2) Write up what you want, and email ALL the companies you want a quote from... CCing them all in the same email.
Make sure to indicate a close date for them "and all other possible bidders" to submit by.
Now they all know who their competitors are, AND, they know there could be other, extra competitors, AND they know to price as competitively as possible.
The sales people at the other end, and the company, will know if they want to "waste their time or not".
This works well with car dealers too. If you want the best price on a specific make and model with specific options, send to the 10 dealers in a 2 hour drive radius.
2) Write up what you want, and email ALL the companies you want a quote from... CCing them all in the same email.
Make sure to indicate a close date for them "and all other possible bidders" to submit by.
Now they all know who their competitors are, AND, they know there could be other, extra competitors, AND they know to price as competitively as possible.
The sales people at the other end, and the company, will know if they want to "waste their time or not".
This works well with car dealers too. If you want the best price on a specific make and model with specific options, send to the 10 dealers in a 2 hour drive radius.