Idealized "Getting Specified" Process

This is a somewhat "tongue in cheek" summary of an idealized process to being specified on larger construction products.

Your local rep (or distributor or local contact depending on how you go to market) knows the specifier and/or project architect BEFORE the architect gets the design contract (more about this next month)
Your local rep answers the architect's and specifier's questions during preliminary design and working drawing stages to help the project select and use suitable and budget-meeting products and designs
Your local rep has distribution set up and works with the distributor's inside and outside sales people before the project bids
Your local rep knows and works with the probable-bidding contractors before the project bids
Your local rep (and/or your website) provides the needed product selection, design information, specifications and CAD or BIM needed to include your products as the basis of design or as an alternate
Your local rep answers questions during bidding
Your local rep does jobsite meetings as requested and required
Your local rep (even if they was not your rep when the products were sold and commissions paid) follows up 5 years later when maintenance questions arise - working with the owner and architect for problem definition and resolution

architeXts has a series of cartoons about design and operations of an architectural firm. Their September 23, 2016 cartoon is about "Getting Into Specifications" - [links redirected and no simple way to link]

architeXs

Feedback, comments and suggestions always appreciated.

Colin

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Colin Gilboy
Publisher - 4specs
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