Pages - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q) Do I have to pay a fee to register or use any of the services Check Ohio First offers?

A) No, there are no fees to register, complete a profile or to access your buyer/vendor match information. Occassionally, a buyer may charge a fee to participate in a specialized webinar.

Q) What is the difference between a Buyer and a Supplier?

A) A Buyer is an agency or company which needs to buy products, including services, and is looking for another company to provide those items. Buyers are also commonly called "Contractors." A Supplier is a company which wants to sell its products or services to another company or an agency. Suppliers are also commonly called "Sellers or Vendors.

Q) How often should I update my profile?

A) Your profile should be updated as conditions in your business change. Examples would be a change of address, phone number or business name. Another example would be the introduction of a new product or service to market that creates the need for new supplier/buyer relationships and the updating of NAICS/UNSPSC codes.

Supplier

Q) How do I get more matches?

A) To increase the likelihood of being matched you will need to enter as many NAICS and UNSPSC codes that relate to your business as possible. In addition, enter at least five keywords that relate to what you are selling or buying in your Profile.

Q) How do I narrow my matches?

A) Use the Search function to specialize your search. In addition, if you are getting matches that are not aligned with your needs, reassess the keywords, NAICS and UNSPSC codes in your profile.

Q) How soon can I expect to start getting contacted by buyers, getting contracts and how much revenue can my business get?

A) Registering and submitting a profile application is not a guarantee of business from any of the buyers on Check Ohio First. It is a way to improve your visibility with the procurement communities of the participating member companies. You will still be expected to be competitive and meet the requirements associated with the buyer’s normal sourcing process. The business opportunities are open- ended depending upon each supplier / member relationship.

Q) What is the timeframe I can expect to be contacted by a buyer once a match is made?

A) That depends on the process the buyer has designated in their profile on Check Ohio First or through an alternative method (i.e. buyer website). Should a buyer contact you regarding an opportunity, the timing of the sourcing process can be measured in months, not days, and generally involves many information gathering steps. Check Ohio First’s profile page will help streamline the initial step(s) in the sourcing process.

Buyer

Q) Why would large companies with established suppliers want to do business with smaller, untested companies?

A) Check Ohio First will provide increased access to a broad and diverse group of suppliers who can help larger companies adapt to changing market conditions, and are nimble in bringing new and innovative products to market.

Q) What services or assurances will be provided to ensure the suppliers are qualified?

A) Check Ohio First has resources (webinars, white papers etc.,) and resource partners to assist registered suppliers with training and counseling to better prepare them on the bidding process as well as understanding the laws that governs the different procurement/bid opportunities. In addition, as part of the buyer profile there is an opportunity to provide specific information to suppliers relating to your specialized needs/expectations and your procurement process.