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Thread: Charging for a tender?

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    Diamond Member Mike C's Avatar
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    Charging for a tender?

    Came across this tender document today from Ethekwini Water and Sanitation. Notice the "Non Refundable Tender Charge" of R1000 at the top right hand corner.

    Is this even legal?

    Tender Cover Page.pdf
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    It's normal.

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    Diamond Member wynn's Avatar
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    Yes it is normal practice that you buy the tender documents and the fee is non refundable whether you are or not successful with your tender.
    There is normally a clause that if you return the documents in good condition before the closing date of the tender you will be refunded, but this is not always the case.
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    Moderator IanF's Avatar
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    I just would like equal treatment. So if they don't accept your tender and it is reasonable they refund you for time spent.
    I heard from a customer that some ad agencies charge to do a pitch as they go all out, but haven't confirmed that. Anyone else hear about that.
    Last edited by IanF; 29-Nov-12 at 02:53 PM. Reason: spelling
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    Diamond Member Mike C's Avatar
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    Thanks for the response guys. I really didn't know that it was the norm.

    But in any case, is R1000 for the photocopying or printing of the documents that run at about what - 50 pages? - not rather excessive!
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    They charge to stop any one not really interested in requesting documents.
    The higher the tender expected cost, the higher the cost to obtain.
    R20K was paid for documents last year, and never got the tender. Fortunately I did not foot the bill, and was participating in the IT side. There were about 32 bidders, so nice little sum for the tender department, never mind that it took about a month to put the tender together, and all at our own cost.

    My feeling is that they should pay to do the tender, as a large amount of technical know how is required to put these tenders together, and are usually put together by well qualified personnel. After all if you make a mistake on the costing, it can take your company out, as it is a legal document.
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