Last Updated on May 16, 2022 by James W
As a business, you’ll want to be delivering your products and services to the highest standards of timeliness, quality and client service, that’s why choosing suppliers which won’t let you down is absolutely vital for the success of your business. This post takes a look at the 0
Assess Your Needs as A Business
Think about what exactly what it is you need in great detail and build this into a list of criteria for the product or supplies you aim to procure so you can best identify the next step: who your supplier options will be. Make an informed and researched list of suppliers in your locality before your narrow down your option to just a few.
If you have a number of product to source for suppliers: try to ascertain whether it would be of benefit to source multiple items from one place to cut costs, or whether it would be more beneficial to source from multiple suppliers to maintain the highest quality and get the best of both worlds. For example, if you’re looking for both new machinery and somewhere to sell your old ones, you’re best off with somewhere that does both, like CJ Machinery.
Criteria for The Supplier
The supplier should also have all the necessary commercial permits to function without any interruptions. This will also prevent your company from getting into any unnecessary trouble. You can read more here about the types of commercial permits required. It will help you select the best supplier. After you’ve identified the best suppliers for the items you need, make a comprehensive list of criteria for your supplies in advance of any ordering. The following are all important considerations:
- Logistics, time frames and distance
- Maximum and minimum order quantities
- Delivery methods
- Contact point
- Storage and handling facilities
- Quality assurance
- Returns policy
- Terms and conditions
- Payment methods
Negotiation& Process
Depending on your needs and priorities, you could call for bids from suppliers and make them choose you. If this is the choice you make, you’ll need to make time available to publish your requirements in the relevant areas like trade-specific publications. Then you’ll need to make time for choosing the best deal.
If you do not advertise your opening for wanted suppliers, you may prefer to contact potential suppliers for quotes yourself. You’ll need to make sure all criteria are covered so you can then make an informed decision on which supplier to use. Play each supplier off against your criteria and weigh up their pros and cons before you choose.
Finally: Monitor Supplier Performance
When you’ve identified your ideal supplying candidate and have decided to start a supply and demand relationship with them, it’s always good to monitor and evaluate their performance in terms of service, quality, and whether they’re fulfilling their duty and your needs. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
