In many situations, when you run a business, you will need to find a good supplier, or perhaps more than one. You might need a supplier to buy from so that you can then sell on their goods at a profit, for example, or you might need a supplier for your own items that you need to be able to run your business. No matter what you need or the reason for needing them, it’s important to find a good supplier; here are some of the things to look out for.
Expertise
One of the most important things to look for in a supplier is expertise. You want to buy from someone who really knows what they are talking about, and who understands their product back to front. Therefore, look for a supplier that specializes in just a few items. If you want a rubber grommet, for example, find a supplier that makes and sells rubber grommets. Don’t look for a supplier that sells lots of different things but that doesn’t really specialize in anything.
It’s true that you might be able to buy everything you need from one place and save some money, but what would happen if you had a problem or a question? If the supplier isn’t an expert and can’t help you, the money you have spent could well be wasted.
Know What You Need
Before you begin speaking to suppliers, you should draw up a list of the things that you absolutely want from them. This isn’t just the goods and products (although of course, that is crucial); it is everything else that goes with the buying experience to make it complete. This could include:
- Delivery times and methods
- Storage and handling
- Lead times
- Payment terms
- Customer service
- Order quantities (minimum and maximum)
- Returns policy
Knowing all of this will help you to compare each supplier to the next, and it will also ensure that you are choosing a supplier that you are completely happy to work with and that there will be no surprises later in the process.
Testimonials
Just as you would do if you were buying something for yourself, you should always check out testimonials and reviews regarding the supplier you are thinking of using. This will give you an insight into how they work. If there are lots of happy customers, you can be more confident that you are making the right choice. If there are lots of negative reviews, then you can step back and look elsewhere if you want to. If you will want to go ahead, at least you will be prepared in advance.
Since word of mouth is often the most trustworthy and valuable form of testimonial, ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have any recommendations. This is a great place to start, and will give you a good idea of who to get in touch with or even who to stay away from. However, always do your own research as well, especially if the original purchase was quite some time ago.
