gwendes Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 Like most of you (I think) I'm sick of companies cold calling. I don't have the time or inclination to build a 'relationship' with a salesperson at x supplier. I don't want their emails or calls or junk mail. By the time you need to contact someone they've inevitably moved on to a new company anyway! So, what I want to create is a few simple lists of suppliers that I want to get quotes from and then when I need a new box of magic smoke then I can BCC them all asking for quotes. Time saved. Best price. Has anyone else done something like this? Do you have a set list that you keep updated? I'm only familiar with the companies the old Network Manager worked with, and ones that I have worked with before. Has anyone else contacted suppliers and asked them for a basic 'give me a quote' email address that doesn't require endless requests to 'do lunch' and discuss 'business needs'. Last but not least, who are your outstanding suppliers? I want their quotes!
paulkerton Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 Have you tried the Crown Commerical Service? https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/
DavR Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 I've built up my own list of suppliers over time tbh, ones that work for us personally, they may not work for everyone. I have I think maybe two general purpose suppliers that I tolerate "building a relationship" with because they're good enough to get stuff done when I ask them for it, or at the least return quotes reliably (how do so many suppliers survive when they won't even quote for work!?). I'm lucky I think that our office are very well trained in dropping cold callers for me.
the_quick Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 I think you would find it that people have their favourite suppliers, that they did build relation with. I have few I go to if I need something below 5k. But if is above that, there is really no difference who you go to. Many suppliers advertise here and are sponsors. In the past I have used Insight, as they had brill prices - not so much anymore. Often go to eBuyer - we bought lots of chromebooks from them, as they were to cheapest. Apart from this big names like SoftCat, Stone Computers, Novatech, JPUK (they used to have very good prices for Interactive TVs) I'm sure they will be many others
Alex0x7F Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 Anything apple usually KRCS, unless an odd occasion of a need for something like an iPad Pro then I've had pleasant experiences buying refurbed equipment from laptopsdirect. Stone for windows devices and chromebooks.
gwendes Posted September 22, 2021 Author Posted September 22, 2021 I think you would find it that people have their favourite suppliers, that they did build relation with. I have few I go to if I need something below 5k. But if is above that, there is really no difference who you go to. Many suppliers advertise here and are sponsors. In the past I have used Insight, as they had brill prices - not so much anymore. Often go to eBuyer - we bought lots of chromebooks from them, as they were to cheapest. Apart from this big names like SoftCat, Stone Computers, Novatech, JPUK (they used to have very good prices for Interactive TVs) I'm sure they will be many others Do you just email to [email protected] and go from there? It's not much fun having emails bounce back because companies are obsessed with assigning someone to be the one and only contact. How often are they busy on a call? We're all in the same boat, it's easy to compare hotels and car hire and insurance, why isn't there a product for companies to bid for a contract? Like Fivr but for computer leases!
paulkerton Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 We're all in the same boat, it's easy to compare hotels and car hire and insurance, why isn't there a product for companies to bid for a contract? Like Fivr but for computer leases! There is though! Have you tried the Crown Commerical Service? https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/
mrbios Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 (edited) I changed my offices direct dial number last year, now don't give it to any suppliers, and the receptionist screens my calls. If it's a cold caller she takes down the number and i block it on our PBX. This has significantly reduced the amount of time i've spent on the phone. (If you don't have a willing receptionist, try palming that role off to an unwilling tech ) Millgate have been ace for me, tend to get really good prices and have always been a pleasure to deal with. Would probably put them down as my #1 recommendation for quotes. EDIT: As LeMarchand just said, it'd be an insult not to mention ICT Direct, they're great and always worth keeping on your most used suppliers list! Edited September 22, 2021 by mrbios 2
LeMarchand Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 (edited) What, no love for @VeryPC (new kit and other stuff) or @ICTDirect_Dave (refurb kit)? Neither of them keep wanting to touch base etc etc and don't constantly bombard you with emails. Edited September 22, 2021 by LeMarchand 4
TMBS Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 Hi I've used Lewis at AMC for years (https://amcit.com). Can't recommend enough, he's get most stock to me next day, only emails are quotes requested, will match any prices I've found and I trust him! 1
ICTDirect_Dave Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 (edited) EDIT: As LeMarchand just said, it'd be an insult not to mention ICT Direct, they're great and always worth keeping on your most used suppliers list! What, no love for @VeryPC (new kit and other stuff) or @ICTDirect_Dave (refurb kit)?Neither of them keep wanting to touch base etc etc and don't constantly bombard you with emails. Thank you both! As of next month I'll have been here for ten years and there's no sign of me moving on just yet! I certainly have no interest in touching anyone's base either (well unless it's with my bomber squadron in a classic network game of C&C!) I'll never try and sell you something you don't need just because we've got loads of it. We always try and be the cheapest first time out (not always possible by we try our best). And we'll only email you every-so often when we've got something to say. Our refurbished kit is the best in all the land and now we've got the ISO certs to prove it along with some thousands of very happy school customers, many of whom have staff on this very site! Give me a try next time you need something (details in the signature). I'll always be happy to help. Edited September 22, 2021 by ICTDirect_Dave 1
gwendes Posted September 22, 2021 Author Posted September 22, 2021 There is though! I've clicked on that site and think you might be misunderstanding what I mean! That doesn't even tell you want they supply! Are you just pulling my leg?
ICTDirect_Dave Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 I've clicked on that site and think you might be misunderstanding what I mean! That doesn't even tell you want they supply! Are you just pulling my leg? Crown commercial is a government tender service where you put your requirements and wait for relevant companies to get back to you. It's popular with the bigger companies but as slots for new businesses don't open often, it doesn't always get you the best coverage. It is pretty much what you asked for , however
Norphy Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 What about the CPC? https://www.thecpc.ac.uk/ Register, tell them what you want, wait for suppliers registered with them to get back to you with a quote. Is that what you're after or is it more of a price comparison search engine?
Andycat Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 For bigger purchases, I use both Crescent and Crown purchasing consortiums. Easy, and less work.
jmak Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 What, no love for @VeryPC (new kit and other stuff) or @ICTDirect_Dave (refurb kit)? Neither of them keep wanting to touch base etc etc and don't constantly bombard you with emails.Used both of these companies and highly recommend them. 3
robyholmes Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 More love for @VeryPC here. Great service from sales, accounting through to after sales. Shout out to Colin and Ross, always happy to reply to my tricky requests for great hardware for rock bottom pricing. Smaller items I tend to go to Ebuyer or Kenable (Cables and Adapters) and just buy online. 2
VeryPC_Nicole Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 What, no love for @VeryPC (new kit and other stuff) or @ICTDirect_Dave (refurb kit)? Neither of them keep wanting to touch base etc etc and don't constantly bombard you with emails. Used both of these companies and highly recommend them. More love for @VeryPC here. Great service from sales, accounting through to after sales. Shout out to Colin and Ross, always happy to reply to my tricky requests for great hardware for rock bottom pricing. Smaller items I tend to go to Ebuyer or Kenable (Cables and Adapters) and just buy online. 2
DavR Posted September 22, 2021 Posted September 22, 2021 My feet feel warm too I was wearing mine just yesterday as it happens 2
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