Questions to Ask During Vendor Selection
Strategic questions to evaluate vendors, compare options, and select partners who deliver quality, reliability, and value for your business.
1Can you provide case studies or examples of similar projects?
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Can you provide case studies or examples of similar projects?
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Why this works
Past performance with comparable clients indicates capability and experience.
2What is your implementation timeline from contract to go-live?
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What is your implementation timeline from contract to go-live?
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Why this works
Realistic timelines prevent delays and allow proper project planning.
3What ongoing support and maintenance do you provide?
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What ongoing support and maintenance do you provide?
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Why this works
Post-implementation support quality affects long-term success and satisfaction.
4How do you handle scope changes or additional requirements?
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How do you handle scope changes or additional requirements?
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Why this works
Flexibility and change management processes prevent project derailment.
5What are your payment terms and pricing structure?
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What are your payment terms and pricing structure?
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Why this works
Understanding costs, payment schedules, and hidden fees protects budget.
6Who will be our primary point of contact?
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Who will be our primary point of contact?
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Why this works
Consistent communication with knowledgeable contact improves partnership.
7What is your average client retention rate?
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What is your average client retention rate?
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Why this works
High retention suggests satisfied customers and quality service.
8Can you provide references we can contact?
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Can you provide references we can contact?
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Why this works
Direct feedback from current clients reveals real experience.
9What happens if we're not satisfied with deliverables?
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What happens if we're not satisfied with deliverables?
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Why this works
Remediation processes and guarantees protect your investment.
10How do you ensure data security and privacy?
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How do you ensure data security and privacy?
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Why this works
Critical for protecting sensitive business and customer information.
11What certifications, licenses, or insurance do you carry?
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What certifications, licenses, or insurance do you carry?
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Why this works
Proper credentials and coverage protect both parties legally.
12How do you measure success for projects like ours?
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How do you measure success for projects like ours?
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Why this works
Aligned success metrics ensure you're working toward same goals.
13What is your capacity, and how many clients are you currently serving?
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What is your capacity, and how many clients are you currently serving?
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Why this works
Overextended vendors can't provide adequate attention or quality.
14How do you handle staff turnover or changes to our account team?
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How do you handle staff turnover or changes to our account team?
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Why this works
Continuity matters; frequent changes disrupt relationships and progress.
15What differentiates you from your competitors?
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What differentiates you from your competitors?
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Why this works
Understanding unique value proposition aids comparison and decision-making.
16Can you customize your solution to our specific needs?
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Can you customize your solution to our specific needs?
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Why this works
Flexibility to adapt to your requirements versus forcing you into their box.
17What training or onboarding do you provide?
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What training or onboarding do you provide?
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Why this works
Proper training ensures your team can effectively use the product or service.
18How do you stay current with industry trends and technology?
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How do you stay current with industry trends and technology?
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Why this works
Forward-thinking vendors provide long-term value through innovation.
19What are the contract terms, and how can it be terminated?
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What are the contract terms, and how can it be terminated?
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Why this works
Exit clauses and obligations protect you if relationship doesn't work out.
20Can you provide detailed project documentation and reporting?
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Can you provide detailed project documentation and reporting?
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Why this works
Transparency through documentation enables tracking and accountability.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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