Welcome to the Buying Sucks Podcast! We dive into the messy, frustrating, and sometimes absurd world of buying software. Hosted by Bryant Lee and Joe Ciuffo, we’re here to call out what makes the process so painful—and uncover smarter, simpler ways to navigate it.
You can listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Castbox, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, iHeartRadio, Overcast and Goodpods or watch on YouTube.
Join the conversation at buyingsucks.com!
Connect with Bryant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-bryant-lee-/
Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ciuffo/
Protips from a Procurement Pro | Ep. 04 - The Buying Sucks Podcast
In this episode, Evan Connolly shares his extensive experience in procurement, discussing the complexities of the buying process and how to navigate vendor relationships effectively. The conversation covers the importance of clear communication, negotiation strategies, and aligning stakeholder goals to ensure successful outcomes. Evan emphasizes the need for transparency and the role of procurement in decision-making, providing valuable insights for marketers and business professionals alike.
You can listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Castbox, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, iHeartRadio, Overcast and Goodpods or watch on YouTube.
Join the conversation at buyingsucks.com!
Youtube: https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-youtube (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-youtube)
Spotify: https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-spotify (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-spotify)
Feeds: https://bit.ly/m/buyingsucks (https://bit.ly/m/buyingsucks)
Connect with Joe (LinkedIn): https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-joe (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-joe)
Connect with Bryant (LinkedIn): https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-bryant (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-bryant)
Takeaways
Procurement often comes in later in the buying cycle.
Too many stakeholders can complicate negotiations.
Establish a clear RACI to define roles in procurement.
Transparency with vendors is crucial for effective negotiations.
Silence during negotiations can lead to unexpected concessions.
Define your needs before engaging with vendors.
NDA agreements can protect sensitive information during discussions.
The procurement team can help manage vendor relationships effectively.
Understanding the vendor's perspective is key to successful negotiations.
Aligning stakeholder goals is essential for procurement success.
5 Mar 2025
The Rise and fall of the Software Review sites | Ep. 03 - The Buying Sucks Podcast
In this episode of the Buying Sucks Podcast, hosts Bryant Lee and Joe discuss the rise and fall of review sites in the B2B buying landscape. They explore the usefulness and limitations of platforms like G2, the challenges buyers face in trusting reviews, and the shift in buyer behavior towards alternative sources of information. The conversation highlights the decline in traffic to major review sites and the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on the buying process. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the importance of using review sites effectively and understanding the context of reviews to make informed purchasing decisions.
You can listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Castbox, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, iHeartRadio, Overcast and Goodpods or watch on YouTube.
Join the conversation at buyingsucks.com!
Youtube: https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-youtube (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-youtube)
Spotify: https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-spotify (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-spotify)
Feeds: https://bit.ly/m/buyingsucks (https://bit.ly/m/buyingsucks)
Connect with Joe (LinkedIn): https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-joe (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-joe)
Connect with Bryant (LinkedIn): https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-bryant (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-bryant)
Takeaways
Review sites like G2 have become household names but face trust issues.
Many reviews are overly positive and lack context.
Buyers are increasingly turning to alternative sources for information.
Traffic to major review sites has significantly declined.
AI tools like ChatGPT are influencing buyer behavior.
Understanding the context of reviews is crucial for decision-making.
Not all reviews are created equal; critical reviews can provide valuable insights.
Buyers should focus on awareness and list building when using review sites.
The importance of knowing what you need before making a purchase.
Review sites can still be useful if approached with the right mindset.
12 Feb 2025
AI Agents and Vendors | Ep. 02 - The Buying Sucks Podcast
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Buying Sucks podcast, hosts Bryant Lee and Joe Schufo explore the complexities of the buying process in a noisy sales ecosystem. They discuss the impact of various sales tools, the role of AI agents, and the importance of critical thinking in making informed buying decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for buyers to navigate the overwhelming amount of information available and to be cautious when relying on AI for assistance. The hosts provide insights into how AI agents function and their potential future in sales, while also highlighting the importance of context and personal judgment in the buying process.
You can listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Castbox, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, iHeartRadio, Overcast and Goodpods or watch on YouTube.
Join the conversation at buyingsucks.com!
Youtube:https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-youtube (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-youtube)
Spotify:https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-spotify (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-spotify)
Feeds:https://bit.ly/m/buyingsucks (https://bit.ly/m/buyingsucks)
Connect with Joe (LinkedIn):https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-joe (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-joe)
Connect with Bryant (LinkedIn):https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-bryant (https://bit.ly/buyingsucks-bryant)
Takeaways
Buyers need to ask the right questions at the right moments.
The sales ecosystem is filled with various tools that can influence buying decisions.
AI agents are becoming more prevalent in sales, but their effectiveness varies.
It's crucial for buyers to discern between available information and the right information.
Low-risk buying decisions can benefit from quick research, but high-stakes decisions require deeper analysis.
AI can help streamline the buying process, but it shouldn't replace critical thinking.
Personalization in sales can feel inauthentic if overused.
Buyers should be cautious of AI-generated content and its trustworthiness.
The future of AI agents in sales is promising but still developing.
Effective buying processes often involve guidance and context from knowledgeable sources.
Welcome to the first episode of the Buying Sucks! Podcast. In this episode, hosts Bryant Lee and Joe Ciuffo dive into the complexities and challenges of the software buying process. Why does it suck so much? Buying software is known to be a frustrating process. Joe and Bryant discuss factors such as vendor bias, the impact of sales methodologies, dealing with internal stakeholders and the importance of community input.
As buyers you to be aware of the dynamics at play, including internal decision-making processes and the overwhelming noise from modern sales tactics. The key is asking the right questions and being prepared to navigate the buying landscape effectively.
You can listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Castbox, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, iHeartRadio, Overcast and Goodpods or watch on YouTube.
Join the conversation at buyingsucks.com!
Connect with Bryant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-bryant-lee-/
Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ciuffo/
Takeaways
Buying is a low frequency activity, making it challenging for buyers.
Vendor bias can significantly impact decision-making.
Community input can lead to confusion due to differing opinions.
Internal dynamics often derail the buying process.
Sales methodologies are structured around the seller's perspective, not the buyer's.
Trials and pilots can be misleading and require careful consideration.
Awareness of the buying process is crucial for effective decision-making.
The noise from modern sales tactics complicates the buying experience.
Buyers need to focus on their specific needs rather than following trends.
Asking the right questions can help buyers navigate the complexities of purchasing.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,437
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
11
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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