A well-written RFP has many advantages. It can streamline the vendor search process, allowing you to evaluate many talented software development outsourcing firms. Using objective scoring criteria, it will also allow you to make objective decisions.
One disadvantage of using an RFP is that it’s time-consuming to create. It takes a great deal of thought, discussion, and consideration to build a quality RFP. This isn’t necessarily bad because it allows teams to think about their overall eCommerce strategy, but it’s not an overnight process.
Another potential disadvantage of using an RFP is that you don’t know what you don’t know. Perhaps there are eCommerce solutions you failed to list in your project scope because you had no idea they existed.
A good software vendor can think outside the box and introduce you to creative solutions you’ve never heard of. Be sure to work with a vendor showing ingenuity and innovative thinking.