How to Source the Best Supplies for Your Business
Quality is key to running a successful business. It is, therefore, essential to only work with suppliers who are dedicated to providing exceptional products at value for money prices, which can help your business to increase customer satisfaction and enjoy a greater return on its investment.
To do exactly that, read the following advice on how to source the best supplies for your business.
Save Money by Working with a Manufacturer
There is a big difference between a manufacturer and a distributor. As manufacturers create products at their facility, they can typically provide companies with the best price for a product, which can help their clients to effectively lower their overheads. However, a distributor will buy bulk products from a manufacturer in bulk, selling them to companies at an inflated rate.
It might be more cost-effective to work directly with a manufacturer to decrease your operational costs and potentially develop a higher quality product. For example, if you are looking for a supplier of high-quality wound dressing to prevent surgical infections and promote healing, work with a knowledgeable medical product manufacturer that can design a product to complement your needs.
photo/Gerd Altmann
Research Your Chosen Supplier
Before you place an order, it is vital to thoroughly research a chosen supplier to ensure you are working with a legitimate business. For example, look for reviews online and research a company at the Better Business Bureau. Many legitimate manufacturers or distributors will also request to see your tax information or licenses.
Request a Sample to Make an Informed Choice
Many reputable manufacturers and suppliers will be more than happy to send a sample to their potential customers, which can help them to make an informed decision. That is why you shouldn’t hesitate to request a sample to ensure a product meets your expectations. As a result, you can be confident you will receive high-quality products when investing a considerable amount of money into an order.
Consider the Order Fulfilment Time
It is also imperative to consider a company’s order fulfilment time. While they might provide their customers with a competitive price, they might have a slow turnaround time when manufacturing an order or shipping products to an address, which could slow your business down or may impact the quality of your services.
Review Ongoing Support
Communication is key when working with manufacturers or suppliers. Before you rush into a decision, consider whether a company’s support services complement your business needs. For example, can they provide assistance with product issues or will they offer updates regarding shipping, product changes, and discounts?
Discuss the Minimum Order Quantities
Different manufacturers and suppliers might have a minimum order quantity for clients. It is important to discuss the order requirements in advance before committing to a purchase.
For example, will you need to commit to a specific number of units for every order, or are you required to spend a minimum amount? If the order quantity is too high, it might be wise to return to the drawing board to prevent investing in a large amount of inventory that gathers dust in your warehouse.
Author: Carol Trehearn
