Tech Data speeds up HP bid pricing

Distributor claims it is set to offer pricing within ‘minutes' rather than hours

HP VARs will now get verified pricing on their bids ‘within minutes', after Tech Data switched on its new integrated quoting (IQ) tool, the distributor has claimed.

Unlike the previous iteration, Smart Quote, Tech Data claims IQ will allow resellers to get an initial indicative bid price from HP much quicker, than the ‘few hours' previously required.

As soon as the indicative pricing from HP is accepted, details are forwarded to Tech Data through the system for adjustment and confirmation, thus making HP more competitive, the distributor claimed.

The IQ system went live last month and is being gradually phased in.

Existing bids under the previous Smart Quote system have been kept in place, but they will be shifted to IQ at the end of March.

Ross Turner, HP business manager at Tech Data, said: "The new IQ system is slicker and smarter and it will allow HP partners to compete much more effectively. HP will now be responding very quickly to bid requests and we will be responding almost instantly as well, so bid prices can be confirmed in minutes.

"And in most cases, we expect to give customers a price that is even better than the indicative price from HP, so by listing Tech Data as their preferred distributor, resellers can expect to get the very best response and pricing on HP quotes."