Vendor Review
OfficialFreeStreamline vendor evaluations with structured analysis.
Free · Opens the source repo
What Vendor Review does
The Vendor Review skill provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating potential vendors, ensuring that decisions are informed by a thorough analysis of cost, risk, performance, and fit. This skill is particularly useful for procurement professionals, project managers, and decision-makers who need to assess new vendor proposals, renew existing contracts, or compare multiple vendors side-by-side. By utilizing this skill, users can systematically examine all relevant factors that influence vendor selection, leading to more strategic and effective procurement decisions.
When using the Vendor Review skill, users are prompted to provide essential details such as the vendor's name, the context of the evaluation (whether it's a new vendor, a renewal, or a comparison), and relevant contract terms or performance data. The skill then generates a structured output that includes a cost analysis, risk assessment, performance metrics, and a comparison matrix. This structured approach helps users visualize the trade-offs and benefits associated with each vendor, facilitating a clearer decision-making process.
The evaluation framework within the skill covers critical aspects like total cost of ownership, which goes beyond just the licensing fees to include implementation, training, and exit costs. Additionally, the risk assessment component evaluates vendor stability, compliance, and potential dependencies, ensuring that users consider the long-term implications of their vendor choices. Finally, the skill provides a comparison matrix that allows users to juxtapose key features and terms of multiple vendors, making it easier to identify the best fit for their organization.
Overall, the Vendor Review skill is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in vendor selection and contract negotiations, providing a structured methodology that enhances the quality and transparency of procurement decisions.
When to use it
Use this skill when evaluating new vendor proposals, deciding on contract renewals, or comparing multiple vendors for procurement.
When not to use it
This skill may not be suitable for informal vendor assessments or when quick decisions are required without detailed analysis.
What you can build with it
Evaluating a New Vendor
Use the skill to assess a new vendor's proposal by analyzing costs, risks, and performance metrics.
Renewing an Existing Contract
Input current contract details to evaluate whether to renew or negotiate better terms with the existing vendor.
Comparing Two Vendors
Utilize the comparison matrix to juxtapose two vendors, helping to identify which one aligns better with your needs.
How to install Vendor Review
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins/vendor-review --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by anthropics/vendor-review
If you see unfamiliar placeholders or need to check which tools are connected, see CONNECTORS.md.
Evaluate a vendor with structured analysis covering cost, risk, performance, and fit.
Usage
/vendor-review $ARGUMENTS
What I Need From You
- Vendor name: Who are you evaluating?
- Context: New vendor evaluation, renewal decision, or comparison?
- Details: Contract terms, pricing, proposal document, or current performance data
Evaluation Framework
Cost Analysis (Total Cost of Ownership)
- Total cost of ownership (not just license fees)
- Implementation and migration costs
- Training and onboarding costs
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Exit costs (data migration, contract termination)
Risk Assessment
- Vendor financial stability
- Security and compliance posture
- Concentration risk (single vendor dependency)
- Contract lock-in and exit terms
- Business continuity and disaster recovery
Performance Metrics
- SLA compliance
- Support response times
- Uptime and reliability
- Feature delivery cadence
- Customer satisfaction
Comparison Matrix
When comparing vendors, produce a side-by-side matrix covering: pricing, features, integrations, security, support, contract terms, and references.
Output
## Vendor Review: [Vendor Name]
**Date:** [Date] | **Type:** [New / Renewal / Comparison]
### Summary
[2-3 sentence recommendation]
### Cost Analysis
| Component | Annual Cost | Notes |
|-----------|-------------|-------|
| License/subscription | $[X] | [Per seat, flat, usage-based] |
| Implementation | $[X] | [One-time] |
| Support/maintenance | $[X] | [Included or add-on] |
| **Total Year 1** | **$[X]** | |
| **Total 3-Year** | **$[X]** | |
### Risk Assessment
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
|------|-----------|--------|------------|
| [Risk] | High/Med/Low | High/Med/Low | [Mitigation] |
### Strengths
- [Strength 1]
- [Strength 2]
### Concerns
- [Concern 1]
- [Concern 2]
### Recommendation
[Proceed / Negotiate / Pass] — [Reasoning]
### Negotiation Points
- [Leverage point 1]
- [Leverage point 2]
If Connectors Available
If ~~knowledge base is connected:
- Search for existing vendor evaluations, contracts, and performance reviews
- Pull procurement policies and approval thresholds
If ~~procurement is connected:
- Pull current contract terms, spend history, and renewal dates
- Compare pricing against existing vendor agreements
Tips
- Upload the proposal — I can extract pricing, terms, and SLAs from vendor documents.
- Compare vendors — "Compare Vendor A vs Vendor B" gets you a side-by-side analysis.
- Include current spend — For renewals, knowing what you pay now helps evaluate price changes.
Frequently asked questions about Vendor Review
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