In brief
A useful stretch-film tender describes the operation and required evidence, not only width, micron and roll price.
Ask every supplier the same questions and score documented answers separately from assumptions or sales claims.
Start with your operational brief
Provide application method, machine details where relevant, load families, current film, annual usage, delivery pattern and the problem being solved. Without this context, suppliers may quote technically different offers.
Ask what is actually being supplied
Request an exact product reference, intended application, dimensions, net film weight, core details, tolerances and a current technical data source. Ask how substitutions or specification changes are communicated.
Ask how performance will be validated
Agree representative loads, baseline measures, trial responsibilities and acceptance criteria. Clarify whether advice covers film only or the wider wrapping process and whether trial settings will be documented.
Test service and continuity
Discuss lead time, minimum order, call-off arrangements, delivery units, batch traceability, continuity planning, complaint handling and escalation. Do not infer guaranteed stock or response times unless they are written into the offer.
Compare commercial terms consistently
Separate film, core, freight, VAT, rebates and equipment commitments. Compare net material price and applied cost under the same assumptions, then record contract review points.
| Area | Evidence to request | Decision risk |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Exact reference, data and tolerances | Unlike-for-like bids |
| Trial | Protocol and recorded results | Unsupported performance claims |
| Supply | Lead time and continuity terms | Operational interruption |
| Commercial | Comparable inclusions and units | False headline saving |
Practical checklist
- Issue one operational brief to all bidders
- Request exact film and net content data
- Agree a controlled trial protocol
- Document substitutions and change control
- Score service, continuity and total applied cost