• by January 11, 2008

I do not work for a company that fits the profile of those solicited to answer the RFP cited in this essay. In fact, I work for an agency and I am sick and tired of clients and potential ones flinging these out to too many competing groups without much thought or consideration.

Many times, management knows whom they will ultimately select. The proposal process is simply a way to comply with corporate guidelines or whimsy. Sometimes, there is no projected vendor change, but the management wants to renegotiate prices.

When any firm completes a proposal, it is very costly in terms of time, money and other resources. More often than not, ideas are presented that can be utilized without compensation.

Anytime an RFP is released, those who are asked to bid are entitled to know how many others are competing and who they are. Then they can make an informed decision about whether or not they wish to participate. For other aspects of business, and our lives, we weigh factors to determine actions. Why should we be forced to make a decision like this in the dark?

There are companies who, after choosing a company based on their proposal or presentation, do not even have the courtesy to contact those who were not selected.

To send out an RFP to twelve companies is unfair. It speaks to the fact that maybe a company will be selected. But a great deal of free creative has been made available by hardworking people tempted by the prospect of more business.