Frequently asked
The questions institutions, suppliers and associations ask us most. If yours is not here, send it over. We answer within two working days.
Cost and commitment
Is my institution obliged to buy?
No. Framework agreements are non-binding on buyers. Your institution chooses if, when and how much to order. Participation in each agreement is entirely voluntary.
What does it cost buyers?
Nothing. The platform is funded through supplier subscriptions, so institutions access negotiated prices at no cost.
Suppliers and prices
How are suppliers vetted?
Suppliers are prequalified against registration, tax, insurance and performance requirements, and approved per framework agreement before any catalogue goes live.
How are prices set?
Through competitive processes or structured negotiation on the strength of aggregated demand, then locked into the agreement and e-catalogue with full version history.
Where can we see open competitions?
On the Opportunities page. Anyone can view what is currently out to the market and subscribe for alerts, including suppliers who have not registered yet.
Joining and systems
Can our existing contracts come on board?
Yes. Existing school, diocesan or association bulk contracts can be onboarded so more members benefit from them.
Can we run a one-off purchase instead of a framework?
Yes. Some requirements suit a single competition awarded once, insurance being the usual example. Others suit a 12-month framework that many members draw on. We will tell you which one fits what you are buying.
Can our individual branches order for themselves?
Yes. A buyer account can appoint sub-buyers, so a group with central procurement can still let each institution raise its own requisition and place its own order.
Can we connect our own systems?
Yes. Registered buyers and suppliers can integrate their ERP, accounting or school-management systems with the platform via APIs, so orders, confirmations and invoices flow directly between your system and ours.
How do we join?
Send an enquiry below. Buyers join through their association; suppliers apply directly and are guided through prequalification.
Still deciding?
The three audience pages go into far more detail than these answers can. For Buyers covers cost and autonomy, For Suppliers covers prequalification and performance, and For Associations covers governance and risk.
For the mechanics of frameworks, call-offs and mini-competitions, read How It Works.
Ask us anything else
If your question is not answered above, send it through. We respond within two working days.