Approved Vendor List

We’re running a short research session to understand how people use Approved Vendors Lists, preferred supplier lists, or similar purchasing requirements in their day to day work.

The session will take around 45 minutes and will be conducted remotely via our Lookback platform. With your permission, we may ask you to share your screen to show an example of how you currently work, but this is completely optional.

Your feedback will only be used for research purposes and to help improve our website experience.

As a thank you for your time, we will send you a £25 Amazon voucher (or local equivalent) at the end of the study.

How would you best describe your responsibilities?

This helps us understand your role in the component sourcing and purchasing process.

I purchase components that have been selected by someone else

I choose which products/components are needed and purchase them myself

I choose which products/components are needed, but someone else purchases them

I purchase products/components that have been selected by someone else

I approve suppliers, vendors, brands, or purchases

I maintain or manage supplier/vendor lists

I am not involved in product selection, supplier approval, or purchasing

We’ll only use this to contact you about this research session. If you’re selected, we’ll email you with details and ask you to choose a date and time that suits you.

What is your preferred Amazon site & currency?

This helps us make sure we can provide the right incentive for your location if you take part in the session. You’ll receive a £25 Amazon voucher or local equivalent after completing the research session.

Which of our brands do you shop with?

Does your organisation use any kind of Approved Vendors List, approved supplier list, preferred supplier list, approved brand list, or similar purchasing requirement?

Yes, we have a formal Approved Vendors List or approved supplier list

Yes, we have a preferred supplier or preferred brand list, but it is fairly informal

We do not have a formal list, but there are suppliers or brands we are encouraged to use

I’m not sure, but supplier approval does affect what we can buy

No, we can buy from any supplier or brand

How strict is your organisation’s supplier or vendor approval process?

Very strict - we can only buy from approved suppliers/vendors

Quite strict - exceptions are possible, but require approval

Moderately flexible - approved suppliers are preferred, but alternatives are allowed

Very flexible - the list is more of a guide than a rule

Not applicable / we do not use a list

What does your organisation’s list usually cover?

Select all that apply.

Suppliers / distributors

Manufacturers / brands

Specific products or parts

Certifications or compliance requirements

Contracted pricing or commercial terms

Approved alternatives or substitutes

Expiry dates or renewal dates

Restrictions or exceptions

Would you be comfortable sharing your screen during the research session to show an example of how you currently work with approved suppliers/vendors?

Maybe, depending on what is shown