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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: What equipment will I need to be able to do business electronically on either the SAQ-B2B portal or the Global Wine & Spirits portal?
A: A computer and an Internet access.
Q: If I don't have an Internet access, does this mean I can no longer do business with the SAQ?
A: Not at all. You can make arrangements with your agent to act on your behalf.
Q: Can I register on both portals?
A: Technically speaking, yes, but there is no advantage to this. You would have to work from two different portals and this would not give you access to any other markets than those available on the Global Wine & Spirits portal. Remember, the Global Wine & Spirits portal is fully integrated into the SAQ's internal management systems, for all products sold to the SAQ, and can also be used to search for new products. The SAQ-B2B portal, being a private, transactional portal, is limited to activities with the SAQ for products already selected by the SAQ.
Q: From the buyer's perspective, is it easier to do business on the SAQ-B2B portal or on Global Wine & Spirits ?
A: There is no difference for the buyer. The purchase order is created in the SAQ's internal management systems. It is then relayed to an interface connected to both portals. It is at this point that the destination of the P.O. is determined, depending on which portal you select. For the buyer, the operation is transparent as far as transactions are concerned.
Q: Once I decide on a portal, am I stuck with this choice forever?
A: No. You can decide to change portals at any time, no questions asked. Neither portal charges a drop-out fee. And you won't have to re-register your products.
Should you transfer from the SAQ-B2B portal to the Global Wine & Spirits portal, all registered products will be transferred and you can add new products or improve your product presentation by adding images and information or by attaching a promotional tool.
Should you transfer from the Global Wine & Spirits portal to the SAQ-B2B portal, the only product registrations that will be transferred, of course, are products sold to the SAQ. All other registrations will be cancelled along with any other information not supported by the SAQ-B2B catalogue.
In both cases, your password will be replaced.
Q: What do you mean when you say that the SAQ-B2B portal is purely transactional.
A: The SAQ-B2B portal only exchanges documents related to specific transactions, contrary to the Global Wine & Spirits portal which offers other functions that allow members to search for new products, issue and receive electronic calls for tender, identify new business opportunities, etc. The Global Wine & Spirits portal also offers post-transaction features, such as logistics management, optional information-sharing with intermediaries such as agencies and shippers, shipment tracking, etc.
Q: If I select the SAQ-B2B portal, will I be able to participate in the electronic calls for tender issued on the Global Wine & Spirits portal?
A: Yes. As a provincial government agency, the SAQ respects the obligation requiring it to make its marketplace accessible to all companies around the world. Consequently, all interested suppliers can participate in the calls for tender issued by the SAQ. Moreover, since a call for tenders is not considered a transaction, it will be possible to bid via traditional channels.
Q: What are the primary differences between the two portals in terms of technology and data security?
A: No difference. The technology Global Wine & Spirits has developed, in collaboration with the SAQ, agencies, producers and distillers, is the most state-of-the-art technology in the world for this industry. It has passed all the tests in terms of integration into the SAQ's internal management systems. This technology has been adapted to the private context of the SAQ-B2B portal. This means that there are several similarities between the two portals as far as usage goes, even though the Global Wine & Spirits portal provides more information and offers a greater number of functions.
From a security point of view, both portals respect the highest industry standards, such as data encryption, back-up support systems and firewalls. The two portals are totally distinct, so that no data can be exchanged between companies without user consent.
Q: Must I be a member of the Global Wine & Spirits portal in order to be able to submit new products to the SAQ?
A: No. The SAQ will continue to rely on various channels, such as agencies, tasting events, international trade shows, trade magazines and international contests, to discover new products. Although online trading is a relatively new phenomenon, it is proving to be extremely interesting.
Q: Will the SAQ's product selection process take place electronically from now on?
A: No. All products selected by the SAQ are still tasted and analyzed in order to guarantee quality products for our customers. However, electronic tools will help us identify products and improve the efficiency of our information management. The subsequent steps in the process, which relate to the product itself and the exchanges among industry professionals, will be carried out as usual.
For further information, please contact:
SAQ-B2B
Supplier Services - E-commerce Division
Telephone:
1-514-254-6000 ext. 5413
Fax:
1-514-864-4437
E-mail:
info@saq-b2b.com
