One of the biggest differences between organizations that consistently get value from their IT investments and those that don’t is how they evaluate vendors. Procurement is not only about what you buy — it’s also about who you buy from.
In Nigeria, where the technology market is saturated with suppliers of varying credibility, the ability to properly vet vendors is not optional. It’s survival. At Gitech, we’ve seen how one wrong vendor relationship can undo months of operational progress. That’s why evaluation must be structured, not instinctive.
1. Verify Authenticity, Not Just Availability
A vendor offering a product doesn’t necessarily mean they’re authorized to sell it. Too often, SMEs rush to buy from the first source that has stock — especially during equipment shortages — without checking distribution credentials.
Always confirm whether the vendor is a certified reseller or authorized distributor for the brand they represent. Most OEMs list official partners on their websites. If your supplier isn’t there, ask questions. Authenticity protects your warranty, your support rights, and your investment.
At Gitech, we only work with OEM-approved distributors because we’ve seen how parallel-market imports can cause downtime and voided warranties. It’s better to delay a purchase than to buy the wrong item fast.
2. Evaluate Vendor Reputation Beyond Price
A vendor’s track record says more than their quotation. Before making a purchase decision, look at their delivery history, client testimonials, and responsiveness to service requests.
Ask questions like:
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How quickly do they respond when an issue arises?
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Do they offer technical guidance before a sale?
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Have they worked with companies similar to yours?
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How long have they been in business?
Price can be matched, but reputation takes time to build. The best vendors value relationships, not transactions. They’ll often save you more in downtime prevention than you could ever save through discounts.
3. Test Their After-Sales Commitment
After-sales service is the backbone of IT procurement. Once a vendor delivers, do they still answer your calls? Do they provide warranty escalation or manufacturer contact support?
A serious vendor doesn’t disappear after delivery. They check in. They offer advice. They help you monitor warranty periods and firmware updates. That ongoing support separates a supplier from a true partner.
When evaluating, ask for a sample service-level agreement (SLA) or escalation matrix. If they hesitate or can’t provide one, that’s a red flag.
4. Consider the OEM’s Local Presence
Sometimes, the vendor may be reliable, but the manufacturer they represent may not have a strong presence in Nigeria. That creates complications when you need parts, replacements, or technical documentation.
Before committing to an OEM, ask:
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Do they have local authorized service centers?
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Are spare parts available locally?
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Is there an import delay for critical components?
If the answer to most of those questions is no, you may want to reconsider the brand. A product is only as good as the ecosystem that supports it.
5. Balance Global Standards with Local Realities
Finally, evaluation shouldn’t only be about compliance or paperwork. It’s also about practicality. Some of the best global OEMs still struggle with logistics or warranty turnaround times in Africa. On the other hand, a locally established vendor with reliable backup support may be more responsive than an international brand with no Nigerian presence.
The key is to strike balance — global quality, local reliability. That’s how we operate at Gitech: global partnerships, but with on-the-ground accountability. Our clients don’t have to choose between international standards and local support. They get both.
Conclusively,vendor evaluation is more than procurement due diligence — it’s a leadership decision. The wrong supplier can stall operations, compromise data, or weaken your reputation. But with the right one, procurement becomes seamless, predictable, and aligned with your mission.
Jimi Fadipe
ceo – Gitech