Reverse,Auctions,Tips,for,Post DIY Reverse Auctions - Tips for Posting Successful Projects

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Reverse auction websites allow you to post a description of somethingyou need to have done and receive multiple bids on it. The projectcan be any service you need, or even any item you want to buy. Forthe purposes of this article, we'll only deal with reverse auction ofservices. You can apply similar thinking to posting an item you wantto buy through reverse auction.To post a project, you will need to sign up with a reverse auctionsite, and describe what you want done. Potential suppliers bid on theproject, normally in an open environment where they can see eachothers' bids. You then select the winning supplier based on what'simportant to you: supplier rating, price, licensing, insurance,bonding etc. You and the supplier contract for the work through thewebsite, and then execute the project based on that contract: Thesupplier performs the work, you pay according to terms establishedduring the contracting phase. At the end, you each rate the other ontheir performance: Was the supplier competent, timely, tidy etc.? Herates you on whether you were clear in your description of theproject, paid on time, didn't change the scope (or adjusted thecontract if the scope needed to be changed) etc.The website's function is to act as a marketplace, but not as anarbitrator. So if there were actually a problem between the parties,you would want to sort it out in a normal business or legal process.This thought brings up the question of how to avoid misunderstandingsso that everyone is satisfied at the end. A few tips:Take time to think through what you want done. Describe it veryclearly and simply in your posting.Include dimensions (length, height, area).Specify quality of materials. Quoting X brand, XX quality -- 'orequivalent/better' is useful.Include a package of photos and/or drawings if appropriate. Mostreverse auction websites allow you to attach several files. If youhave many files, you can zip them into bundles to upload.Don't include your contact information, website or other way totrace down who you are. If you do, two things happen:You become subject to pressure from suppliers who can contact youand try to get you to sign up with them before you see the range ofsuppliers and bids available;The website will probably remove your posting because it violatestheir policies.When you have a draft of your posting, go through it as though youwere a supplier trying to bid on it. Ask yourself questions like:How much material will this project need (i.e. Are the dimensionssufficient for the supplier to calculate his materials).Can I use substitute materials? (e.g. Can I substitute an aluminumgate for the steel one specified?)How much labor will this project need (i.e. Is the descriptionclear -- do you illustrate where initial preparatory work might beneeded, e.g. digging foundations or reinforcing a wall, forexample, before attaching a gate to it).Where is the project? (A zip code can specify the location closelyenough for most estimators, but won't give away your exactlocation.)When does the project have to be completed after bidding is closed?Is timing a critical factor?Do the dimensions of the project put it in the realm of thedifficult to complete as specified? Example: If I want that gate toclose a 20 foot wide driveway, making a single panel gate wouldprobably be very difficult and therefore much more expensive. Doyou clarify where the supplier can modify the approach withoutharming the project? e.g. The gate can be in two sections.What sort of warranty are you expecting on labor and materials? Howabout insurance, licensing, bonding -- are your expectations clear?Are there any specific suppliers you would like to have bid on theproject? If so, include them in the invitation list that isnormally available on the reverse auction website. The website willgenerally send out a sufficient number of invitations to allow youto have a good selection of suppliers to choose from.Is there any way the supplier can figure out where exactly theproject is located, so he can go there and talk to you? If so,change that part of the description, or you may have a ton ofsuppliers each trying to pressure you into signing a contract withthem.Taking the time to clearly specify the work required, and reviewingyour project from the supplier's point of view will make for a muchmore successful outcome. Remember, when you accept a bid, it isbinding as a contract between you and the supplier, so you want it tobe really clear as to what is required, what it will cost, when itmust be completed etc. Try posting your next project: You may find itan enjoyable and successful experience. Article Tags: Reverse Auction