FlatTurtle Blog
4 December 2024, 20:12
At FlatTurtle, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable, tailored connectivity solutions for commercial properties, but sometimes the journey to a successful partnership isn’t a straightforward one. Our work at the Passport Building in Brussels is a perfect example of how persistence, expertise, and a commitment to customer care can turn an underdog into a trusted partner.
We were approached to propose a solution to modernize the networking and infrastructure at the Passport Building, a significant commercial property in Brussels, next to the Brussels Airport. The project was a competitive RFP process, and we knew from the start that the odds were stacked against us.
The building owner favored big-name companies, and FlatTurtle, as a smaller player in the field, was considered an unlikely choice—despite our proposal being significantly more affordable than the competing bids. Still, we put our best foot forward, crafting a proposal that combined practicality, was realistic in terms of what the customer needed (without overselling), and cost-effectiveness.
After submitting our proposal, we were asked to advise on the incoming bids. Our expertise and insights were used to compare and evaluate what was being offered. Our detailed analysis revealed that competing bids included premium, overkill hardware that far exceeded the building’s actual needs for shared spaces.
Our quote, being more realistic and targeted, became a benchmark to renegotiate with other bidders. One competitor even slashed their pricing by 50%—an adjustment that raised more questions than confidence. Despite this, we were told the project would likely go to one of the larger companies.
Before the new winning bidder could even begin installing their hardware, disaster struck: the shared internet at the Passport Building went down. The restaurant couldn’t process payments, public WiFi failed, and critical building management systems became inaccessible. Understandably distressed, the client reached out to the new bidder for an emergency solution.
Surprisingly, the bidder refused, stating they weren’t yet managing the building’s hardware or internet contracts, and where thus unable to provide any helping hand.
With tenants and the restaurant at the building facing mounting frustration, the client turned to FlatTurtle in desperation. Within an hour, we had restored connectivity and stabilized the situation. (You can read more about our quick response here.)
This pivotal moment shifted the client’s perspective. They saw firsthand what sets FlatTurtle apart: our commitment to stepping up when it matters most. The client awarded us the contract despite our underdog status, recognizing that trust and reliability matter more than flashy branding or inflated promises.
Since then, we’ve taken over 80% of the Passport Building’s network management:
Every step of the way, we’ve prioritized delivering the right solutions tailored to the building’s needs—no unnecessary bells and whistles, just solid, dependable service.
Our journey with the Passport Building reinforces a simple truth: doing right by your customers always pays off. By prioritizing the client’s needs over maximizing costs, providing honest advice, and stepping up when others wouldn’t, we turned a challenging situation into a long-term partnership.
For us, this isn’t just a story of winning a contract; it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. At FlatTurtle, our focus is on delivering results, earning trust, and proving that even smaller players can outshine the big names when it comes to care and commitment.
Looking for a partner who will prioritize your needs and deliver reliable connectivity solutions? Let’s talk.