eBridge ran another elevator maintenance bid yesterday.  This time, a client in North Carolina with 142 elevator units was looking to consolidate to one service provider and significantly upgrade their level of service.  The prospective suppliers submitted detailed proposals and toured the site prior to the online reverse auction.  Four of the prospective suppliers were approved, by the buyer, to participate in the bidding event.  All of the suppliers lowered their bids during the event with the two incumbent suppliers really battled for the business.  After an hour of bidding, 1^st and 2^nd place were only separated by $500 or .08% of the total value of the contract.  This bid was a fantastic example of the competition and value that a well-run reverse auction can generate for service contract bids.  As a private entity, the buyer is not obligated to award to the low bidder.  In this instance, the buyer knows they are getting a great price from either of the top two bidders and can base their decision completely on the quality of service provided.