This is a compilation of most frequently asked questions and answers regarding the MERX Opportunity Matching Profile setup. To attend a live session, please visit our site at www.merx.com/events

1. MERX Opportunity Matching Webinar – Questions & Answers
Q: How many keywords can you enter?
A: You can insert 999 characters in the keywords section; this includes all words, spaces and symbols used.
Q: Will you send us a copy of this training via email?
A: The training is the same as the online video. To view this please visit: Online Guide | Online tutorial
Q: Will this also find matches within the linked tender documents themselves?
A: No, the MERX search engine will only search the information available in the abstract. i.e.: Notice Description,
Category, GSIN, Region of Delivery and Reference Number etc...
Q: Can there be a secondary email recipient who will monitor the emails?
A: No, the email address is tied to the individual MERX profile. You could create another user for this person or you
could create a generic inbox within your company that everyone could monitor and change the email address in
the profile to that. i.e.: info@merx.com
Q: We are in Air Transport and when I write Air Transport I get Air conditioning etc... How can I avoid this?
A: We suggest trying combinations like: air and transport*. You will need to play with words and be sure to test,
test, test!
Q: Under region of delivery. If you pick only Canada wide do you still need to tick ON etc?
A: If you want to do work across Canada, we would suggest simply leaving Region of Delivery to None. It’s hard to
know what a Buying Organization has decided to write as the region of delivery. Try not to restrict your search.
Q: Please explain the pricing structure. It appears there is an additional cost beyond the yearly fee.
A: For information on our pricing structure, click here.
Q: Your examples show 451 opportunities. Would we be charged for all of them?
A: You would likely not order all 451 documents. Charges are generally based on document orders. For information
on our pricing structure, click here.
Q: My service (Dispute Resolution) could be used by all categories should I select each category?
A: Avoid the use of categories and use keywords to search. You will get more accurate results. Consider using the
Refine your search area as well to eliminate some irrelevant results.
Q: Is this matching only applicable to public opportunities, or does it also apply to Agencies, Crown and Private
Corporation opportunities?
A: The opportunity matching profile you create provides results coming from both the public and the Agencies,
Crown and Private Corporations opportunities.
Q: Is there a way to manage/modify the username in our profile?
A: You cannot change the username within the profile but you can change the name and associated contact
information. Please contact us at 1-800-964-6379 for more information.
Q: Are you suggesting that using AND would be more limiting?
A: When using AND it will limit your search, using OR will broaden your search. Be sure to test your profile before
saving it so you can be sure you are receiving the results you are looking for
merx@merx.com www.merx.com 1-800-964-MERX (6379)

2. Q: In Keywords, does it matter if the AND, OR, and NOT are upper or lower case?
A: No it does not.
Q: If you change your profile and feel it is less effective than your previous profile can you revert back to your
previous profile?
A: No, that is why it is important to test. If you are performing many tests and don’t want to forget a previous one,
we suggest writing them down as you go so you can easily refer to your notes and change to a previously successful
test. Or save as you go, and review the Criteria summary, then go back and modify again.
Q: Can we receive the email in both languages from one profile?
A: No, the Delivery Language indicates the language of the email you will receive, English or French. For an email in
both languages you would have to create two profiles.
Q: If we choose the right keywords, can we rely on email notifications without going online?
A: We highly discourage this. Testing and searching often on MERX will ensure that you are not missing any
opportunities. Your keywords may catch everything today, but trying a different search tomorrow (as new
opportunities are posted) may yield different results.
Q: If I select 'none' in region of delivery do I get opportunities for 'all' regions?
A: Yes this is correct. The search engine searches through all open opportunities posted on MERX.
Q: If I enter 9 profiles, will I get 9 emails every day?
A: If a match is found for each profile then you would get 9 emails. A separate email is sent for matches on the
Agencies, Crown and Private Corporations side of MERX. If you have 9 profiles and opportunities were posted on
the public and Agencies, Crown and Private Corporations side that matched all profiles you could get as many as 18
emails. This is highly unlikely.
Q: If AND is more limiting then why is it used 95% of the time?
A: If you were to use OR you generally would get too many unrelated results. For example Keyword: Training;
Region of Delivery: Ontario. This would return all training opportunities but also ALL opportunities in Ontario,
whether or not they relate to training. See how this can provide you with too many unrelated results.
Q: If the season for most of my opportunities has passed can I set up my profile using the former opportunities
database and still be reasonably accurate?
A: The opportunity matching profile only searches open opportunities as the purpose is to let you know what is
currently available for you to bid on.
Q: How would I search IT? I don't want all the tenders with listed.
A: Using “it” is not great as it is the word it as in it is as well as standing for information technology. You would be
better served by not searching for acronyms or short forms. Try using information and technology.
Q: I understand that all federal government and Ontario government bids are posted on MERX. Would it be
possible to get a list of municipal governments that post on MERX?
A: An external government site, MARCAN www.marcan.net should be able to provide you with this information.
Q: Do we need to make any changes if we already have our profile set up?
A: If you are happy with the results you are getting then you can keep it as is. We do however suggest going in and
testing different scenarios to see if you can improve your profile.
merx@merx.com www.merx.com 1-800-964-MERX (6379)

3. Q: Do you have to use the keywords field in your profile or can you just use a category?
A: We suggest just using keywords and not categories. The reason for this is the buyer chooses which category (or
GSIN) to post a tender. If they accidentally miscategorize it, you will completely miss that opportunity even though
it may be exactly what you are looking for.
Q: Does the email only show new opportunities posted since the last profile was run, or all postings that match
regardless of posting date?
A: The email shows only new opportunities posted that day, therefore you may not receive an email every day.
Q: Can you use parentheses within parentheses? ex. (web and (train* or develop*))
A: Yes you can. Try different versions to make sure the results are what you want.
Q: Where do we look to find a Value range for the job?
A: If is listed, you can find this information on the abstract under Estimated Value.
Q: Can you search based on a GSIN?
A: You can, but we advise against it. Buyers choose which GSIN to post a tender into and can accidently select the
wrong one. By searching only GSINs you run the risk of missing an opportunity that has been miscategorized.
Q: Are the Agencies, Crown and Private Corporations opportunities visible automatically or do I have to register
to receive them?
A: Creating one profile searches both public and Agencies, Crown and Private Corporations opportunities. You can
see the abstracts but may choose not to pay for access to the documents.
Q: Do we get charged for searches or only for profile matching?
A: For information on our pricing structure, click here.
Q: Could you just put Greater Toronto Area instead of individually putting each area?
A: When using cities be very careful. If you do want to use cities, we suggest you think of every possible city or
abbreviation that might be used. Perhaps you say GTA but the buyer posted Greater Toronto Area or Mississauga
or Vaughn etc. You don’t want to miss out on opportunities because you were too specific. The search engine only
searches exactly what is posted; the search engine doesn’t know that Mississauga is actually part of the GTA unless
it is specified in the abstract.
REMEMBER:
• KISS Keep It Simple Supplier! (with your keywords)
• Always perform a simple or advanced search to complement results
• Use additional profiles (up to 9) if you sell other products or services
• Look for additional keywords in Awards & Former Opportunities databases
• Read through opportunity abstracts to make sure it’s what you want
• Consider using Keywords + only ONE section + Refine Search
• Review your criteria and occasionally modify search terms
• Use an asterisk * as a “wildcard” and try words without an * as well for different results
• Avoid being too specific
• Avoid using abbreviations or short forms
• Use (parentheses) when using both the “AND” and the “OR” in your keywords
• Use a Thesaurus for other words
Also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions found on www.merx.com.
merx@merx.com www.merx.com 1-800-964-MERX (6379)