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PlanetBids Reviews

PlanetBids

4.5 (20)
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Powerful solutions for procurement and public works

Overall rating

4.5 /5
(20)
Value for Money
4.3/5
Features
4.3/5
Ease of Use
4.3/5
Customer Support
4.7/5
85%
recommended this app
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20 Reviews

Verified Reviewer
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 7.0 /10

Simple, Effective Bidding Tool for Municipalities

Reviewed on 2024/08/13

Functional and easy to use but lacks functions that advanced users may be looking for

Functional and easy to use but lacks functions that advanced users may be looking for

Pros

Entirely web-based interface that is easy to use without needing significant training

Cons

Lack of customisation options for landing pages, bid structure, etc.

Neil
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Director of Contracts and Purchasing

Reviewed on 2024/08/13

I've used PlanetBids for about seven years. I used another program in between those years and found...

I've used PlanetBids for about seven years. I used another program in between those years and found PlanetBids to provide the best value.

Pros

Ease of Use. Vendor Outreach. Comprehensive Program.

Cons

No cons that I have experienced. Any recommended improvements, PlanetBids has been receptive in considering them.

Dianne
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 0.0 /10

Review Request

Reviewed on 2024/08/13

Pros

Outreach to vendors is the only thing I can think of.

Cons

No Flexibility without exorbitant price increases.

Jizelle
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Purchasing Manager

Reviewed on 2024/08/08

Great. Some changes can be made. It would be nice to see all the City bids not just the ones I...

Great. Some changes can be made. It would be nice to see all the City bids not just the ones I post. I have to make that change everytime I log in. It would be nice if all bids were automatically sent to trade journals. It would be nice if all bids categories were set.

Pros

Easy to use for the most part. User friendly.

Cons

There are a few areas that require too many steps.

Augusta
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Supplier Divresity

Reviewed on 2024/07/26

My experience has always been good because of their customer service.

My experience has always been good because of their customer service.

Pros

Ease of access and reliable customer service

Cons

Vendors are not able to save incomplete application in planetbids.

Jessica
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 201–500 Employees
  • Used Monthly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

PlanetBids is THE eProcurement solution!

Reviewed on 2024/08/13

I have been using PB for approx. 5 years now and I absolutely love its ease of use for the agency....

I have been using PB for approx. 5 years now and I absolutely love its ease of use for the agency. One can do so much using the system. Streamlined process! Extremely valuable.

Pros

Outstanding customer service!! User friendly, robust, variety of features, reports, constant improvements, ability to duplicate bids, export/import to/from Excel, assortment of relevant trainings/webinars available.

Cons

Addenda section in Bid Management module seems a bit redundant.

Kathleen
Overall rating
  • Industry: Airlines/Aviation
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

August 2024

Reviewed on 2024/08/14

I like how PlanetBids is set-up to connect with contractors. Most have adapted to the process well.

I like how PlanetBids is set-up to connect with contractors. Most have adapted to the process well.

Pros

I like the accessibility and the support staff.

Cons

Probably how the addendum show up just under documents and not when you click and enter addendum.

Melissa
Overall rating
  • Industry: Utilities
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Monthly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Planet Bids

Reviewed on 2024/08/08

The overall experience has been great. It's easy to use and the PB Team is ALWAYS super positive...

The overall experience has been great. It's easy to use and the PB Team is ALWAYS super positive and helpful when issues arise.

Pros

The ease of posting. The drag and drop for files, how the categories are grouped.

Cons

It would be nice to receive an email when my bid has "officially closed" as a reminder to go into the system and pull down the responses. Or maybe have the response files emailed directly once the bid closes?

Jennifer
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 201–500 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

City of Norwalk

Reviewed on 2023/07/12

I have used PlanetBids in multiple agencies and have found its utility to be an essential part of...

I have used PlanetBids in multiple agencies and have found its utility to be an essential part of daily operations. It is easy to use, track, and manage.

Pros

I like the ability to consolidate all procurement activities onto one platform so that both staff and the public have access to all purchasing activities in one central location.

Cons

I do not like the fact that we are unable to set a release date on the system. For example, if I need a solicitation released on a day that I am unable to post it myself, it would be convenient to have that as an option, especially for our day-to-day smaller solicitations.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for your review, we take great pride in the ease of use of the PB System. It's flexibility and diverse modules help procurement and public works teams streamline the process effortlessly.

With the ability to access the system from any remote device you can easily manage your projects from home or on vacation.

Brian
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

A well developed application

Reviewed on 2021/10/26

We try to reach more contractors with PlanetBids because the system is widely used by the contractin...

We try to reach more contractors with PlanetBids because the system is widely used by the contracting community. We were also trying to minimize the occurrence of bid protest due to clerical errors. PlanetBids has helped us achieve both of our goals.

Pros

The online bid submittal process is the most impactful feature of the application. We previously used a system that advertised bids online but received hard copy bid documents. Planetbids helps eliminate the clerical errors in the bid tabulation, which is a major contributing factor in bid protests.

Cons

The numbering system in the Q&A response should be more flexible. When issuing batch responses, the user does not know the question number until the system assign them, therefore, make it difficult to reference a similar answer to the question.

Response from PlanetBids

We were thrilled that the PlanetBids PB System has helped your agency achieve its goals!

Since 2000, PlanetBids' focus has been to assist government procurement and public works professionals in taking their roles from tactical to strategic by automating and streamlining processes. Our extensive vendor database enables agencies to increase outreach and receive more responsive submissions.

Clients like yourself benefit from reducing or eliminating bid protests and errors by using our built-in controls and auditing features. Our advanced line-item bid tabulation report makes it easy for clients to compare pricing at a glance.

PlanetBids has a strong reputation within the Vendor community, and many have referred the PB System to government agencies because of its ease of use compared to other e-procurement solutions.

We appreciate your feedback. PlanetBids uses feedback and suggestions to continually enhancement our PB System.

Denise
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Planet Bids is excellent for Public Procurement and Contract Management

Reviewed on 2021/08/19

Pros

Planet Bids is easy to use for both my staff and for suppliers. We have often had suppliers tell us that Planet Bid's customer service is excellent. We too always receive a quick response if we have questions, comments or need assistance. I really like that they ask clients for feedback and use that feedback to make improvements.

Cons

I can't think of any cons, I think Planet Bids has potential that I haven't yet learned in the last three years.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for taking the time to leave your fantastic review! As you commented, we take feedback very seriously. We make it a point to listen to our clients, their vendors and keep abreast of changes in the public procurement arena. Our goal is to provide our clients with the tools to be AGILE and meet current and future needs.

Jose
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great software!

Reviewed on 2021/10/18

Really enjoy working with this software and the customer support is excellent as well.

Really enjoy working with this software and the customer support is excellent as well.

Pros

Software is user friendly and fairly easy to manage all of our agency's bids.

Cons

Nothing comes to mind on what can be improved.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for taking the time to leave such an excellent review!

We strive to make the PB System the ultimate tool to manage all types of solicitations from Quote to Proposals, including construction.

With government procurement experience, our support staff understands the importance of responding quickly.

We appreciate your business.

Jeanette
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Best company-they really listen to the end user

Reviewed on 2022/02/28

As I have said the best company I have ever worked with. The fact that they emphasize customer...

As I have said the best company I have ever worked with. The fact that they emphasize customer service and actually do value their customers says it all. From the owners to the receptionist, I can tell that they feel and think that every customer is important no matter the size.

Pros

The product is easy to use and the staff at PlanetBids are so helpful. Customer Service is the best I have ever experienced. Not only to listen but they also implement ideas from the end-users!

Cons

There is nothing to date that I dislike about this software.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for your comment "the best company I have ever worked with" and "they also implement ideas from the end-users!"

We understand the importance of providing outstanding customer services to our clients and business partners.

PlanetBids' mission is to be your best business partner. Our client support team has extensive personal experience working in public procurement and understands the importance of timely responses and the need to actively listen and implement your suggestions to meet the changing needs of public agencies.

Denelle
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10

Planet Bids review

Reviewed on 2021/10/19

Great experience thus far. Had some feedback with staff in regard to electronic evaluations and not...

Great experience thus far. Had some feedback with staff in regard to electronic evaluations and not wanting to use a sliding scale, staff want to give the exact score instead of having to give a lower/higher score based on a sliding scale. Working off a sliding scale has the potential for causing many proposals having to go through an interview process due to the score given when otherwise it would not have to.

Pros

easy to use once you know what to do. I like that the reports can be put into an excel file for easy access to share out with our departments.

Cons

improvement on the scoring section allowing users to input their actual score not on a sliding scale. I feel there are so many things our agency are not using since we do not know what all the possibilities are. Id like to see 3-5 minute how-to videos, i have attended some of the monthly trainings and there is so much information for me to retain, smaller chunks would be nice.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for your review and feedback. The PB System provides many valuable comprehensive reports throughout each module in various formats.

PlanetBids takes feedback very seriously and thanks to clients like yourself, our team is developing additional scoring tools to provide flexibility and options when evaluating.

We are happy that your experience has been great. We appreciate your business.

Paul
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 5.0 /10

Value

Reviewed on 2021/10/13

Procurement automation.

Procurement automation.

Pros

The price is reasonable and adds value for our department.

Cons

Not user friendly / intuitive, Needs hands son training.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for your review. Providing value has been part of the PlanetBids mission since the company started in 2000. With increased outreach, there is greater competition, resulting in better pricing by an average of 312%, not to mention the time savings for staff. The PlanetBids PB System strives to make the system as user friendly and intuitive as possible. However, we understand that there are times when additional instruction may be needed. PlanetBids Customer Service staff is available to guide our clients or to schedule one-on-one training. We also offer monthly free webinars, including "Inside Scoop" and others to assist clients in getting the full benefit of the many features the PB System provides.

Ynez
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10

Appreciate the system

Reviewed on 2021/10/13

Overall, I have no high level issues with PlanetBids. It's a straight forward system.

Overall, I have no high level issues with PlanetBids. It's a straight forward system.

Pros

I like the reports I can run. Specific to vendors. The system allows for great communication avenues for distribution information about upcoming procurements and contractor events.

Cons

When searching for vendors, I'd love to be able to include a box for contractors must have both licenses selected. Usually vendors have one or maybe both of the licenses, but being able to include a must have option would be helpful.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for the positive comments on the PlanetBids PB System's robust reporting, and great communication options to connect with the vendor community. Our Development Team has been notified of your suggestion. Great feedback like this makes the PB System agile to meet our clients' various needs.

Ofelia
Overall rating
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Features I like

Reviewed on 2021/10/12

Overall the experience is great. when I have a question, customer service gets back to me within a...

Overall the experience is great. when I have a question, customer service gets back to me within a day. PlanetBids has been very accommodating to our needs.

Pros

I like the ease of use. I like that this software helps the city with transparency and with going paperless and accepting electronic bids and proposals.

Cons

I felt that there were too many steps in the implementation of the RFP evaluations. we did not use this module because it seemed too complicated to use.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for taking the time to leave a great review! We appreciate your feedback. Ease of use, transparency, secure bidding process with acceptance of ebids, ebonds, sealed costs for proposals, audit trail, and excellent customer service are our primary goals in providing a well-rounded e-procurement system. PlanetBids launched its 3rd generation PB System last year. We'd love to show you the latest evolution of the Project Evaluation module, with robust, streamlined processes giving our clients the flexibility they need to evaluate not only RFP's but any RFX.

Jennifer
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
  • Used Monthly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 7.0 /10

Planet Bid Survey

Reviewed on 2021/10/18

Pros

It is the City bid platform for now. A minimum 40 character to submit so I am just typing to meet the minimum.

Cons

The new software implemented is not as user friendly as the previous version and missing components that were available under the previous version, for instance local preference to bid responses. A lot more steps in reviewing, reading and obtaining information, in and out of various screens. I work with the new version because we have to but I do not like it.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for your review and feedback. We take feedback very seriously. Your comments have been directed to our President.

PlanetBids offers additional free training in our monthly webinars, online user guides, FAQs, and direct support. We will have a representative reach out to you directly on how we can make your transition to the new PB System easier.

We appreciate your business.

Mark
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 201–500 Employees
  • Used Monthly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

PlanetBids Overal Review

Reviewed on 2021/10/18

Good solution, great customer service at ALL levels!

Good solution, great customer service at ALL levels!

Pros

Vendor managed database. Bid/RFP library

Cons

The overall cost when compared to other "free" solutions on the market.

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for your great review. The Bid Spec Library is one of our many collaboration tools that provide valuable information to our clients. With tens of thousands of solicitations to pull from, clients can easily download documents and research specification requirements for products, services, and construction.

While there are solutions offered at no-cost to the agency, the cost is recouped by charging the vendors access to bid opportunities. To provide a fair opportunity to all vendors, PlanetBids standard fee structure charges the agency for licensing allowing free access to vendors and the public.

We appreciate your business!

Khosrow
Overall rating
  • Industry: Civil Engineering
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Monthly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great website to use for advertising projects for receiving public bids

Reviewed on 2021/08/10

Great friendly website for advertising and managing your projects for public bidding

Great friendly website for advertising and managing your projects for public bidding

Pros

The PlanetBids staff support is wonderful and unmatched

Cons

Cannot think of anything that I had issues with

Response from PlanetBids

Thank you for taking the time to leave such an excellent review!

As you commented, we strive to make the PB System intuitive and extremely user-friendly.

With government procurement experience, our support staff understands the importance of responding quickly.

Our mission is to be your best strategic partner. We appreciate your business.