Best practices for customer surveys - Step 6: Select a supplier

In Step 5, you created the schedule that will serve as the roadmap for the for the employee survey project. The first activity on the schedule is "Identify possible suppliers." This is how to do it….

1. Identify possible suppliers

If you already have one or more preferred suppliers, this step may not be needed. If you don’t have a short list yet, you need to create one. The quickest and most effective way to develop the list is to:

• Ask for referrals from people you trust
• Search the internet for “customer survey provider”; “customer survey expert”; “customer survey company”; “customer survey consultant”; etc.
• Submit a Request for Information (RFI) to companies that appear to be good prospects

2. Request quotes

It is often assumed that a Request for Proposal (RFP) is the proper way to communicate with potential suppliers. However, at this point, unless you already have a preferred provider, an RFP is overkill. Instead, you should use a Request for Quote (RFQ). This is a much simpler document that enables suppliers to quickly provide the information you need to narrow the field. For more information about this useful tool, see "How to engage market research suppliers in the planning of your research - a Win-Win approach."

3. Review quotes

Assess the information provided by the suppliers to narrow the list to a select group of two to four candidates from whom you will request a formal proposal.

Send a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the candidates on the short list.

5. Select supplier

Review the proposals and make your selection. Call the winner to inform them of your decision and schedule a kick-off meeting ASAP. As a courtesy, remember to contact the companies that submitted proposals but will not be awarded the project.

Selecting the supplier for your customer survey can seem like a daunting task. Following this 5-step process will enable you to make a timely and informed decision.