Most inexperienced, small suppliers are so eager to supply that they hardly pay attention to the words ‘payment terms’. Yet the timing between cash outflows (as a business extends its service or sells a product) and inflows (as it receives payment for the said service or product) is the single most important factor in […]
Supplier cash flow vs Corporate promises Read More »
Research in the Courier and Express Parcel (CEP) industry shows that brands choosing a delivery partner consider reliability, efficiency and accuracy of data before cost. “You get what you pay for.” South African businesses seeking CEP partners are familiar with this maxim, according to a benchmark research report prepared by independent research specialists TerraNova.
Value for Money trumps low cost when assessing logistics partners Read More »
Although very basic when compared with the multi-functional devices (MFDs) sold today, many of the same sales techniques are still used to trap unwary photocopy machine procurers, says Alan Low of Purchasing Index (PI), who ran a London office equipment company in a past life. “It is recognised as an industry where the size
Multi Functional Devices – Why benchmark the procurement – running costs? Read More »
Gaps – or business opportunities – challenge what businesses offer the market and how they offer their goods or services. With more and more “me too” SMEs trying to find points of differentiation in various industries, incubators need to assist the entrepreneurs with which they partner to identify “real gaps” in the supply chains
Teach SMEs to spot the gap for growth opportunities Read More »
Considering that companies allocate an estimated three to five per cent of their total expenditure on printed materials, it is logical that print management solutions are implemented to streamline print procurement. However, there is still some misunderstanding as to what print management is, resulting in many companies not utilising it and hence not benefitting from
Do not confuse print management with print brokering Read More »
Securing space and loyalty in the hearts and minds of clients remains a formidable task for most small businesses. With rivalry in sectors intensifying, developing and maintaining positive client relationships is critical for SMEs to survive and, ultimately, thrive in the formal economy. However, considering that many entrepreneurs have not been formally exposed to
Help SMEs to move beyond marketing roadmaps and convert these into sales pipelines Read More »
“All involved in procurement will benefit from meeting with us to talk cost savings, improved print and production quality and better use of resources,” head of sales and marketing at Point, Christian Bell, told SmartProcurement. “Readers should touch base with us at our stand at next week’s Smart Procurement World.” “We have a host of
Marketing materials procurement specialist to talk about cost savings next week Read More »
In a bid to give hope to thousands of young people, Absa has partnered with the City of Tshwane (CoT) in a Youth Development Programme called “Tshepo 10 000”, Sisa Ntshona, Absa Head of Enterprise Development tells SmartProcurement. Tshepo is a Sesotho name that means hope. The project will deliver skills programmes that balance
Skills programme initiative brings hope to 10 000 youth Read More »
With over 12-million South Africans directly relying on them for their livelihood, enterprises play a vital role in the economy and their importance as an engine to drive economic growth, in turn leading to employment creation, must be recognised, says Sisa Ntshona, Head of Absa Enterprise Development, Business Banking Africa, in this month’s SmartProcurement.
SA’s enterprise potential: new book launched by Absa Read More »
As a procurement specialist you are expected to find products and services for your business at an acceptable price that meets the business need. However, when it comes to managing the print procurement process it is essential to consider a number of factors in addition to pricing, Christian Bell, Head of Sales and Marketing
Managing print helps you achieve your procurement mandate Read More »
