mar 18, 2025 | Creative Solutions, Processes
Some months ago on LinkedIn, I saw an account rep run a poll about all the questions he had to answer for a Request for Proposal (RFP), asking his fellow sales team peers about their experiences with long question lists. This struck me because my reaction was: why is...
by Janice Marquardt | Mar 11, 2025 | Contracts, Creative Solutions
Contract exclusivity clauses are interesting. Suppliers almost always like them, but some companies use them and some don’t. Today let’s talk about what they are, when they are used, ways to structure them, how to negotiate using them, and enforceability. Note: This...
