EOT Crane Vendor Red Flag Matrix
Quick Answer
Treat very low price with thin detail, missing duty basis, ambiguous exclusions, no FAT/SAT detail, unrealistic lead time, weak warranty, unverifiable references, and poor response quality as procurement red flags before PO.
Red flags do not always mean reject the vendor. They mean pause, ask for written clarification, normalize the quote, and decide whether the risk is acceptable.
Common Red Flags
| Signal | Hidden Risk | Buyer Action |
|---|---|---|
| Very low price with thin detail | Scope gaps and later claims. | Request clause-by-clause inclusion list. |
| No clear duty basis | Undersized components. | Force explicit duty and cycle basis. |
| Ambiguous exclusions | Cost blowouts after order. | Normalize exclusions line by line. |
| No FAT/SAT detail | Dispute at dispatch or site. | Attach FAT/SAT checklist to PO. |
| Overpromised lead time | Delay and penalty conflict. | Ask for milestone plan. |
| No reference depth | Trust risk hidden. | Run reference call with similar users. |
How to Use It
- Mark red flags during technical review, not after price negotiation.
- Convert each red flag into a written vendor question.
- Record whether the vendor closed the risk with evidence.
- Keep unresolved red flags visible in the approval memo.