Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Why Smaller EDI VANs Have the Edge Today

By
Molly Goad
March 12, 2025
5 min read
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At BOLD VAN, we’ve seen a familiar pattern play out: Businesses come to us for a quote, realize how much they could be saving, but then take that quote back to their current VAN provider — who miraculously offers them a better deal. It’s a cycle we see all too often: companies overpaying for years until they finally challenge their provider, only to get a sudden "discount."

So why not just make the switch and start saving now?

The Fear of Change: A 30-Year-Old Concern

Look, we get it. We understand the hesitation that comes with switching to a smaller, lesser-known VAN provider. This is a concern that has been around for decades. Thirty years ago, choosing a smaller company might have seemed risky because they lacked the resources and technology to compete with the industry giants. Back then, it was a valid consideration. But today, that’s no longer the case.

The reality is, all VAN providers now have access to the same advanced technology and infrastructure. What sets smaller, more agile companies like BOLD VAN apart is the ability to use these tools in ways that are more flexible and tailored to the specific needs of our clients. While larger, legacy providers are often stuck with outdated systems and rigid processes, we can adapt quickly, offering more personalized, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. The concerns of the past no longer apply — the right technology is available, and with BOLD VAN, it’s put to use in the most effective way for your business.

The Myth of "Big = Better"

Larger VAN providers might seem like the safer choice, but here’s the reality: many of these providers are still running on outdated, legacy systems. Their technology hasn’t meaningfully evolved in years, leading to inefficiencies and inflated costs. Meanwhile, companies like BOLD VAN leverage modern infrastructure, offering the same — if not better — capabilities at a fraction of the price. We provide seamless EDI transactions without the bloated fees.

We Offer Savings from Day One

Unlike VANs that only lower their rates when pressured, BOLD VAN offers transparent, competitive pricing from the start. There’s no need to haggle or threaten to leave just to get a fair deal. We believe in providing straightforward, affordable pricing that allows you to focus on running your business — not negotiating with your VAN provider every year.

Impeccable Customer Service, Without the Runaround

Another common frustration with large VAN providers? Customer service that feels like an afterthought. Long wait times, impersonal interactions, and unhelpful responses are the norm. At BOLD VAN, we pride ourselves on fast, reliable customer support. You won’t have to jump through hoops to get answers — our team is here to help, and we respond quickly.

The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Break the Cycle

We recently explored the issue of EDI VAN price gouging in our previous blog post, highlighting how businesses often overpay for years before realizing they could be saving significantly. If your current VAN provider can magically lower your bill when you ask, what does that say about their pricing model? Why not work with a provider that offers fair pricing from the beginning?

Switching doesn’t have to be daunting. BOLD VAN makes the transition seamless, ensuring there’s no disruption to your business. The technology is there, the cost savings are real, and the service is unmatched.

The only question left is: Why wait?

Molly Goad
Content Manager

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