Before you get too far along planning for 2009, spend a few minutes snooping around the bargain basement.

The rocky economy this year has generated wave after wave of impact on the goods, services and costs associated with your supply chain operations.

How’s that?

Some of your vendors might come to the table with price proposals based on September or October costs, especially fuel prices.

The cost drivers have shifted gears, many experts say, but the new contracts Procurement pros are considering haven’t caught up.

In many cases, based on fuel costs alone, 2009 contracts should showcase lower figures.

Even if prices do begin rising again (as they will, eventually), this is a great time to lock in on lower prices for the upcoming year.

Tags: contracts, economy, fuel cost, goods, procurement, services