Electronic tenders appeared in Ukraine relatively recently, but thanks to a large number of advantages they have already gained many followers. One of their main features is the purchase and sale of goods, services and works on electronic trading platforms. And if commercial customers and suppliers have alternatives, government customers can only organize tenders in electronic form through the Prozorro system.
Sooner or later, all progressive companies are faced with the need to automate the main business processes. Electronic bidding allows you to save a significant amount of resources and time, which has a positive effect on the dynamics of enterprise development. Moreover, by rejecting the promising e-procurement direction, companies are depriving themselves of the opportunity to participate in public tenders.
A large number of enterprises have certain concerns about participation in electronic trading. One of the functions of the SmartTender electronic platform is to dispel all myths that consistently pursue the concept of electronic procurement.

Myth #1. It requires a lot of time and resources

Registration on the platform takes no more than 15 minutes. If necessary, the manager will advise you on all registration points and help you complete it. All that is needed is user data and copies of constituent documents. That way you don’t waste either time or resources.

Myth #2. Documentation is very difficult to draw up

If we are talking about public procurement, then everything that concerns documentation is regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On public procurement”. Familiarization with it guarantees the absence of errors.
The supplier simply needs to carefully examine the tender documentation drawn up by the customer and submit the proposal exactly in accordance with it. All necessary references need to be collected in advance. Then there will be no questions or misunderstandings.
SmartTender also performs a learning function. In addition to having standard instructions and consulting services, the platform often conducts training webinars that reveal the most pressing issues that arise among users. Such events are useful both for beginners and experienced ones, as they deal with issues of updating the platform functionality, legislative changes and new trends in the trade sphere.

Myth #3. There may be problems with payment

Timely payment is important for the customer no less than for the supplier, because otherwise he or she simply will not receive goods. The terms of payment are stipulated in the contract concluded between the parties. If they are violated, the supplier has the right to contact the Anti-Monopoly Committee for help in resolving the problem.
Customers working for SmartTender are reliable companies of various fields of activity, interested in successful tenders. In addition, you can always use analytics tools and study the previous activities of any supplier you are interested in.

Myth #4. Constant monitoring and separate department are required for tenders

The main provisions of procurement are available to any user, so there is no need in the whole department. Similarly, you do not need to constantly monitor the tender environment – SmartTender offers to set up a thematic subscription, and all tenders of interest will be sent to your email. The notification system will not let you miss important tenders.

Myth #5. There is no control over customer violations

If suppliers do find a violation in the tender documentation, for example, excessive or impossible requirements, they have the right to request their modification or removal. In case of refusal, it is necessary to turn to the AMCU. If the charges are considered fair, the bidding is declared void.
Practice shows that decisions in favor of suppliers are made quite often, so do not be afraid to file complaints if this is necessary.

Myth #6. Territorial restrictions

Participation in electronic trading does not imply restrictions on the location of counterparties. The contract can be concluded between representatives of different regions and it will not be an obstacle. The only thing that suppliers need to think about in advance is logistics.

Myth #7. The competition of small companies with large ones is useless

This myth is immediately disproved by the fact that small businesses usually offer the best price, which is one of the key criteria for the final choice. The bidding procedure is open and transparent, each participant can follow its progress and analyze the result.
So, there is always a refutation for any legend. Do not let vain fears lead you away from the profitable and progressive direction of electronic trading.