1. Bad Communication
   
   Communication is everything when you are choosing the right eTMF vendor. If your vendor is hard to get ahold of or doesn’t respond, you may need to consider walking away. If you have a meeting to discuss something with your vendor and they show up late or fail to communicate properly this can be a red flag. How can you trust them when they fail to be responsive? A vendor that communicates effectively and responds promptly will have an easier time gaining your business. After you communicate with your vendor think about:
   – How do they make you feel?
   – Are they knowledgeable and helpful?
   – Are they personal yet professional?
   – Does their communication feel rushed and messy?
   A good client experience is worth paying extra for, because it will make the planning smoother and more enjoyable.
   
2. Complicated Contracts
   
   Contracts with your eTMF vendor should be detailed and comprehensive, but you shouldn’t feel like you need to consult an attorney in order to understand it. Your contract should talk you through the details and summarize what the contract entails. If it doesn’t do this, be sure to ask. Look out for any hidden fees, add-ons, complex language or the cancellation policy. If you don’t see a topic highlighted in the contract, be sure to ask about it just to be on the safe side.
   
3. Bad Reviews
   
   A negative review of your eTMF vendor should always be a red flag. While all bad reviews don’t hold the same weight, you will want to watch out for the reviews with the most details. If the review is vague and doesn’t give specific examples, it may not be a credible review. Perhaps the person giving the review could be a client that is no longer with the company. However, if the review gives specific details explaining their negative experience, you are going to want to pay attention to this. Choosing the right eTMF vendor is crucial and a commitment.

Sometimes you have to look beyond the price. Remember, what kind of service does this vendor offer? Read very carefully through their social media posts and websites to see what they VALUE and DELIVER.

You are going to want everything to run smoothly and with careful planning and the right team you can make it happen!

What would you recommend for people to watch out for?

As always, if you have a question or want to leave a comment, please feel free- I am happy to help and love to hear from you.