Buying Boards Through Tenders: A Plain-English Guide for School Committees
Quotations, specifications, L1 and warranty clauses — how school procurement actually works, and how to write a board specification that gets you good boards.
Write the specification before you invite the price
Most tender disappointments start with a vague specification: "white board 4×3 ft". That line buys the cheapest board on the market, because every supplier quotes their bottom tier to win on price. Specify the surface type (non-magnetic, magnetic steel, or ceramic), the frame material, the minimum warranty, and the tray and corner details — then compare prices.
Ask for the warranty in writing as a tender condition, not a promise. A 2-year written warranty clause filters out disposable boards faster than any brand name.
Understand L1 — and use it correctly
L1 means the lowest quote wins. It is a fair rule only when every bidder quotes the same specification. If your spec is tight, L1 gets you the best price on good boards. If your spec is loose, L1 gets you the worst boards at a fair price.
For larger procurements, many committees add a sample clause: bidders show a physical sample board before the final order. Any manufacturer confident in their product will agree happily.
Plan delivery and installation into the tender
Boards are bulky. Your tender should state delivery location, floor, whether installation is included, and the completion window — vacation periods fill fast for every manufacturer. A two-line logistics clause prevents a corridor full of unmounted boards in July.
Finally, keep the manufacturer’s direct contact even when buying through a tender process. When one board needs service in year three, you will want the factory’s number, not a closed file.
Board questions? Ask the factory.
Sizes, prices, delivery to your district — we reply within 24 hours.
