Replies

1. 
   EricPaulson | Aug 24, 2004 10:35pm | #1

   yeah...........stop SHOUTING and break up your writing with paragraphs.

   Sorry! Someone will be along shortly to help you. I am not quite sure what it is you want help with. The description you give does not quite translate into Project Manager imo.

   Eric

   Every once in a while, something goes right!
2. 
   RichColumbus | Aug 24, 2004 10:46pm | #2

   Yea.. please stop shouting...

   I believe what you are speaking of is similar to a purchasing agent... only on a contract basis.

   Contracting of specialized services is very common.  Small companies cannot afford the niceties of a large purchasing dept... human resources dept... payroll department.  So, businesses with specialized services are offering those services on a contract basis to allow the small guy the advantages that the big guys have.

   It takes a very high level of expertise to compete in the business of contract services.  the value needs to outweigh the cost.

   I have seen some references to purchasing agents that have become free-lance and offer "collective buying".  This concept makes a lot of sense... as te discounts afforded volume can be significant.

   Is there a market for a purchasing agent without "group buying"?  Probably.  The time expenditure is large.  The sales approach would be to emphasize the amount of time that is saved by contracting the service.  However, remember that you must be able to show value in the actual execution.

   Combine the time savings with discounts... more marketable, IMHO.

1. 
   Alexis | Aug 25, 2004 01:22am | #3

   Rich,

   Thanks for the reply. I do have some contractors inerested in the service, but i don't know how to put the plan together. I'm concerned about my liability. Do you have any websites or books you have come across that could help with my research?

1. 
   RichColumbus | Aug 25, 2004 01:41am | #4

   My prior experience is in the field of Outsourced Human Resources... so I am at a bit of a loss for resources for your particular business.  However, a search on the topic of "outsourcing" will most likely yield some good generic resources.  Be aware that there are current political discussions about "outsourcing" to foreign countries... this is NOT the same thing as outsourcing labor, purchasing, etc.

   Liability.  Every business has liability.  You should take all necessary precautions to protect yourself, your customer, and your vendors.  A good agent for business liability insurance is a good place to start.  You will also want to talk with that agent about any bonding requirements that may be required if you are working with other people's money, products, etc.

   A REALLY good resource is a govt program called SCORE.  The idea is to hook up people with ideas for businesses with experienced (many times retired) business professionals.  They will begin by helping you to develop a business plan... which is like a road-map to your business.  When you are seeking to determine the viability of a business... a business plan can help you to ask the right questions and look at the viable marketplace.  I highly recommend that you set an appointment with a SCORE office to review your plans.  It used to be free... and I think it still is... but even if you had to spend several thousands of dollars... it would be worth it.

3. 
   JeffBuck | Aug 25, 2004 01:59am | #5

   Personally ...

   I see absolutley no use to me. I can do just what you described with one phone call from my cell to my guy at the lumberyard.

   I could see this as a service to anyone that deals primarily with Lowes or Home Depot ... but commercials aside ... that's not where the pro's shop.

   I do stop in those stores for loose items ... but having someone else try to find what I need on those trips would never work.

   That .. and I see big problems when there is a misorder.

   No way Lowes or HD would ever be able to track orders with a different order and reciever name ... half the time they came find the right stuff with the guy who ordered and payed standing there right in front of them describing it.

   Good luck to ya ... maybe someone does need this service ...

   But i'd not quit the day job just yet.

   There's also the matter of the contractor losing the personal contact with the supplier ... personal contact is where the big discounts and extra special service come from ... You as the middle man can't get the driver on the horn and tell him to hurry himself up ... or that the curb side drop just became a door to door delivery.

   Like I said ... maybe others see it ... but I don't.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

        Artistry in Carpentry                

1. 
   DanT | Aug 27, 2004 03:45pm | #7

   I think Jeff hit the nail on the head.  That personal relationship is what gets you discount as well as the I need it fast service.  I do shop at Lowes in my area but even there knowing who to talk to is important.  Mainly because most of them that work there are dumb a$$es but you need to know who the 4 or 5 are that know something.  DanT

4. 
   acecan | Aug 27, 2004 07:34am | #6

   This does not sound like a good idea to me. Sounds like the job title wood be buying consultant.