Goods procurement is an integral part of the job, and you’ve developed a good handle on it. But what about services procurement? That’s a horse of a different color.

When selecting a services provider, you don’t have samples to compare or test. The process becomes much more subjective.

Part of this process is identifying the key player with the services provider, and securing some face time.

Then, there are specific questions you can ask about the services provider and its management which should give you a clearer picture of whether this is a good match for you.

1. What are the service supplier’s qualifications? Sometimes overlooked, this information can help you make a more objective decision.

2. How long has the key person you’ll be dealing with been employed by the services provider? You might even ask to see his or her resume. If the person hasn’t been on board long or appears to job hop at like intervals, this is a matter of concern and worth addressing directly as part of the interview process.

3. What other assignments or projects is your key contact assigned to? You’ll want to know if you’re going to need to compete for his or her time.

4. What if … One of those other projects suddenly takes a higher priority rating than yours? How will the services provider react or compensate?

5. Suppose your key contact with the services provider leaves the company, or even is unexpectedly out of the office for an extended period of time? What are the back-up plans? Does the services provider have anyone else capable of filling the empty shoes, or will you be stuck in waiting mode?

6. If there is a designated back-up, how does that employee’s qualifications compare with the person you originally signed on with? Is there going to be a learning curve? What if the person turns out to not be qualified?

Tags: interview, procurement, services