He then logs on to the site, checks out the bid, and does a little background research on the supplier. He might investigate the supplier's Web site or check business sources to find out if the supplier is capable of filling the order. He then contacts potential suppliers via e-mail or telephone to speak with them further. Rockhold has also created a spreadsheet to track the responses. A spreadsheet allows him to visually compare the suppliers' offers.
Some quotes are low, some are high, and some are in the middle.
He added that the ability to send and view design files in the PDF format simplifies the bid process. When you have a change in the design, you can immediately change it on the Web site, and if you're already dealing with vendors, you can tell them there's been a change and to go look at the Web site to see it. Ill. The rush to connect customer with supplier via the Internet has not passed him by. Those looking for parts manufacturers pay no fee, Free said. I'm not using it exclusively.