Tenders for work platforms: Between wish and reality

In many areas - from construction to the maintenance of public infrastructure to event management - tenders are a common tool for carrying out projects transparently and efficiently. Not only large orders such as the construction of buildings or the organization of city festivals are put out to tender, but also specific requirements, which often include the rental of work platforms.

But although at first glance work platform tenders offer a practical solution for temporary access to heights, it is worth taking a critical look behind the scenes. How exactly does the tendering process work and why do companies and public institutions choose it? In this article, we will not only look at the advantages, but also the disadvantages that can be associated with such tenders.

What is the tendering procedure?

The tendering procedure or award procedure is a structured process in which companies and authorities publicly announce their need for products or services. Potential suppliers or service providers are invited to submit offers. This is done in the hope of finding the best solution at a competitive price. In the case of aerial work platforms in particular, this procedure allows a detailed description of the requirements, such as the required height, the duration of use and the special conditions of the site, in order to receive tailor-made offers.

Why companies and authorities conduct tenders

There are many reasons why companies and public authorities use tenders. The main goal is to ensure transparency and fairness in the procurement process. For public bodies, the tendering process is often required by law to ensure objective and efficient use of public funds. Companies, on the other hand, use tenders to find the optimal combination of quality, cost and performance. This approach strengthens fair competition, reduces the risk of favoritism and ensures that the best offer is selected from a wide range of offers.

These are the advantages and disadvantages of work platform tenders

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of tenders? Before we address this question, it is important to look at both sides of the coin.

Advantages

• By comparing several offers, clients can often achieve better prices.
• Open competition ensures fair and transparent awarding of contracts.
• Access to a wide range of suppliers and products, increasing the likelihood of finding exactly the right work platform.

Disadvantages

• The process can be lengthy, from preparing the tender documents, describing the type and scope of the service, to selecting the provider.
• The process can be complicated and resource-intensive for some companies.
• Despite detailed specifications, the quality of services may vary between different providers.
• Once awarded, contracts often offer little scope for adjustments or changes, which can be disadvantageous in dynamic project environments.
• Choosing based on the lowest bid may result in compromises in quality and safety.
• The detailed preparation of offers requires considerable time and resources
• The process from tendering to contract award can be lengthy, leading to delays in urgent projects.
• Incomplete or unclear tender documents can lead to misunderstandings that affect project implementation.

Conclusion: Work platforms and tenders

While tendering undoubtedly promotes transparency and competition, it also brings challenges, particularly in terms of the time required and the complexity of the process. These factors can disadvantage individual suppliers and limit the flexibility needed to adapt quickly to customer needs or project changes.

Our recommendation to companies and authorities requiring aerial work platforms is to consider direct negotiations with aerial work platform rental companies in addition to the formal tendering process. This allows for a faster response to changing requirements and can often result in tailored solutions that are both cost-effective and high quality. In addition, we recommend carefully reviewing the tender criteria to ensure that not only the lowest price but also the best quality and service are considered.

Finally, it is in our interest to work closely with our clients to find the best solution for their needs. We believe that open communication and flexibility lead to the best results that meet both project requirements and the benefits of long-term partnerships.

If you are in the preparation phase of a work platform tender and would like to make an informed decision, we warmly invite you to contact us. As experienced experts in the field of work platform rental, we not only offer you comprehensive insight into the tender process, but also support you in finding a tailor-made solution that is precisely tailored to the requirements of your project.