When you are running a business, you want to be sure that you are using the best suppliers at all times. Having the best products at competitive prices is essential to your business. If you do not have trusted suppliers on board, you can find that all your efforts and energy are wasted, as you are being let down along the way. When it comes to finding new suppliers, what must you think about, to make the decision and process a little bit easier?
See Who Competitors Are Using
To begin with, take a look at who your competitors are using. Are they using specialist companies or suppliers? Are they using suppliers from their home country, or do you believe they are importing products and supplies to use? Through research, you may well find that competitors are using inferior products. If inferior products are being used, or they are being imported, you could look at gaining a competitive edge by using suppliers that are closer to your place of practice. If competitors are purchasing high quantities (but low-quality) products and supplies, then see how you can improve on this to give your clients more.
Speak to Professional Bodies and Groups
Within your industry or business sector, you are going to have professional bodies or groups that you can contact and reach out to. They will usually be able to provide you with a list or database of suppliers within your industry. The list may not be accurate or complete, but it will give you somewhere to start. When you are utilizing lists and databases, always try to monitor who you are contacting (and don’t forget to measure their response time). If a supplier does not respond promptly, you may well want to avoid doing business with them at all.
Look at the Industry Specialists
To make sure you receive the best service and products, you will want to look at industry specialists where you can. For instance, if you are running a dental practice, you will want to reach out and contact the dental supply company, as they are industry specialists. If you are not using industry specialists, you may well find that you are compromising on quality. This has to then be passed on to your clients and customers. If products are not up to expectations, you will see that it can have an impact on how customers or clients see you, and how regularly they use your business. Industry specialist suppliers are aware of what requirements and legislation they must adhere to, and they will always put your business interests at the heart of their operations.
Checking the Terms and Conditions
Not all suppliers that you contact are going to be able to work with you. This may be because they are not taking on new clients in your area. Or, it could be because they require a minimum order that you cannot yet meet. To ensure you build successful and lasting relationships with new suppliers, you are going to need to check out their terms and conditions. Make transactions as seamless and simple as possible, and you’ll find this efficiency will pay off.
