▣ Pre-Comparison Diagnostic Checklist
Work through each item honestly. If you cannot tick at least six, you are not ready to compare — and that's valuable knowledge.
- Scope Definition: Have you written down exactly what you need compared, in plain language a non-expert could understand?
- Budget Boundaries: Do you know your ceiling and your floor? Many buyers set a max but never define the minimum viable spend.
- Stakeholder Map: Have you identified every person who will influence or veto the final decision?
- Timeline Realism: Is your deadline based on actual project needs, or an arbitrary date someone picked in a meeting?
- Switching Cost Awareness: Do you understand what it costs — in money, time, and disruption — to change providers later?
- Criteria Weighting: Have you ranked your evaluation criteria by importance, not just listed them?
- Past Failure Audit: Have you documented what went wrong with your last provider or comparison attempt?
- Integration Requirements: Do you know which existing systems, contracts, or workflows the new choice must connect to?
- Success Metrics: Can you define what "good" looks like 90 days after choosing, in measurable terms?
Click each box to mark it. This is a self-assessment — we don't collect your answers unless you request a formal evaluation.
Comparison Service Matrix
Not every comparison engagement is the same depth. Here is how our service tiers map to different buyer situations:
| Dimension | Rapid Scan | Structured Evaluation | Deep Diagnostic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Duration | 3–5 business days | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Providers Assessed | Up to 4 | Up to 8 | Up to 15 |
| Criteria Depth | Surface-level feature match | Weighted scoring with stakeholder input | Full multi-axis analysis with risk modelling |
| Deliverable | Summary brief (PDF) | Scored matrix + recommendation memo | Board-ready report with scenario analysis |
| Stakeholder Interviews | ✗ | ✓ (up to 3) | ✓ (unlimited) |
| Vendor Reference Checks | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Post-Decision Review | ✗ | ✓ (30-day) | ✓ (90-day) |
| Ideal For | Quick sanity check before renewal | Mid-size procurement with multiple stakeholders | High-stakes vendor selection or platform migration |
▣ Evaluation Path — How a Comparison Engagement Unfolds
Phase A — Intake & Scoping
We begin with a structured intake call. Not a sales call — a diagnostic conversation. We use the checklist above as a framework. If you haven't completed it, we'll work through it together. The output is a scoping document that defines exactly what gets compared, why, and for whom.
Phase B — Criteria Architecture
Most comparison failures trace back to poorly defined criteria. We build a weighted evaluation framework specific to your situation. This isn't a template — it's constructed from your stakeholder priorities, risk tolerance, and operational constraints.
Phase C — Data Collection & Vendor Engagement
We gather information from vendors using standardised questionnaires, public documentation, and (for Deep Diagnostic) direct reference interviews. We do not accept vendor sponsorship or referral fees. Our revenue comes from the buyer.
Phase D — Analysis & Scoring
Every provider is scored against the weighted criteria. We use a transparent methodology — you see every score, every weight, and every rationale. No black boxes.
Phase E — Recommendation & Handoff
The final deliverable includes a clear recommendation, a risk summary, and (for Structured and Deep tiers) a post-decision review schedule. We stay available for questions during your implementation window.
Fit Check — Is This Service Right for You?
We are selective about engagements. This service works best when:
- The decision involves real budget commitment — typically £5,000+ in annual spend on the chosen provider
- Multiple stakeholders are involved and alignment is difficult
- You've been burned before by a poor vendor choice and want rigour this time
- The comparison involves complex trade-offs — not just price, but integration, support, scalability, or compliance
This service is not a good fit if you're comparing commodity products where price is the only variable, or if the decision has already been made and you need post-hoc justification. We don't produce rubber-stamp reports.
▣ What Previous Clients Discovered
"We thought we needed to compare five CRM platforms. The diagnostic revealed we hadn't defined our integration requirements — which eliminated two candidates immediately and changed how we scored the remaining three."
— Procurement Lead, Belfast-based logistics firm, Structured Evaluation engagement (2025)
"The checklist alone saved us from commissioning a comparison we weren't ready for. We came back three months later with proper criteria and the result was dramatically better."
— Operations Director, professional services consultancy, Deep Diagnostic engagement (2024)
Request an Evaluation
Tell us what you need compared. We'll respond within two business days with a scoping proposal — or an honest note if we're not the right fit.