The hard work happens after your brief lands · turning 3-5 supplier responses into a confident shortlist. This guide gives you the framework reps and buyers use to compare responses like-for-like and avoid the common traps.
Where responses appear
Open /supplier-dashboard/briefs, click your brief. The response list shows under "Quotes" · each card is one supplier with their response, deal size proposal, match score, and a link to their full profile.
Reading a response
Two layers · the response itself ("can they do it") and the supplier profile ("are they the right people"). Read both before forming an opinion.
- Open the response · look for specific case-study references to similar work.
- Click "View profile" · scan their case studies, services, deal-size range, ICP. The detail tells you whether they've actually done this before or are interpreting your brief generously.
The match score
Each card shows a match score (e.g. 78% match). The score is the matching engine's confidence the supplier fits your brief based on categories, ICP, deal size and problem tags. Use it as a starting point, not the final word · 65% with a perfect case study often beats 90% with no relevant work.
Comparing like-for-like
The most common buyer mistake · comparing a £15k fixed-scope proposal to a £25k retainer over 6 months. Different shapes, different deliverables, different risk profile. Tag each response as "comparable" only if scope + duration are similar enough to put on the same axis.
Shortlisting 2-3 finalists
Three is the sweet spot. Five is too many to manage. One leaves you no leverage. Hit "Shortlist" on each card · the supplier is notified and your full brief unlocks for them.
Declining the rest
Decline politely · the supplier appreciates a clear no over silence. Click "Decline" with a one-line reason. Your decline doesn't hurt their matching weight · it just removes them from this brief.
Booking discovery calls
From each shortlisted supplier's card, click the calendar link to book a 20-30 minute discovery call. Ask the three questions in the public Buyer Journey guide. Take notes inside the brief detail page · they stay private.
Accepting a quote
Once you've decided, click "Accept" on the winning quote. The supplier is notified and the rep on our side issues the contract within 1 business day. The accepted brief is closed automatically.
Want help deciding? See the buyer-journey "Decision support" section.
A clean shortlist of 2-3 always outperforms a noisy 5+. Decide on quantity first, quality second.