Promoting the EPC

I was feeling a little nostalgic this morning and have had a look at the live web chat I did with Mumsnet to promote EPCs and DEAs.(this is the link if you want a lookwww.mumsnet.com/onlinechats/charlotte-lawrance) 

I can't honestly believe how much I typed or answered during the session although it was immense fun and I think very worthwhile. If this industry is to get the recognition it deserves then DEAs need to promote how worthwhile the EPC is and make everyone aware of how it should be done and what happens. Nowadays people know what service to expect from solicitors and estate agents and I feel it is as important that they know what to expect from a DEA - thats why I put the code of conduct up on this blog.

Have got a very busy family day today - decorating for Halloween and agility with Dave the puppy so am going to keep this post short and sweet, hope everyone has a fantastic day x 

One of the largest landlords?

Private landlords in the UK are expected to keep their properties to a certain standard and to provide an EPC to tenants.

But what about one of the largest "landlords" within the UK - the M.O.D? The MOD own thousands of houses (it was reported by the Daily Mail that they have 2,400 sitting empty) and thousands of armed forces families living in these houses, are the MOD providing EPCs for these properties?

Surely with the EU directive it would be essential to have these properties kept to a good standard and insulated correctly to save energy, carbon footprint of a base and to save on fuel bills for the families of serving personell?

Admittedly it would take a while to provide EPCs for the entire stock of houses that the MOD currently owns but I do think it is something that should happen. After all the MOD are technically landlords in this situation.

Ok the UK have EPCs whats everyone else have?

I have been having a look online today to see what is other countries are doing to reduce the carbon footprint.

I have found that on average, every American is responsible for about 22 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, according to statistics compiled by the United Nations but there is no EPC or similar type of survey in the US according to my searches.

I looked at several other countries to see what they had that was similar to the EPC and again couldn't find anything. Maybe it is the way I am searching or the words I put in the search engine but surely other countries should have something similar to the EPC to help reduce the carbon footprint of commercial and domestic properties.

I only hope that if they do take up the EPC in USA and other countries that they put a cap on the training providers! And I can always hope that I might get invited over to demonstrate the value of the EPC!

House prices, doom and gloom

Because of my work I have a large interest in what is going on in the world of doom and gloom - otherwise known as mortgage and house prices.

There was a report within the last 24hours saying that the average age of the first time buyer was now 37years old due to the amount lenders request as a deposit and that there are less people buying houses due to a drop in prices etc.

But what is actually happening? If you have a good credit rating and a deposit there is nothing to stop you getting a mortgage, if you have sold your house and have a deposit then you can buy another property. So are these reports actually telling us anything or are they filling us full of fear?

Personally I have had a busy few months lately with EPCs in both the rental and sales side and my work load is up compared to the same months in 2009 and 2008 and am just hoping that it will continue.

An update......EU directives and a quango

"A recent study conducted by a quango, the Energy Saving Trust, found most properties could be improved to meet current green energy standards for less than £3,000. The same study also claimed 70% of property buyers would negotiate a property’s price if they discovered it was not energy efficient"

£3,000 is not much when you consider the cost of your energy bills over a 5 year period, and if the study is correct with regards to 70% of buyers negotiating on a propertys price if its not energy efficent it is a good idea to look at the EPC when you buy a property and spend the time and money updating the property according to the recommendations so that when you sell the property it is more energy efficent.

"An EU Directive will make it compulsory for energy efficiency ratings to be published in all UK homes ‘for sale’ advertisements, including on For Sale boards, from 2012, it has been claimed"

So this will delay first day marketing as at the moment vendors and landlords have 28 days to get the EPC on their property. Personally I don't think this is a bad thing, I work on a 24hour turnaround and so if I receive an order on a monday I do my very best to have the EPC back with the client by tuesday. Therefore for my clients there should be little to no delay for the marketing.

It has also been suggested that the Government is considering charging buyers of properties with poor EPCs a premium on Stamp Duty. There are lots of grants available to enable you to make a property more energy efficent and by the sounds of it now is definately the time to be looking into those.

As a favour

I am trying to make sure that what I post is helpful and informative. But this post is going to be a request of sorts.

Please if you have a DEA coming round follow these tips/requests:

1. Make sure that they can access the loft hatch - occassionally the loft hatch is in a cupboard which is filled with assorted possessions. It is necessary for the DEA to inspect the loft insulation and it is very helpful if they can access it easily.

2. Dogs - I adore dogs, I have 4 of them myself. But if your dog can be agressive/doesn't like strangers/will knock the DEA off their ladders leaving them clinging onto the loft hatch for dear life please don't let them.

3. Know your rights - you are the client, the DEA is supposed to be doing a good job for you. Make sure they are polite, respectful - its your house after all and that they have identification (all accreditation bodies provide this)

4. Small children - I have three of them, I understand that they like to see the lights on the lazer measuring devices (I carry a spare one just for children to play with) but I, personally, am terrified if I see them climbing up the ladder behind me and this has happened before.

DEA code of conduct

I have copied the code of conduct for DEAs below - I do think its invaluable for DEAs to refresh themselves as to what professional standards are expected from them as well as Vendors/Estate or Letting Agents/Landlords being able to clearly see what the DEA is expected to do.

If you have a DEA round to your property who doesn't follow the code of conduct below you can and should complain.

Code of Conduct for Domestic Energy Assessors

1. Introduction

1.1 This document is the Code of Practice (‘the Code’) for Domestic Energy Assessors.

1.2 The Code sets out the principles that must be followed and applied by all Domestic

Energy Assessors.

1.3 The Code forms part of a wider package of registration and disciplinary information with

which Domestic Energy Assessors must comply.

2. Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this Code is to set out the rules and standards of conduct that are

expected of Domestic Energy Assessors and to inform members of the public about the

standards of conduct that they can expect from a Domestic Energy Assessor.

2.2 This Code aims to promote:

2.2.1 the best standards of practice by Domestic Energy Assessors; and

2.2.2 confidence in the integrity of the Accreditation Scheme, Domestic Energy

Assessors and the Energy Performance Certificate.

3. Application

3.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must ensure that they understand and comply with this

Code and any accompanying guidance.

3.2 A failure to comply with the Standards set out in the Code or guidance will generally lead

to disciplinary action being taken against a Domestic Energy Assessor by their

Accreditation Scheme.

4. Personal and Professional Standards

4.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must at all times (whether inside or outside work):

4.1.1 act with integrity;

4.1.2 be honest and trustworthy;

4.1.3 be open and transparent in their dealings;

4.1.4 disclose to the Accreditation Scheme any or all of the following matters:

4.1.4.1 that they have been charged or convicted of a criminal offence in the UK

or elsewhere;

4.1.4.2 that they have been referred for a disciplinary hearing by another

Accreditation Scheme , professional body trade association or regulatory

body, or other similar organisation;

4.1.4.3 that a disciplinary allegation has been found proved against them by

another Accreditation Scheme , professional body trade association or

regulatory body, or other similar organisation;

4.1.4.4 the institution against them of bankruptcy or directors’

disqualification order;

4.1.4.5 the making of a bankruptcy or directors’ disqualification

proceeding; or

4.1.4.6 if they enter into an individual voluntary arrangement with

creditors;

4.1.5 assist the Accreditation Scheme in any disciplinary inquiry involving

another Domestic Energy Assessor;

4.1.6 recognise the limits of their professional competence;

4.1.7 keep their professional knowledge and skills up to date;

4.1.8 avoid abusing their position as a Domestic Energy Assessor; and

4.1.9 comply with the requirements of the Accreditation Scheme s of which they are a

member and their governing legislation.

4.2 A Domestic Energy Assessor must not engage in conduct that:

4.2.1 damages the reputation of Domestic Energy Assessors;

4.2.2 diminishes public confidence in the Accreditation Scheme, Home

Inspectors or the Energy Performance Certificate; or

4.2.3 damages the trust placed in Domestic Energy Assessors by lenders and

other professionals who may need to rely upon their work.

4.2.3 A Domestic Energy Assessor must not exploit the vulnerability of consumers or take

advantage of their lack of knowledge of the home buying and selling process.

5. Skills and ability

5.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must:

5.1.1 only act if competent to do so;

5.1.2 carry out their work with reasonable skill and care;

5.1.3 maintain their professional knowledge and skill by participating in lifelong learning

and recording the outcomes; and

5.1.4 observe and keep up to date with laws and statutory codes of practice that

affect their work.

6. Conflicts of interest

6.1 A Domestic Energy Assessor must at all times give an unbiased opinion.

6.2 A Domestic Energy Assessor must not give or accept any inducement, gift or

hospitality that may affect or may be seen to affect their judgement.

6.3 A Domestic Energy Assessor must be satisfied that the seller is being or has been

provided with written information concerning whether the Domestic Energy Assessor has

any personal or business relationship with any person involved in the sale of the property

and that the seller will sign or has signed a declaration that they understand the

implications of the information.

6.4 A Domestic Energy Assessor must not prepare a Energy Performance Certificate if to do

so would cause a conflict with the interests of sellers.

6.5 If, in the course of preparing a Energy Performance Certificate, a conflict with the

interests of the seller or other professionals arises, the Domestic Energy Assessor

must decline the instructions to prepare the Report.

6.6 If a risk of conflict arises, it must be managed in accordance with any guidance issued by

the Accreditation Scheme.

7. Advertising

7.1 Domestic Energy Assessors may only promote and advertise their services in a

clear, honest and lawful manner.

7.2 Any advertisement placed by a Domestic Energy Assessor must comply with scheme

standards and with statutory and national standards to ensure that all advertisements are

legal, honest and truthful and that they are clearly identifiable as an advertisement.

8. Marketing

8.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must operate under fair and honest sales practices.

8.2 Domestic Energy Assessors must not:

8.2.1 engage in any commercial practices that are misleading or likely to mislead

buyers, sellers or lenders;

8.2.2 use physical force, harassment, coercion or undue influence;

8.2.3 be party to charging fees that are discriminatory or excessive;

8.2.4 exploit the trust vulnerability or lack of experience of buyers, sellers or

lenders; or

8.2.5

encourage or condone unsafe or harmful practices.

8.3 If Domestic Energy Assessors offer sellers or buyers other services and/or

products, they must:

8.3.1 act lawfully and responsibly in sending sellers or buyers details of those services

and/or products; and

8.3.2 declare any financial benefit that they may receive as a result of sellers or buyers

using those services and/or products.

9. Information for the seller

9.1 A Domestic Energy Assessor’s offer, to sellers to perform services whether direct or

through a third party, must be clear and truthful and contain all relevant pre-contractual

information.

9.2 When offering to provide a service to produce a Energy Performance Certificate,

Domestic Energy Assessors must be satisfied that sellers are provided with details in

writing of:

9.2.1 the terms, conditions and costs associated with instructing th

e

Domestic Energy Assessor

9.2.2 the key features of the Energy Performance Certificate; their right to see any

personal records Domestic Energy Assessors hold about them what use that may

be made of the data collected by Domestic Energy Assessors;

9.2.3 the fee for the work, including any tax and duties;

9.2.4 how and when the Energy Performance Certificate will be delivered;

9.2.5 the existence and conditions of a right of withdrawal;

9.2.6 the policy and procedure for cancellation of services and the payment of

refunds;

9.2.7 the complaint and redress and appeals procedures; and

9.2.8 a reference to this Code.

10. Confidentiality

10.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must explain to sellers that information about the

completion of the Energy Performance Certificate has to be placed on the Register of

Energy Performance Certificates.

10.2 Domestic Energy Assessors must treat all sellers’ personal information as private and

confidential (even when they are no longer a customer of the Domestic Energy

Assessor).

10.3 Domestic Energy Assessors must not reveal any personal information about sellers

unless:

10.3.1 the sellers have given permission for the information to be revealed;

10.3.2 the Domestic Energy Assessor has to reveal the information by law; or

10.3.3 there is a ‘common law’ duty to the public to reveal the information.

10.4 Domestic Energy Assessors must notify sellers that their contact details may be used

during the process for monitoring the compliance and performance of Domestic Energy

Assessors.

11. Diversity

11.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must not unlawfully or unjustifiably discriminate against

any individual in their practice as Domestic Energy Assessors.

11.2 Domestic Energy Assessors must not discriminate against any individual on the basis of

gender, race or disability or allow their views of the lifestyle, culture, belief, colour,

gender, sexuality or age of others to prejudice their professional practice and

relationships.

12. Insurance

12.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must ensure that all Energy Performance Certificates

undertaken by them are covered by adequate and appropriate indemnity insurance

cover, as prescribed in the insurance standards adopted by Accreditation Schemes.

13. Complaints procedure

13.1 Domestic Energy Assessors must participate in a complaints handling system as

prescribed by the Accreditation Scheme.

13.2 Domestic Energy Assessors must ensure that:

13.2.1 complaints are initially acknowledged in writing, and the acknowledgement sets

out a likely timescale for resolving the complaint;

13.2.2 there is a named individual who is responsible for complaints and who has the

authority to resolve complaints, if appropriate; and

13.2.3 complainants are informed that if they want to take their complaint further, the

complaint can be referred to a Accreditation Scheme complaints handling process.

14. Publicity

Domestic Energy Assessors must make this Code available to a member of the

public upon request.

EPC - explained

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is one of many new measures that are being applied across the EU member countries to improve energy efficiency. An EPC provides two key pieces of information.

• The energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A – G ( The most efficient being A and G the least efficient)
• The environmental impact of a property.

It also provides recommendations and cost effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of a property. The benefit is that, if acted upon, this can mean lower energy bills due to the lower energy consumption and in turn lower carbon emissions.

When is an EPC required?

By 2009 as part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ( EPBD ) all buildings in the UK that are constructed, sold, or rented out will be required to have an EPC.

• An EPC is required when you sell or let your property and is valid for 10 years.
• Landlords must provide an EPC to prospective tenants, the first time the property is let. The EPC is valid for ten years.

Why is an EPC important?

All EPC’s on existing homes are produced using the same methodology. This means that all home owners and occupiers can compare the energy efficiency of different properties – in a similar way to comparing the fuel consumption of different cars.
Part of the EPC is a recommendation report which will list the potential rating that your house would achieve, if the changes were made. This information can be used to –

• Cut fuel bills.
• Improve energy performance in the home.
• Help cut carbon emissions.

How is an EPC produced?

An EPC can only be produced by either a Domestic Energy Assessor or a Home Inspector who must be approved by either a Government accreditation or certification scheme. The assessor will visit the property to assess the energy related features. These are then entered into a computer programme which is a calculation model, developed by the Government, known as RdSap (Reduced Data Standard assessment procedure).
This is a cost based rating system using predetermined assumptions and therefore rates the house on its “built in” energy efficiency rather than the actual energy consumed.

EPC Format

The EPC shows information relevant to the individual property in the form of tables and a graph similar to that seen on domestic appliances. The EPC is split into the following sections –

• Asset Rating.
• Estimated Energy Use.
• Summary of energy performance features.
• Recommendations.

Asset Rating

The Asset Rating section displays the Energy Efficiency Rating and Environmental Impact Rating.

The performance of the property is rated in terms of the energy used per square metre of floor area, energy efficiency based on fuel costs and environmental impact based on carbon (CO2) emissions.
The numbered arrows in the Asset rating display shows the current rating based on the existing energy performance of the property and a potential rating based on the suggested improvements being implemented.

Estimated Energy Usage

The Estimated Energy section shows the estimated energy use, carbon dioxide (C02) emissions and fuel costs of the dwelling. The figures are based on standardised assumptions about occupancy, heating patterns and geographical location. This means that the figures displayed will be different to the actual fuel cost. The reasons for this are:

• RDSAP uses a standard heating pattern within the calculation, of 9 hours each weekday and 16 hours a day at the weekend, and assumes that the main living area is heated at 21o C and the remainder of the dwelling at 18 o C. This may be different to the actual heating pattern of the person living there, but it enables the property to be compared on a like for like basis.
• The model also assumes that the number of occupants is proportional to the floor area of the dwelling and hot water usage is calculated using the same proportions. Therefore if a single person is living in a 5 bedroom house, the energy used for hot water in the model and, displayed on the EPC, will be higher than the actual usage. Again this procedure allows all properties to be compared on an equal basis.
• In addition the model assumes that all properties are based in the middle of England, and uses the average outside temperature of that region for the heating calculations. However, a property in the Southwest of England is likely to require less energy for heating than a comparable property in the Northwest – which would be reflected in the actual bills.
• If the property has 2 heating systems present, a primary or ‘main’ heating system; perhaps a gas boiler with radiators and a secondary or ‘top-up’ heating system; maybe an open coal fire, the model assumes that up to 15% of the space heating is provided by the secondary system. The efficiency of the secondary system is likely to be much lower than that of the primary system and will therefore push the energy costs up. It may be that the secondary system is rarely used and would not contribute to 15% of the space heating, but again so as to compare properties fairly these are the standard assumptions made in the model.
• The energy use displayed in the EPC also includes the energy consumed in producing and delivering the fuel to the dwelling, and thus will be greater than the energy actually used in the dwelling.

Summary of Energy Performance related features

The summary of energy performance related features section of the EPC shows the most crucial energy related elements of the property. The table is broken down into different elements of the property and displays its current energy efficiency and environmental performance. The descriptions are based on the data that has been collected specific to the property’s thermal and heating elements, these are Very Poor, Poor, Average, Good and Very Good.
In some cases, due to the RDSAP calculation methodology, some of the elements have to be assumed. Floors are a prime example of this as it is not possible for a DEA to identify whether any additional floor insulation is present as the survey is non invasive ie a DEA cannot use a drill to lift floorboards or pull back carpeting.
Some of the descriptions could lead to concern from the homeowner and it is necessary to explain the reasoning behind these. For example, if the energy efficiency of hot water is given as ‘poor’, this could be due to the cost of electricity compared to the cost of gas. The environmental impact could also be rated as ‘poor’ due to the carbon emissions associated with electricity generation.

Recommendations

The recommendations section list measures that can improve the SAP rating of the property. These are separated into;

• Lower cost measures – below £500 installation costs.
• Higher cost measures – above £500 installation costs.

The measures are assessed cumulatively in a predetermined order, and are only included if they make a measurable change to the energy efficiency of the building.
This section also displays typical savings per year, and shows the Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact rating as a result of these improvements.
The Asset rating displays the potential ratings for lower and higher measures only.
Finally, there is a description of each recommendation, as well as how it can be used to improve energy efficiency of the home. It also gives advice as to the application / installation of the recommendation.  For more information visit  epc.direct.gov.co.uk
(source – NHER Factsheet).

Simple Facts

There are lots of "experts" in the field of saving energy. There are alot of middle men as well.

The simple facts are -
1. An EPC is required if you are selling or renting your property.
2. A DEA is the only person accredited and trained to carry out the EPC.
3. An EPC can save you lots of money on heating bills and provide good advice.

A DEA is accredited, trained and CRB checked. If you employ a DEA to carry out an EPC on your property then they are not going to try (or they shouldn't) to get you to change gas/electric suppliers or sell you anything else while they are a guest in your property. They are not bias and will not start recommending that Joe Bloggs down the road comes round to give you a quote for putting more loft insulation in.

If you are looking for an EPC for your property because you are intending to sell/rent your property or simply because you want a report to help you save money on your heating bills this winter then the only person to contact is a DEA.

There are several ways of finding a DEA -
Searching on the internet https://www.epcregister.com/searchAssessor.html  (Landmark site)
Letting your estate/letting agent deal with it for you
Ringing round
Using a middle man.

These middle men promise to organise the EPC for you and to save you lots of money in the meantime.
Whilst there are reputable "middle" men out there I would always recommend using a local DEA who has been recommended by someone you know or the estate agent. If you do use a middle man always "google" them prior to giving them any money to make sure that they are a reputable company. Just remember you are the client and as such you should be treated with respect and be provided with an accurate EPC by the DEA of your choice.

Winter is coming

I have been out today to carry out some EPCs and I am so cold!

Everyone is now starting to put their heating on and wrap up warmly as the tempretures start to plummet in preparation for Winter 2010, which according to the weather predictions is going to be a cold one.

If we are wrapping ourselves and our children up why aren't we wrapping our homes up? The credit crunch is still lingering and people are tight for money (even more so with less than 10 weeks till Christmas) so why not look at how to reduce those heating bills during the coming months?

A few simple and very effective things to do are:
1. How is the hot water cylinder insulated? if its just a jacket get an extra one round it.
2. How much insulation is in your loft? Insulating the loft to 300mm will reduce the heating loss.
3. See what grants/free installations are available in your area for cavity wall insulation.
4. Low energy lightbulbs.

Homeowners are the first to see and feel the benefit of correctly insulating their homes and being able to save that extra money and energy has got to be an early christmas present.

Why me?

I am very happy today as another self employed DEA has asked me to look after his work while he is away. This is a big compliment as far as I am concerned - another DEA thinks that I am professional enough and that I carry my work out to a high enough standard to be able to look after his clients.

In this current climate DEAs are fiercely competitive and guard their clients - I know that I am always determined that I do the best job possible and keep to a 24hr turnaround to try and keep my clients happy. So for someone else to ask me to look after their clients makes me feel very good.

I always say to prosepective clients that " I am not going to insult your intelligance by saying that I will offer you the cheapest price you have ever seen for your EPC work - what I am going to offer is my personal and highly professional service.

 

I have worked as a DEA since 2008 and have built up a client list based upon:

1. my 24hr turnaround

2. my professional approach to the work.

3. the fact that I provide floor plans.

4. My understanding of the business due to the fact that I have worked as an estate agent and know and understand your requirements.

5. Competitive pricing.

6. Flexible appointments - evenings, weekends and bank holidays."

 

Maybe its because I am honest and would never steal a client or maybe its because I have high standards and a 24hour turnaround but the one thing I do know is that its a huge honour to be asked and I really appreciate it.

EPCs - what does the DEA assess

As a domestic energy assessor the first thing I do when I go to a property is explain to the client what I am looking at and why, what the finished EPC will look like and what their responsibilities are with regard to the recommendations.

This is what a DEA is assessing during their visit to your property:

• The year of property construction
• Walls and roof construction
• Signs of wall-cavity insulation
• Energy-saving "green" devices (such as solar panels, for instance)
• Number of double glazed windows and when installed
• Number of open or closed fireplaces
• Make and model of boiler and the type of flue and fuel used
• Number of low energy light-bulbs
• Type of heating system used and controls (wall thermostat etc...)
• Roof insulation and thickness.
• Measure the thickness of the hot water cylinder jacket or foam.
• Check for excessive window area in larger houses and take measurements of conservatories and extensions.
• Note the number of habitable rooms that are heated.
• Measure the internal or external areas of the home.
• Sketch and make notes relating to home and room layout

The measurements taken are to work out the floor area and the HLP (heat loss perimeter) of the property.

A DEA is not looking for damp, or movement or how clean the house is - with 3 small children at home I never notice!

The EPC when produced is 6 pages, the graph which most people are familiar with and then the recommendations based upon the data collected during the assessment. These recommendations can, if they are taken, really help save money on your energy bills.

What a difference an EPC makes

I fully believe in EPCs. To be honest I wouldn't carry them out if I didn't. But I have to admit that one of my main wishes is that EPCs are promoted more as the useful tool that they are - I carried one out on my late mother in laws house 2 years ago and the benefit that she gained from it was brilliant. She had an end of terrace 1950s' cavity build local authority property with 50mm of loft insulation and no cavity wall insulation. The boiler at the time had just been updated to a combination boiler and there were TRVs on the radiators as well as a programmer and wall thermostat to control the heating.
When she had the EPC she went to the Local Council who then helped her by getting the loft insulation upgraded to 300mm and having the cavity wall insulation put in.
This saved her over 40% on her heating bills during the course of that winter and as an OAP was brilliant for her.

Its difficult to explain how strongly I feel about the need for greater awareness about the value of the EPC and the grants that are available for better insulation etc - not only will this save people money but it saves energy.

Reverse Auctions

I have been a Domestic Energy Assessor for nearly 3 years. I have to admit that I love my work - I get to meet new people on a regular basis and have (I hope) built up a good relationship with my clients.
I am the same as many people in this current economic climate and therefore I am always looking for additional clients and more work!
Unfortunately at the moment there seems to be a growing trend for "reverse" auctions - this is where a number of DEAs are invited to put in the lowest bid to then "win" the EPC. Basically the DEAs are competing against each other to provide the cheapest possible price. I can see the good points - customer gets the cheapest price and (hopefully) a good service and accurate EPC but this isn't the case in alot of these reverse auction sites - the only person/company who benefits are the company who are providing the "reverse" auction as the low price doesn't get passed on to the client and the DEA is working for a pittance.
In light of those facts I can only ask what is the point in reverse auctions as they are not benefiting the client or the DEA?