Simon Stapleton of Procurement Zone told Smart Procurement that "The sourcing process would entail the following two tiers:

GENERAL PROCUREMENT:  In this tier Procurement Zone does the  leg work on behalf of procurement organisations with the sole aim of streamlining the procurement efficiencies. The company sources 'best of breed', at the most competitive prices, and thereby provides the client with a 'one-stop' service - all of which is facilitated online for convenience.

• GENERAL ITEMS:
  These consist of specialised requests, for example, barrier tape, shelf wobblers, price displays, promotional car covers, price boards, shopping baskets, promotional bins, disposable car seat covers and clip boards, to name but a few.
  
  
• OTHER ALTERNATIVE ITEMS:
  Procurement Zone will attempt to source cost saving alternatives across this spectrum to meet the client's requirements.
  
  

BELOW-THE-LINE: The next tier focuses on receiving an enquiry or RFQ from the client which Procurement Zone will use to conduct an in-depth client needs analysis in order to:

• Assess the specific BTL advertising material requirements (branding systems and marketing material);
• Consider all alternative cost saving solutions;
• Take care of the sourcing of required goods & services;
• In the process, attend to the sourcing of 'hard-to-find' items, if necessary; and
• Provide a detailed cost estimate and quotation.
  

The BTL speciality product range varies considerably, but includes some of the following:

• OUTDOOR AND INDOOR BRANDING:
  Flying banners, feather banners, wing banners, lantern banners, banner walls (ground and wall mount), ceiling suspension units, PVC plain banners, bunting, building or fence wraps, A-frames, tower units, pull-ups, display stands, backdrop banners, light boxes, backlit display panels, bulkhead signage, exhibition backdrops.
  

• GAZEBOS AND INFLATABLES:
  Gazebos, air dancers, tents and various inflatable shapes.
  

• PROMOTIONAL ITEMS:
  Procurement Zone will source specialised requests and 'hard-to-find' items, and, in addition, supply a variety of standard promotional products (golf items, coasters, mouse pads, pens, watches etc...).
  

The sourcing process as a whole generally entails the following:

• The client sends through the RFQ online for the desired items, wherein they specify the following: quantity, size, colour combinations of print (if required), delivery requirements, time lines and packaging requirements;
• These are then sourced through a network of preferred (and vested) suppliers. There is no compromise on quality to create savings, unless this is expressly stated as a requirement by the client.
• Fulfilment is tracked from order through to delivery, ensuring that strict quality controls are in place, that time lines are adhered to, and that all POD's are recorded.
  

The bottom line benefits to end-users are:

• Open communication channels that are maintained at all times - from assessing client requirements and appropriate solutions, to final delivery of ordered items.
• Reliability and commitment which allows a hassle-free experience.
• Total back-up and after sales support until the client signs-off.
  

Some of Procurement Zone's satisfied clients include: Engen Petroleum, Saatchi & Saatchi, Lithotech Sales Cape, Caltex SA, Milu (Pty)Ltd, Old Mutual and SA Breweries.

In order to source your procurement and BTL marketing requirements, simply contact Procurement Zone:  Simon Stapleton-Cotton, (+2721) 511 8859, (+27) 082 495 7997 or email simons@procurementzone.co.za for personal attention.  Any additional information, as required, can be obtained from www.procurementzone.co.za