Now that you've identified six or seven appropriate vendors, it's time to whittle the number down to the three or four to whom you will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Traditionally, this was done by onsite visits, but today's global marketplace may provide you with a vendor who is across the country or around the world. Additionally, you simply might not have the time to visit a vendor, even if her shop is across town. There are six methods to qualify the vendor.