Keep must-have requirements separate
A vendor should not win on a weighted average if it fails a non-negotiable legal, security, technical or contractual requirement. Mark gating criteria outside the optional score.
Compare total cost, not only list price
Implementation, migration, support, training, integrations and exit costs can materially change the economics of a vendor decision.
Score evidence, not sales claims
Tie important scores to demonstrations, references, contractual commitments or validated technical evidence where possible.
Use the matrix as an audit trail
Exported criteria, weights, scores and notes make the rationale easier to revisit after negotiations or stakeholder review.