Vendor Evaluation
Create a structured evaluation matrix for vendor or software selection.
Prompt template
Create a vendor evaluation matrix for: **Procurement item:** [PRODUCT / SERVICE / SOFTWARE] **Number of candidates:** [NUMBER OF VENDORS] **Budget range:** [ROUGH BUDGET] **Critical requirements (must-have):** [LIST] **Desired features (nice-to-have):** [LIST] **Decision timeline:** [SCHEDULE] Create: 1. **Evaluation criteria** with weighting (total = 100%) 2. **Rating scale** (1–5) with description per level 3. **Table** suitable for Excel with all criteria 4. **Recommendation**: Which 3 questions must be asked in the demo? 5. **Red flags**: What signs speak against a vendor?
Replace placeholders in [square brackets]: [PRODUCT / SERVICE / SOFTWARE][NUMBER OF VENDORS][ROUGH BUDGET][LIST][SCHEDULE]
How to use this template
Copy the prompt, replace the placeholders in square brackets with your details and paste it into the AI assistant of your choice. The more precise your details, the better the result.
Tips for better results
- Clearly separate must-haves from nice-to-haves — a vendor missing a must-have is out immediately.
- Ask the AI to format the matrix as a markdown table (easy to paste into Excel).
- Weight TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) higher than list price.
Suitable open models
The selection names current open models as a starting point for your own tests. It is not a measurement for this template.
Keywords: #vendor #procurement #evaluation #decision