E-Quote

However, we also know that, in a sector where budgets are being squeezed whilst headteachers strive to raise standards, price is often a key concern for buyers.

With this in mind, SCEMES has brought you E-Quote a secure online service that allows school buyers to request a range of price quotes for the products and services that they need.

E-Quote is a free service to all educational users and allows schools to check suppliers’ prices and availability without disclosing their details or committing themselves to place an order.

Buyers simply type a request for the product or service they desire, and we’ll contact all our suppliers on their behalf, giving them the opportunity to quote for the work required. Alternatively, buyers can post the details of any low value contracts or tenders onto E-Quote, allowing companies to contact them directly.

School purchasers are then able to make quick and informed decisions about the suppliers they use, based on the information provided.

According to the government’s procurement guidelines, it is standard procedure for school buyers to undergo a quote process for all low value contracts.

The number of quotes schools need is set by their Local Authority via Contract Regulations, but it is standard practice for purchases valued between £2000 and £10,000 to seek out three formal quotes, and those below £2000 to secure two quotes in writing. Very low value purchases (typically under £500-£1,000) may only need verbal quotes, but for peace of mind it is often advisable to gather a range of written quotations for these smaller transactions too.

E-Quote makes the procurement process as straightforward as it can be, by allowing purchasers to approach a range of suppliers in one easy step. Schools are expected to demonstrate that they have followed best value principles in their expenditure, and with E-Quote, it is only too easy to do that.

SCEMES has recently re-launched its online services to make them more easily accessible to educational users, and the E-Quote facility is now quicker and easier to use than ever before. We hope that it helps bring schools and businesses together, saving bursars and school business managers valuable time and money.

What are the benefits of using E-Quote?

• E-Quote is a free service to all educational users
• In one simple step, E-Quote allows schools to request a range of quotes for any product or service that they require
• Schools are under no obligation to enter into a contract with any of the suppliers quoting for their custom.
• Schools do not need to disclose their details when requesting quotes.
• Schools can post the details of low-value products and tenders on E-Quote.
• E-Quote allows schools to provide clear evidence that they are following best value principles in their expenditure
• E-Quote can help you source products that are unusual or difficult to find.
• Following the re-launch of SCEMES’ online services, E-Quote is now quicker and easier to use than ever before.