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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is XLTOOLBOX.COM?
XLTOOLBOX.COM
is a broad based construction community of Owner/End Users; Government Contracting Agencies; Developers; Lead Architectural/Engineering Firms; Specialty A/E Design Firms; Other (non-design) Professional Services; Construction Managers; General Contractors; Specialty Contractors / Subcontractors; Material Suppliers; and Construction Tools/Equipment Suppliers.
By harnessing the power of the Internet coupled with sophisticated database technology, XLTOOLBOX.COM
matches ideal construction Buyers (potential Customers) with ideal providers. The key to satisfying both parties is the quality of the matches not just the quantity. Many participants are on both sides of the
buyer/provider equation.
What is a Perfect Project Match?
Providers describe their company and their ideal project profile. Depending
on their Role, some or all of the following may be applicable:
Project Location: Select all the counties you want to cover.
Project Classification: Select the types of projects you want (i.e. Office, 1 – 2 Story).
Project Size ($) Range: Select the dollar size of the projects you want.
Funding/Labor:
Select Union Projects, Non-Union Projects or Both
Specialty Contractor: Select the types of work you want (i.e. 05120 Structural Steel Erection)
Suppliers:
Define the specific product categories you supply (i.e. 08111 Steel Doors)
Disadvantaged/Minority Status: SDB, DBE, MBE, WBE (if applicable)
Buyers and Estimators provide detailed information about their projects,
including the above selection parameters. Buyers and Providers are matched when all criteria are met.
What are the advantages of a "Perfect Project Match"?
For the Buyer, working with perfectly matched Providers assures; a)
lower costs; b) better products and services; c) smoother execution with fewer problems; d) simplified estimating & pricing, and; e) fast, efficient, low cost procurement.
For the Provider focusing on
perfectly matched opportunities assures; a) higher success rates; b) fewer unprofitable or "problem" projects; c) best use of sales/estimating resources; d) an expanded market, and; e) lower sales and marketing expenses.
What is the difference between XLTOOLBOX and a construction news service or Plan Room?
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XLToolBox
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News Service
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Plan Room
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Perfect Project Match (Buyer/Provider)
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Gets you on "invitation only" bid lists
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Notified of Private/Confidential and other "sleeper" projects
before it's too late
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Get detailed RFP, view/obtain plans and respond to sender from your
home/office, all in 5 minutes
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Option to password restrict plan access for "invitation only"
projects
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Send unlimited FREE RFP's to Perfect Providers
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Also send RFP's to your existing vendor list
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YES
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NO
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NO
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Pay ONLY for Compatible Project Matches
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YES
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NO
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NO
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All for a fraction of the cost of most news service subscriptions or plan room fees
What are the advantages of XLTOOLBOX.COM over various directory listings?
Directory listings don't provide enough information for Buyers to make informed selections.
Directories tell Buyers where Providers are located but not what territory they cover. Directories pigeonhole Providers into broad one and two word categories. For example, a
company listed as a "Carpentry Contractor" doesn't reveal if they do rough carpentry, heavy timberwork, finish carpentry, architectural woodwork or all of the above. Not many production
framers can also build fine custom cabinets. XL
TOOLBOX also matches Buyers and Providers by Territory Covered, Project Classification, Project Size, Funding/Labor (Union/Non-Union) and (very specific) CSI Specialty Contractor Trade and Supplier
Subdivisions. Providers pay for most directory listings whether they bring in useful leads or not. With XLTOOLBOX you never pay a dime unless and until we deliver a "perfect 10". XLTOOLBOX
doesn't just provide a "tip". We provide a personal invitation from a Buyer who is ready to buy NOW.
What does XLTOOLBOX offer Buyers and Estimators?
In addition to the advantages of a "Perfect Project Match" (above), we save buyers and
estimators an enormous amount of time and money. We automate the entire process of RFP generation, Provider selection, Provider notification, document dissemination, Recipient
response & tracking, addendum/follow-up transmittal and bid scope management. For Example: A General Contractor is bidding a major commercial project. The Estimator can
generate a detailed RFP and send it to 100 or more perfectly matched Suppliers and Subcontractors in under 10 minutes absolutely FREE.
When will I get my first RFP? How many RFPs can I expect to receive on average?
In both cases, it depends. If you offer a very specialized product or service you'll wait longer
and receive fewer RFPs than a more commonly used type of business. Season and state of the economy will also influence timing and frequency.
Who will have access to membership information? Will I receive unwanted solicitations from other members?
The information you share with us is confidential. Contact between members is limited to the
exchange of information regarding specific projects. XLTOOLBOX.COM will not provide any information on our membership to outsiders.
I've used the same subcontractors and suppliers for years. Can I continue these relationships with XLTOOLBOX.COM?
Yes. We can send an RFP to a designated non-member or you can refer them to us for free
membership. Enlist current associates now to insure that you can reach them later. With each referral you earn $10.00. We'll send you a check (quarterly) or match the amount and donate the total to charity.
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