B2B 'dating' site hopes to woo channel

Proovide.com launches to ensure all customers in every supply chain get the best possible service

A start-up dedicated to matching companies with the best suppliers is hoping to attract channel firms to its books.

Leeds-based Proovide.com uses an advanced scoring algorithm to rate every supplier, and is encouraging firms from all sectors to post their supplier needs on its site.

Launched by digital media expert Steve Pritchard after he experienced multiple problems finding a telecoms supplier, the site is free for all potential customers to upload their pitches and requirements, but requires a fee from suppliers to access the tenders.

Speaking to CRN, Pritchard said: “The business idea came about after I had to pick a telecom company recently and they let me down. There is a definite need for this sort of service as it gives customers transparency and makes sure they are getting the best service from their suppliers.

“It is free to post pitches on the site, but suppliers will need to pay a monthly subscription fee.”

Suppliers submit their details, and their data is put through the Proovide.com algorithm which gives the company a rating between zero and 150, and also gives them a credit score, allowing potential customers to make a more informed decision.

He said he aims to get about 50 new projects a week loaded onto the site and for the suppliers to grow organically as the site’s reputation spreads. The plan is to eventually expand to Europe and beyond.

“I am hoping this will appeal to the IT channel not only as suppliers themselves, but also as customers, to get the best possible service from their own suppliers – be that IT kit, office water coolers or stationery," added Pritchard.

He said now was a good time to launch such as service as there is a lack of sites in the market that rate companies selling products or items.

“Customers from all sectors need to be more picky and choosy about their suppliers,” he stated.