Short answer
PIMvendors runs vendor-neutral DAM selections with the same scenario-based method DAMSelection publishes: content audit, scored requirements, scripted demos on the buyer's own assets, a public scoring model and contract support. Engagements range from a six-week shortlist sprint to a combined PIM and DAM selection, and no vendor pays PIMvendors for placement or referrals.
What PIMvendors does in a DAM selection
PIMvendors runs the seven DAMSelection checkpoints with the buyer's team and takes on the work a selection team rarely has capacity for.
| Checkpoint | PIMvendors work | Buyer output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Map | Content audit, stakeholder interviews, system inventory | Audit report and stakeholder map |
| 2 Define | Requirements workshops, draft metadata schema | Prioritised requirements and schema draft |
| 3 Justify | Cost model and value case inputs | Business case figures for the board |
| 4 Shortlist | Longlist filtering against must-have requirements | Longlist with the reason for each exclusion |
| 5 Test | Scenario scripts, asset sample, demo chairing | Recorded demos on the buyer's assets |
| 6 Score | Evidence-based scoring, reference checks | Scoring report the team can defend |
| 7 Sign | Pricing comparison, contract clause review, negotiation support | Contract terms checked against requirements |
The checkpoints follow the seven-checkpoint DAM selection route published on DAMSelection. Every buyer can run the method alone; PIMvendors adds capacity, chairing and neutrality.
Engagement types
PIMvendors offers two standard DAM engagements, and both include support at the contract checkpoint.
| Engagement | Fits when | Duration | Main output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six-week DAM shortlist sprint | A first DAM or a replacement, with a sponsor and a budget window | Six weeks to a scored shortlist | Shortlist of three vendors with evidence |
| Combined PIM and DAM selection | Both systems are up for selection, or the PIM link decides the DAM choice | Scoped per project | Two shortlists, one data model, one integration pattern |
The scope, timeline and team for each engagement are agreed in writing before work starts.
How an engagement runs
A PIMvendors DAM engagement follows five steps from first call to decision.
- Scoping call: a 30-minute call through the booking link on this page to understand the situation, the deadline and the team.
- Written scope: deliverables, timeline, roles and the decisions the buyer needs to take.
- Kickoff: the content audit starts, and stakeholder interviews are booked.
- Weekly working sessions: requirements, scripts and demo preparation with the selection team.
- Decision report: scores, evidence, risks and open questions for the contract stage.
What the buyer provides
A PIMvendors selection works only with input the buyer controls, and the scope lists it at the start.
- A named selection team with one decision owner
- A sample of real assets per scenario, including the awkward files
- Access to stakeholders in brand, creative, e-commerce, IT, legal and procurement
- Exports or screenshots from current repositories and the PIM
- Constraints such as hosting rules, procurement rules and budget windows
Who does the work
PIMvendors DAM selections are run by Stephan Spijkers, founder, and Chris Jobse, consultant and partner.
Both lead vendor-neutral PIM and MDM selections with scenario-based demos built on validated requirements. That background matters for DAM, because the PIM link decides much of a DAM's value for product-led organisations. Both authors write DAMSelection, so the published method and the advisory method are the same.
What PIMvendors never does
PIMvendors keeps five commitments in every engagement, set out in the neutrality policy.
- Accept vendor fees for placement, referrals or shortlist slots
- Resell DAM licences or take a share of a deal
- Accept a generic vendor demo as evidence
- Score a vendor without recorded evidence
- Name a preferred vendor before requirements are signed off
The positions behind the method
PIMvendors applies five DAMSelection positions in every DAM selection, each a DAMSelection assessment drawn from selection practice.
- The metadata model decides DAM success. Design it before the first demo.
- Generic vendor demos carry no selection value. Vendors demo the buyer's scripted scenarios on the buyer's assets, written with the scripted DAM demo scenarios method.
- Storage, egress and AI credit consumption drive five-year DAM cost more than licence fees.
- DAM and PIM form one product content supply chain. Select them with one shared data model.
- Data, then process, then people, then tooling.
Engagement types
Frequently asked
What does a DAM selection consultant do?
A DAM selection consultant runs the selection process with the buyer's team: content audit, requirements, demo scripts, demo chairing, evidence-based scoring and contract review. PIMvendors works vendor-neutral, so no vendor pays for a place on the shortlist. The buyer keeps every decision; the consultant supplies method, capacity and evidence.
How long does a DAM selection take with PIMvendors?
The PIMvendors DAM shortlist sprint reaches a scored shortlist of three vendors in six weeks. Contract negotiation and any proof of concept follow after the sprint. A combined PIM and DAM selection takes longer, and its timeline is agreed in the written scope after the scoping call.
Does PIMvendors get paid by DAM vendors?
PIMvendors takes no fees from DAM vendors for placement, referrals or shortlist slots, and it resells no licences. The buying organisation pays for the advisory work. Any commercial relationship with a DAM vendor appears in the disclosure register of the neutrality policy and on that vendor's DAMSelection profile.
Do we need a consultant to select a DAM?
A buyer can run a DAM selection without a consultant, and DAMSelection publishes the full method, scripts and tools free. A consultant helps when the team lacks time, when stakeholders disagree, or when vendors push generic demos. The Requirements Builder and the Demo Script Generator cover the core steps for teams working alone.
What does a DAM selection engagement cost?
PIMvendors quotes each engagement after the scoping call, based on the scope, the number of scenarios and the number of vendors tested. DAMSelection publishes no advisory prices. For the cost of the DAM itself, the Five-year DAM TCO Calculator models licence, storage, egress and AI credit costs.