selling to universities

[Kett]

It looks as though we may be selling training materials for universities to use in their teaching.

It's a whole new area to us and just wondered if anyone has any experience they could share?

It is in a very niche area for a particular subject, so we are unlikely to be your competitors!

 

[Deleted member 157241]

I don't want to rain on your parade but most academics don't go a bundle on 'training materials'. They tend to do their own thing, recommend reading lists, but above all else expect the students to manage their own learning. At what level are you aiming your materials? And what are they?

 

[Kett]

So far with one university things are looking positive. I cannot say too much but it is skills development, not something they can read in a book but something they have to interact with. Aiming for undergraduate yrs 1 and 2

They initially contacted us, and we have worked hard to tailor it to their needs, so far without any fees being mentioned. They are now talking about it being rolled out from Sept, with a trial period before and I am beginning to wonder about pricing.

If we get it right hopefully other universities which do a similar course (not all but over 100) would be potential customers too.

 

[NickGrogan]

We have sold to Universities, and it is a long slow process. Months/years rather than days/weeks.

Slow payers too.

But they do have excellent credit ratings.

 

[Kett]

Thanks, yes it does seem to be drawn out for us too.

 

[Hash and Bash]

I have supplied parts to several Universities and it usually involves getting onto their approved supplier list.
Usually a lot of forms to fill in with various compliances.
Their payment terms can be fairly long but as a previous poster said they do pay.
Just remember to send the invoices to the correct finance department and don't do work or send anything without an official purchase order in your hands.