What is a Rate Card?

A Rate Card is a document that lists the standard prices, units, and descriptions of services offered by a supplier or service provider.

It serves as a pricing reference sheet for buyers and is commonly used in industries such as:

• Media & Advertising (e.g. ad placements, formats, impressions)
• Creative & Marketing Services (e.g. hourly rates for designers or consultants)
• Consulting & IT Services (e.g. day rates by role or seniority)

Rate cards can be standalone or part of a contract, Statement of Work (SoW), or Request for Proposal (RfP) response.

What Does a Rate Card Include?

Typical components of a rate card:

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Example: “Senior Consultant; €1,250/day”, “Banner Ad 300x250; €15 CPM, min. 100,000 impressions”

Why Are Rate Cards Important in Procurement?

Rate cards provide structure and transparency in service procurement. They help buyers:

• Compare offers across suppliers
• Estimate costs in budgeting and planning
• Ensure pricing consistency across departments or regions
• Benchmark against market rates
• Simplify order and SoW creation

In complex service environments, rate cards reduce ambiguity and speed up the buying process.

Rate Cards vs. Catalogs

Rate Card in RfPs and Framework Agreements

• In RfPs, suppliers often attach a rate card to provide cost transparency across scenarios
• In framework or master agreements, rate cards define pre-approved pricing for a set time period
• In time & material projects, invoicing is often based on the agreed rate card

Mercanis helps buyers manage and compare rate cards during supplier selection and contract negotiations.

Conclusion: Rate Cards Drive Transparency in Service Procurement

A Rate Card ensures that service pricing is clear, standardized, and aligned with your procurement strategy. It enables faster decisions, better budgeting, and stronger supplier negotiations – especially in dynamic, people-based categories.