GPI 091 – Never work with other bidders to block another competitor in the marketplace.

Do not work with other bidders or competitors behind the scenes to block another vendor during a quotation invitation.  You should not work in any way with your competitors to thwart the efforts of another when bidding for jobs or projects.  In the eyes of the potential customer, your firm stands alone and is judged upon its own merits and not against the perceived flaws of another firm.  You want to be measured by your strengths and not by your competitors’ weaknesses.  If asked, do not participate.

Stand by yourself in the bidding process; be judged on your own merits.  You must stand by yourself and want to know you are judged by your own efforts.  If you do work behind the scenes with another company in order to block another company and it is discovered later by your customer, you may be blocked forever from doing business with them.  How can you be trusted?

Do not tarnish your reputation; fire your employees who cross this line.  Some companies that discover this terminate their sales representative involved before they allow any more business to proceed.  Your firm does not need this blackened eye in the marketplace.  Your competitors will use it for many years.  You also risk tarnishing your reputation with existing customers, something far more costly than winning or losing a bid.

Spend your marketing money wisely in the marketplace.  Your firm does not have money to waste nor the time to try to stop another bid.  There are too many jobs in the market place for you to pursue and more importantly, you demonstrate good work ethics for your employees to follow when you bid honorably while pursuing new work.  You are setting the example for then so do so without any remorse.  Set the example for them.  Everyone will want to work for you.

Remember not to forget the good example you establish for your employees.  Your good efforts will pay off when you outperform others consistently and honorably.  If your firm does not set a good example, what are you telling your employees?  Eliminate this probability and focus your energies on getting more business.