However, a line item bid for a truckload of canned crushed tomatoes will get a heck of a price. On the other hand, take a category award bid request on PCs. A particular customer wanted a lot of PCs in total, but only 40 cases at a time. We didn't bid it. So line items may very well be the highest way to buy for price, depending on the item and the quantity.
Service is best on prime vendor.
One, the prime vendor is bringing out full trucks, so trucks and drivers are dedicated. You'll be the first and only stop. Also, the prime vendor is assured of how often he is going to be on your campus so he can plan his business. Service is better with limited, and it is good in the other categories. A line item bid for only 40 cases could be the first stop or it could be 12th stop.