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The
BIDS Business Model | How a BIDS Franchise Works
| Getting Started | Who Should
be Interested?
Download:
Franchise Information Brochure
Franchise Application Form
The BIDS Business Model
BIDS derives its revenue through subscriber fees. The service to
buyers is generally provided at no cost. All of the information
processing and distribution is done by the head office computer
system. Local franchisees establish relationships with buyers, sell
subscriptions, and act as distribution points for some products.
The BIDS system allows franchisees to enter subscribers' information
directly into the database. Once in the system, the subscriber automatically
receives the desired tenders and related information, as they become
available.
BIDS is able to adapt to the needs of specific buyers. Buyers may
specify that tenders be sent to individual vendors, regardless of
their status as BIDS subscribers. Franchisees provide the vehicle
to offer customized, local service, while taking advantage of the
economies of scale of a central database.
Benefits of the BIDS Business Model:
- The
market likes the "pro-active" tender distribution service.
-
BIDS has an established base of buyers, providing a rich database
of daily tendering opportunities.
- BIDS
has an established base of vendors, providing an active bidding
environment for buyers.
- BIDS
offers solutions that are tailored to the needs of the individual
buying organization.
- BIDS
has myriad opportunities for sector specialization. Those already
in the system include: provincial governments, municipalities,
petrochemical industry, educational institutions and hospitals.
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How a BIDS Franchise Works
As a BIDS franchisee, you own and run your own business. Following
the BIDS formula, the franchisee utilizes a combination of direct
mail, telemarketing, public relations and advertising to market
the service to subscribers and to buyers.
BIDS/Alert is delivered from the Tendering Publications Ltd. (TPL)
central system by email or fax. Emails are sent directly to the
customer. Fax files are sent to the franchisee, who in turn redirects
each fax to the customer each night (to save long distance charges).
This process is fully automated. Magazines by email are sent directly
to the customer. The magazine file is also sent twice a week to
the franchisee who may print it for some customers.
A BIDS office should be manned initially by at least one full and
one part-time person. As volume and activity grow, more people may
be required.
BIDS can operate as a stand-alone business, or in some cases may
share office space, equipment and staff with another business.
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Getting Started
You should be prepared to invest $15, 000 - $20,000. Cash flow will
depend on the speed at which local subscribers come on board.
BIDS offers full training on all its systems as well as on marketing
and accounting. You will be required to come to Fredericton for
training. BIDS personnel will visit the franchisee's location at
time of the business launch.
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Who
Should be Interested?
If you're interested in running your own business, that's a start.
If you have a business that you're looking to diversify, that also
can work.
If you are involved with potential buyers, such as petrochemical
companies, hospitals, provincial, state or large municipal governments
or major corporations, this could be a nice kick-start to getting
your business going.
You don't have to be a computer whiz kid. We have the computer systems
already in place, and we will train you how to use them. You should
be comfortable dealing with customers, and thrive on the challenge
of building your own business.
Location is not important. With the Internet, it's as easy to communicate
over thousands of miles as it is over just a few. We are interested
in expanding into prime US and Canadian centers. Inquiries are also
welcome from other parts of the world.
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