Managed Print and Purchasing Frameworks

[tj2419]

We have approached a supplier about managed print and had a meeting with a printer manufacturer via the original supplier. They are suggesting we go down the route of using a purchasing framework. We have never done this before and wondered how many of you have used them for this purpose?

 

It is also being suggested we approach the framework on our own as this would be 'better'.

 

Has anyone experienced this before? Seems a bit cloak and dagger just to get some quotes.

 

Cheers

[Steve21]

We've had discussions about similar before and chosen not to go down that route as it removes a lot of competition from their choices. Especially as it seems it's normally the ones that come out better that aren't always involved in the frameworks.

 

As an example, when looking at computers before those that suggested frame works were HP based as they know others like Dell/Stone etc weren't in "said" framework.

 

If you do go down that route I'd certainly suggest picking your own framework, and looking at who's even involved within it.

 

Steve

[tj2419]

They were my worries and it seems to be cutting out the original supplier we started the enquiry with. I am all for trying to get the best price but doesn't seem professional.

 

Problem is I also don't really understand frameworks well enough.

[Oaktech]

I don't know what value this contract me likely to be, but we chose not to use a framework.

 

I got representative quotes from 4 different manufacturers (Canon, Ricoh, Toshiba and Kyocera) picked the one that gave me best value (Canon) and then went out to 4 suppliers, 2 local, 2 national, who could provide like for like quotes on the technology I was happy with from the previous step and the one who offered the best value was the one that got the job.

 

One national supplier wrote themselves off immediately by trying to pull the wool by quoting their colour rate as single colour not full colour, and by hiding the fact that any machines they supplied would be reconditioned in the small print.

 

In the end we went with Canon UK directly as their service stats were much better and their total price was only a fraction higher than than the cheapest quote who didn't offer auto supply ordering or 4 hour response.

[GrumbleDook]

Frameworks can be good for fact finding, but also good for finding folk who already have integration with other areas (e.g. managed print provider may have a relationship with an eCommerce provider for electronic payment ... handy for places like libraries or universities ... but in a school that could tie in with catering payment systems ...) so it is always worth having a look, even if it doesn't work out.

[mattstevenson2005]

We have just started using Epson's new Print365 service. Unlimited printing (upto 300,000) for 3 years for £139 per month, per MFD. We have just purchased 4 full size MFDs and one desktop MFD to replace 5 full photocopiers and will save us between £10-15,000 over the 3 years hopefully.

[Sylv3r]

We went through the CPC framework, cost us around £2k to only be left with one supplier at the end - it may just have been me wanting too much and the other companies feeling our t's and c's were to much in favour in us.

 

We went with the remaining supplier (Canon direct) and rolled out in January this year - buy in from staff, reliability of machines and cost savings have been immense based on our previous provider.

[nathan]

The CCS framework is currently being renewed, think they announce the winning bidder on November 1st.

[FragglePete]

We did a framework agreement when our copiers / mfd devices were coming to the end of lease. Upset the current supplier a bit as they got complacent thinking we would just renew with them (they had the opportunity to bid, but missed the deadline so the rules dictated we couldn't use them anyway). Our SBM ran it and it went well, as we all got together when we had all the bids in, scored them individually and then discussed them as a whole. As all the prices are clearly laid out we estimated we would save £54,500 over a three year period!!!!! We're currently on target to do this. We are now using Konica machines with PaperCut embedded and so far so good. Excellent machines, good support and staff have taken well to them.

 

Pete

[tj2419]

Forgive my ignorance but does it cost to go through a framework? How do you decide which one to use? How long does the process normally take via a framework? Cheers