How and When to Write an RFP

The process begins when more than one person in a catalog company starts to notice inefficiencies in product ordering, heavy call center loads, fulfillment problems or just a level of dissatisfaction with customer service.

From there, staffers gather to outline what requirements they need and want in a replacement system or product. This process, writing the RFP, typically takes four to six months. And it’s laborious, says Jim Padgitt of Direct Marketing Insights. He doesn’t recommend using RFPs unless necessary.