What is the main goal of a reverse e-auction?

The main goal of a reverse e-auction is for suppliers to compete to reduce their prices. In this type of auction, a buyer (often an organization looking to procure goods or services) invites multiple suppliers to participate in a bidding process where they can lower their bids in real-time. The competitive environment is created by allowing suppliers to see the current lowest bid and adjust their offers accordingly. This process encourages suppliers to lower their prices in order to win the contract, driving down costs for the buyer and promoting competitive pricing in the market.

This emphasis on competition to reduce prices is what sets reverse e-auctions apart from traditional auctions, where bidders typically aim to increase their bids for an item. Thus, the correct answer highlights the key incentive for suppliers in this scenario, which is to actively lower their prices to secure the business opportunity presented by the buyer.