I was recently in a presentation to show our “solution” for a companies RFP (request for proposal). I was not involved in the planning, but was there for technical support. During the presentation I couldn’t help but think that the very first thing the presenter said was extremely accurate, and the reason we lost the bid. “How can we develop a solution and plan for your project unless we understand your business, yourselves, and your projects goals.” I might not have started with that, but he was right. This would require a working relationship while we learn and understand, and are able to formulate a plan that meets all the clients needs within their budget. Without that, we end up aiming for the stars with the absolute lowest budget possible, and that would just not make any sort of sense. Because, in the end, the RFP process is usually all about the lowest bidder.
Afterwards, at home, I was browsing the internet and stumbled across this fantastic article from Andy Rutledge, “The Trouble With RFPs”.
In this article I’m going to touch on the inappropriate nature of using an RFP to attract a design agency. If you are someone responsible for engaging with design professionals, I hope you take this article to heart. As for your finding it useful, I don’t have to hope; it’s a certainty that this information will save you time, trouble, and probably thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
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Professional design service is not a commodity. Oh, design does exist as a commodity, at the proverbial bottom of the barrel. It is not my purpose here to disparage any agency, but the commodity design agencies are pretty much the only ones in the habit of answering RFPs. You’ll often find their campy ads in magazines, touting “business solutions.” These agencies are a dime a dozen …true commodities.
Read the entire article - http://www.andyrutledge.com/rfp-idiocy.php
