North America
GfK Custom Research North America Supplier FAQ
Click on the links to view the answers.
- How can my company become a GfK Custom Research North America supplier?
- What types of products and services does GfK Custom Research North America routinely purchase?
- How exactly does the Supplier Registration process work?
- Why should I register on the website as opposed to contacting someone directly at GfK?
- If I'm currently a GfK supplier, or not a diverse enterprise, do I need to register?
- What does the Supplier Diversity Program entail?
- How can I tell if my company qualifies for GfK's Supplier Diversity Program?
- Do I need to be a certified member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council or the Women's Business Enterprise National Council to participate in the program?
- When can I expect to receive a response?
1. How can my company become a GfK Custom Research North America supplier?
To begin the process of doing business as a supplier, simply complete the online registration form found here.
2. What types of products and services does GfK Custom Research North America routinely purchase?
There are many areas offering purchasing opportunities throughout GfK Custom Research North America. These include:
- Telecom – Phone, fax and Internet service
- Technology – Desktop, mobile and portable devices
- Facilities – Office supplies, travel, catering
- Data collection – CAPI, CATI, Focus Groups, Online Sample
- Other research-related services – Coding, translation, data processing
- Professional services – Legal, consulting, PR, marketing
3. How exactly does the Supplier Registration process work?
The registration process consists of an online form that can be completed and submitted online. Once your form is submitted, it will be routed to the appropriate purchasing manager for future consideration based on our business needs. The most qualified suppliers will be invited to participate in our competitive bidding process as new business opportunities arise.
4. Why should I register on the website as opposed to contacting someone directly at GfK?
Our online registration form helps to streamline the supplier application process by asking all the questions needed to determine of there is a fit between our business opportunities and the services you provide up front. Often, there are longstanding contracts in place that might delay your opportunity to participate in our competitive bidding process. By registering on our site, your company’s credentials will automatically be considered as future opportunities arise.
5. If I'm currently a GfK supplier, or not a diverse enterprise, do I need to register?
Yes. Whether or not you meet the requirements of our Supplier Diversity Program or currently do business with us, we strongly recommend that you register your business through our online process. In addition to ensuring that you will continue to be considered for future business opportunities moving forward, it helps us maintain the highest standards for quality and service delivery possible.
6. What does the Supplier Diversity Program entail?
GfK’s Supplier Diversity Program is designed to ensure that qualified businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and disabled Americans participate in our competitive contracting process in order to become regular suppliers of GfK Custom Research North America.
Proactive Outreach—We proactively look to connect with diverse enterprises through our involvement in leading organizations dedicated to mentoring, developing and connecting diverse enterprises with Corporate America, including:
- National Minority Supplier Development Council
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
A Level Playing Field—Our internal procurement process begins with a careful review of each supplier’s credentials and capabilities by the potential purchasing manager in Operations, IT, Facilities or other business unit as appropriate. From there, the most qualified vendors are invited to participate in our competitive bid process before the final purchase decision is made.
While we seek to develop mutually beneficial long-term relationships with each supplier, our commitment to quality and value added service drives the purchasing process, regardless of a vendor’s prior relationship with us. By making it easy for diverse enterprises to participate in this process via our Online Supplier Center, we ensure an open, level playing field that draws from the best mix of talent, tools and technology available.
Formal Feedback—We may also provide suppliers with feedback on how they performed in the competitive bid process in order to better prepare them to successfully compete for future opportunities moving forward.
7. How can I tell if my company qualifies for GfK's Supplier Diversity Program?
To be considered as a diverse enterprise in GfK’s Supplier Diversity Program, a company must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a member or group of members from one of the following classes as defined by the National Minority Supplier Development Council and/or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council:
- Women
- Asian
- Black
- Hispanic
- Native American
- Disabled
- Veteran
- Service Disabled Veteran
No. Certification by, or membership in, either supplier diversity council is not a requirement for participation in the program. However, GfK’s Supplier Diversity program seeks to identify business owners whose profiles match the definition of "minority-” and "women-” owned based on the guidelines established by the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
9. When can I expect to receive a response?
After successfully submitting your credentials, you will receive a confirmation email sent to the address you provided in the form. Please do not respond to this email. A GfK representative will contact you to invite your participation in our competitive bidding process if there is a fit between your credentials and our business needs.
