“When Looking for a Vendor, Get 3
Bids”
Google
Movie Synopsis:
When
an asteroid threatens to collide with Earth, NASA honcho Dan Truman (Billy Bob
Thornton) determines the only way to stop it is to drill into its surface and
detonate a nuclear bomb. This leads him to renowned driller Harry Stamper
(Bruce Willis), who agrees to helm the dangerous space mission provided he can
bring along his own hotshot crew. Among them is the cocksure A.J. (Ben
Affleck), who Harry thinks isn't good enough for his daughter (Liv Tyler),
until the mission proves otherwise.
Scenario:
Harry and Rockhound (Steve Buscemi) are strapping in
preparing for launch, Rockhound reminds Harry of the process of selecting the
group responsible for building the rocket ship.
Selected Scene:
Rockhound: Hey Harry
Harry: Yeah Rock?
Rockhound: You know we’re sitting on 4 million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has 270,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder, makes you feel good, doesn’t it?
Harry: Yeah!
Business Tip:
When you are shopping at the grocery store do you find
yourself comparing prices and brands? Maybe you start to look at the size
difference or the price per pound, before you know it you probably handled or
viewed three times as many products then you actually purchased. Well, the same is true in business. There’s even a general rule when looking for
a vendor to perform a particular service (printing, administrative, sales,
etc.), get 3 bids! Two bids really don’t
provide enough information for you to confirm you are receiving a fair price,
if you get four or more you find yourself spending too much time managing the
process. Plus, vendors are usually okay with the 3 bid process, any more than 3
and their chances of getting the work diminishes and they become hesitant to
submit a competitive bid. Although the
lowest price is generally the winner, don’t overlook quality and reputation of
the vendor, it may save you money in the END.
