Who this guide is for
- Owners comparing court supplier proposals
- Clubs running a structured selection process
- Project leads standardizing supplier evaluation
- Anyone wanting a neutral comparison framework
Compare against a shared scope
Comparison only works when suppliers respond to the same scope. Confirm that each proposal addresses the same court type, surface, enclosure, drainage and lighting expectations. Where a proposal differs, note it explicitly so you are not comparing unlike things.
A shared scope is the foundation of a fair comparison.
- Confirm each proposal addresses the same scope
- Note where any proposal differs from the brief
- Avoid comparing fundamentally different packages
- Keep the scope fixed across all suppliers
Check inclusions, exclusions and coordination
Inclusions and exclusions are where comparisons often break down. For each supplier, check what is covered, what is excluded, who handles the gaps, and how specialist trades are coordinated. Clarity here matters more than headline impressions.
How coordination and responsibility are structured affects the whole project.
- What does each proposal include and exclude?
- Who handles excluded work?
- How are specialist trades coordinated?
- How are changes to scope managed?
Verify claims and references yourself
A comparison is only as good as its inputs. Check references, verify claims, and note how each supplier responds to questions. We do not verify or vouch for suppliers, so independent checking is part of your due diligence, not an optional extra.
Treat vagueness and reluctance to clarify as signals worth recording.
Record the comparison and decide
Document the comparison so the decision is consistent and defensible. Recording how each supplier measured against your fixed criteria makes the choice clearer and easier to revisit. Independent advice on contracts is worth seeking before committing.
Confirm official court dimensions and standards with the relevant federation, supplier or designer.
Supplier comparison checklist
- 1Does every proposal respond to the same scope?
- 2Have you noted where any proposal differs?
- 3Have you compared inclusions and exclusions for each?
- 4Have you checked who handles excluded work?
- 5Have you compared how each coordinates specialist trades?
- 6Have you checked references and verified claims yourself?
- 7Have you recorded how each met your fixed criteria?
- 8Have you sought independent advice before committing?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing proposals built on different scopes
- Overlooking exclusions and who covers the gaps
- Letting one headline factor dominate
- Skipping reference checks and verification
- Deciding without documenting the comparison
When to involve a professional
- Seek independent advice on contracts and technical scope before committing to a supplier.
- Have qualified professionals review site, base, drainage, lighting and structural assumptions, which vary by site.
- Confirm local requirements affecting the works with appropriate advisers, as they vary by location.
- Confirm official court dimensions and standards with the relevant federation, supplier or designer.
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Which supplier should I pick?
We do not rank, rate or endorse suppliers. This checklist helps you compare consistently and defensibly. The choice is yours, ideally informed by independent advice and your own verification.
Why does a shared scope matter so much?
Without it, proposals address different things and cannot be compared fairly. Fixing the scope across all suppliers turns impressions into a meaningful comparison.
Should I always check references?
Yes. We do not verify or vouch for suppliers, so checking references and verifying claims is part of your due diligence rather than an optional step.
How do I keep the decision defensible?
Document how each supplier met your fixed criteria. A recorded comparison is consistent, easier to revisit, and gives the chosen supplier a clearer brief.
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