What makes Provident different than other consultants?
Along with the proven process, technology and data analysis Provident offers, we also have sourcing experts who have “lived in your shoes”. We have held many different positions in the purchasing area and worked with R&D, Graphics, Logistics departments, etc. We do not just come in and recommend the lowest price and walk away. Provident will get to know your business and what is involved in your purchasing process from start to finish. Then, we will make our best recommendations, but the ultimate decision is always up to you. Learn more about our staff.
Our purchasing department is at capacity right now, how will we be able to run sourcing events?
We know you wear multiple hats and there are always other projects going on (inventory management, graphics changes, new product launches, etc.). Provident gives you the benefit of providing resources to do most of the work for the sourcing events, while you are able to stay in the loop, but still work on all your other projects. We try to be minimally evasive and only require more of your time in the beginning of the event(s) when we are learning about your business and at the end when it comes time for you to make the decisions. See our “Internal Comparison” Chart.
Do I have to change my current supplier(s)?
No. Again, the ultimate award decision is up to you. Provident does not have any ties to suppliers and we always conduct our sourcing events with a fair, level playing field. All suppliers have an equal opportunity to submit proposals and gain your business (including all of your incumbents).
Is it just about price? Do you just run “e-bids”/auctions?
NO. As you know, there are many other factors that should effect a supply decision other than price. Rarely in our events is the lowest price supplier awarded business. Provident gathers as much non-price information about the suppliers as possible and in turn, we have the suppliers learn more about your business so the ultimate award decision is a benefit to both sides and all parties know what it takes for the relationship to work.
What if you do not find any savings?
Since our start in 1994, we have yet to run a project where we did not find any savings or benefit to our client. If that does occur, Provident will not take any fees. This gives you zero risk of working with us. Click here to read some of our testimonials.
We recently sourced these categories and achieved some savings, how can you achieve more?
Along with everything mentioned above (expertise, experience, process, etc.), we also gain the interest of many suppliers. While you may source your categories once a year or once every few years, we are sourcing these categories for all of our clients year-round. Suppliers like participating in our events because they know they have a fair chance, they will always get full, honest feedback and they will get many opportunities throughout the year to participate in more events.