Getting onto a suppliers list
1. Offer a unique service
Remember, there are so many companies offering a similar service you have to find a way to provide an incentive for a company to make use of your services.
The way around this is to take a long hard look at your competition and offer something they don’t, such as faster turn around times, brilliant service or very competitive rates.
2. Piggybacking
Often an established transport company may not be able to meet their contractual commitments because of unforeseen circumstances. Offer to pick-up any overflow and sub-contract the delivery. It’s often last minute business but creates a good opportunity to prove yourself as a reliable supplier.
3. Getting contracts from mining groups
If you fit into the historically disadvantaged South African profile, large mining houses support smaller vendors in outsourcing various contracts. For example, Anglo Platinum is committed to support and develop black economic empowerment (BEE) suppliers in South Africa.
It does so by supporting HDSA vendors in line with mining charter requirements. In other words, if you run a transport company and meet their qualifying criteria; Anglo Platinum may award a contract to your transport business.
Most large mining houses are committed to awarding tenders to vendors that are ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible as long as the vendors comply with their business principles and code of ethics.
To find out more contact the procurement departments who implement vendor social procurement programmes:
- Anglo Platinum
- Anglo Gold Ashanti
- Sasol Small-Business Development Division
These just a few of the many corporates that you can contact.
4. Sub contracting
One way for smaller operators to secure contracts is through sub-contracting. Sub-contracting occurs when a transporter contracts to a third party because they do not have the capacity to carry out the contract. The contractor subcontracts to a transport company who does not have the capacity to carry out the contract.
5. Bidding for tenders
A tender is an offer to do a particular job or supply particular goods or services at a particular price. To bid for the tender a business has an opportunity to put forward their services at their price to the organisation that has put out the tender. Many companies secure a good deal of work this way.
To be eligible to tender for a contract
- The business must have a good banking and credit record
- Be a registered business
- A record of delivering on time
- Be registered with the South African Revenue Services
- Make sure your tax is up to date
Finding Tenders
You can subscribe to Tenders South Africa who, on a daily basis, our extensive research network across South Africa tracks tenders and business leads from newspapers, gazettes, websites, tender bulletins, private companies, and public sector organisations.
- The Bulletin is available online edition on the Dti’s site, or the SA Government Online site.
- You can also subscribe by post to the Government Tender Bulletin for R34.20 per year, by contacting the Government Printer.
- Seda have a dedicated page that features tenders that are available countrywide.