Research will help you find a good supplier for your business.
Finding and establishing a ongoing relationship with a good supplier is essential to growing a business. Whether you're looking for a supplier that sells finished products you will resell, or supplies needed to manufacture your own products, there are several aspects you need to keep in mind to determine if a supplier is good for you. Ultimately, a good supplier provides quality products at prices that help you increase your profit margin, plus delivers customer service you can count on.
Instructions
1. Research potential local suppliers and non-local suppliers that can ship to you. You can accomplish this by using your search engine, using Web services like ReferenceUSA or by visiting merchandise marts. Ultimately, the Internet is the best tool to access potential suppliers regardless of the type of supplies you are looking for.
2. Visit each supplier's website to check their prices. If you have friends who also use the same type of suppliers, get some insight from them. For instance, if you need office supplies and one of your friends already has had experience with a supplier, get feedback from your friend.
3. Search online for reviews that pertain to the suppliers you think may be the right ones for you. Don't stick to just one supplier, select at least three so you can compare them.
4. Determine which supplier is more convenient for you. For instance, local suppliers may be able to deliver supplies quicker than suppliers that are not located locally. Also, take into consideration the shipping fees you have to pay when purchasing from suppliers that aren't local.
5. Call the best suppliers you've found for your business and rate their customer service. For instance, evaluate how each supplier handled your call, answered your questions and helped you with any concerns you had throughout the interaction. Good suppliers will usually assign a rep to your account, which gives you a direct point of contact and makes your life easier in the long run.
6. Ask the supplier important questions such as if they give warranties, the type of material they use to manufacture their supplies, or any other questions that are relevant to the type of supplies you are going to buy. Also, discuss with the suppliers whether they can give you a discount. Some suppliers will give you a discount if you purchase a certain amount of supplies per month.
7. Compare prices and applicable fees for each supplier to determine which suits your needs best. Also, take into consideration the customer service experience. Above and beyond customer service is essential for your company's productivity. For instance, if your supplies are delivered incorrectly ask if they will redeliver immediately, waive any shipping or delivery costs, or ask if they have a good error rate.
8. Select the supplier that is giving you good prices, offers good supplies and that showed you it really wants your business. Suppliers that want your business will usually go above and beyond to retain customers and develop loyalty.
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