Who buys, and where equipment tenders are advertised
Goods tenders appear on AusTender, state portals and council sites. Many recurring purchases run through panels and standing offers.
See where to find tenders in Australia for every official portal.
What buyers usually ask for
- Product specifications and compliance with standards
- Pricing schedules, discounts and price validity
- Delivery times, locations and stock levels
- Warranties, servicing and spare parts
- Samples or demonstrations
- Sustainability and product origin, where asked
Common knock outs to check first
- Products that do not meet a mandatory specification or standard
- Prices not entered in the buyer's schedule
- Missing product data sheets or certificates
- Late or incomplete samples
Read our guide to tender knock outs for how to find them all.
How to stand out in furniture tenders
- Answer every line of the specification, and say clearly where you offer an alternative
- Keep the price schedule exactly in the buyer's format
- Show stock and delivery capacity with evidence
- Give clear warranty and support terms
Before you decide to bid
Check you can meet every mandatory requirement, that the size and location suit you, and that you have a similar job and a referee to show. If three answers are no, it is usually one to walk away from. Use our go or no go questions.
Questions
Can I offer an alternative product?
Only if the tender allows alternatives. If it does, still answer the main specification and list the alternative separately.
Can a small business win supply tenders?
Yes. Many contracts are sized for small and medium businesses, and some buyers have policies that support them. Pick tenders that match your capacity, and prove every claim with past work and referees.
What is a standing offer?
A standing offer, or panel, lets a buyer order goods from approved suppliers over a set period at agreed prices, without running a new tender each time. Getting onto the panel is the tender; orders come later and are not guaranteed.