What should I include in my request?

When requesting goods or services, including key details in your description helps to us guide you to create the best request.

General tips

Provide clear, descriptive details of what you need. This will help you to receive the best results and guidance. Keep the following in mind:

Be specific

Clearly define what you need. Include details like product specifications, quantities, or service requirements. Specificity helps us to categorize and match your request.

Instead of...	Write this...
I need some laptops for a project.	I need 20 Apple MacBook Pro 13″ laptops with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Please ensure they are delivered to our office at 1 Beacon St Fl 15, Boston, MA 02108, by August 15, 2023.

Provide context

Explain any constraints or preferences. Include information like dates needed, delivery or service location, or other special considerations. This information can help to route your request to best match suppliers.

Instead of...	Write this...
I need catering for an event.	We are organizing a company-wide training event and require catering services for a full-day seminar in our conference room. The event is scheduled for September 30, 2023, at our downtown office in Boston. Please take into account dietary restrictions and provide a quote accordingly.

Include details

For the goods or services, provide details of what you need. For goods, you could include specific features, quantities, and any optional requirements. For services, outline the tasks, skills, or expertise required.

Instead of...	Write this...
I need t-shirts.	Looking to purchase 100 custom-printed T-shirts. The shirts should be cotton, sizes ranging from S to XL, with a two-color logo on the front. Please provide a quote, including shipping to our address: 1 Beacon St Fl 15, Boston, MA 02108
I need some electrical work done.	We are seeking a certified electrician to install new lighting fixtures in our office space (1 Beacon St Fl 15, Boston, MA 02108). The job involves rewiring and installing approximately 15 LED fixtures. We need this completed by October 15, 2023. Please provide a breakdown of costs and your availability.

Goods

When requesting goods, you can include one or more items you need to purchase. Including the following information can be helpful:

• Product description

  • Specific details about the product (e.g., "M2 Pro 13″ MacBook")

  • Manufacturer or brand name

  • Model or version

  • Unique features or specifications (e.g., "8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD")

  • Additional requirements (e.g., color preference, accessories)

• Quantity (e.g., "15 computers")

• Delivery information with complete address

• Date needed (e.g., "by September 2023")

• Urgency (e.g., "Please rush delivery asap")

• Budget (e.g., "$10,000")

Services

When requesting services, including the following information can be helpful:

• Location (e.g., "Someone local to the Boston area is preferred")

• Timeline (e.g., "2 days" or "September 1 - 5, 2023")

  • Start and end dates

  • Any specific milestones or deadlines

• Budget (e.g., "$10,000")

• Professional service:

  • Service description (e.g., "Professional videographer for procurement and sourcing product promotional video")

  • Skills, certifications, qualifications, or experience (e.g., scripting, filming, editing)

• Event:

  • Description of the event (e.g., "2-day, 150-person conference in Atlanta")

  • Specific requirements (e.g., "A/V and catering services needed")

  • Accommodation needs (e.g., "Hotel accommodation options required")

• Contract project :

  • Project description (e.g., "ServiceNow software integration project")

  • Scope of work (e.g., design, coding, and QA)

  • Contract duration (e.g., 3-month contract)