Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Reverse Auction?

A reverse auction is a procurement method designed to get you the best price from vendors. By using a reverse auction, multiple vendors have a chance to competitively bid in real time, resulting in reduced prices and more savings.

A reverse auction is the best way to get the lowest and best price from qualified vendors.

Much like a sealed bid, a reverse auction is an online sourcing event allowing vendors to bid competitively to win your business.

Unlike a sealed bid, vendors are allowed to change their price if they choose. This highly competitive process provides vendors an opportunity to get their foot in the door with new customers across the state, customers they otherwise would not be able to reach.

How do you choose the awarded vendor?

PH Bidding will run the entire reverse auction process on your behalf, but when it comes to the purchasing decision, we believe YOU as the buyer should make that decision based on YOUR needs.

PH Bidding does not make recommendations on awarding a vendor, that decision will only be made by you.

Are you on state contract?

We believe that our work should simplify your purchasing process; our services include writing the advertisement and the bid packet, as well as actively sourcing vendors and hosting reverse auctions.

These services are where we shine brightest, but due to state contract requirements, they are not allowed for any state-contracted vendor. Due to this requirement, we have chosen not to pursue state contract

How much control do I have?

A partnership with us is exactly that, a partnership.

We frequently tell our customers “You can be as involved as you want to be”, meaning if you would like to write the specifications or any other portion of the documents you are completely allowed to do so.

Or if you prefer a more hands-off approach, we can take over the entire process on your behalf and send you the results at the end.

Whichever route you choose, PH Bidding aims to make your procurement process as smooth as possible.