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Vendor DO's and DON'Ts

  • DO make an appointment with the Purchasing staff buyer responsible for your commodity. Click here to determine which buyer best suits your needs, otherwise contact the Purchasing department.
  • DO be prepared to discuss how your company can work with IPFW. Identify a niche or unique good or service that you can provide.
  • DO be persistent but patient. You may need to make several contacts and respond to several RFQ's before finally winning an order. We have many capable, valued suppliers. We are always cautious when working with new suppliers to be sure that they can meet our needs.
  • DO follow up with the responsible Purchasing staff member if you don't receive an order to find out why.
  • DO work with YOUR SUPPLIERS. If price is the issue, you cannot be competitive unless you receive the most competitive pricing from your suppliers.
  • DON'T expect to receive an RFQ or an order the first time you meet with a Purchasing staff member or department.
  • DON'T expect to receive an order just because you sent a response to an RFQ.
  • DON'T accept orders from IPFW staff without a purchase order or Purdue University MasterCard.
  • DON'T leave samples or items on trial with a department without approval by Purchasing staff. IPFW is not responsible for items left by suppliers without Purchasing authorization.
  • DON'T make promises that your company cannot meet. Honest and open communication is necessary for IPFW and your firm to benefit.
  • DON'T give or offer gifts to IPFW staff members unless the gift is of minimal value such as a pen or calendar.