If you own a business and you are looking for a new supplier, there are a few things you should consider first. After all, there are tens of thousands of suppliers in the UK, but that doesn’t mean they are all good options. If you are going to be working with the supplier on a long-term basis, it is important to find a great one.
Here are four signs that indicate you have found a great supplier.
The Price Is Good
A great supplier will offer high-quality products at an affordable price. Look at a few different suppliers to work out a general market cost, and avoid the suppliers who seem to be overcharging. It is also important that you take the time to look at shipping costs; some companies will charge a lot more than others for shipping, especially if they happen to be far away from your business.
They Are Reliable and Efficient
A good supplier will be reliable and efficient. If they say that they will deliver the products by a certain date, they always do – and the shipment is nearly always correct. You rarely have to deal with wrong orders, and the supplier goes out of their way to fix the problems that do occur.
One sign that a supplier is reliable is that they use technology to automate most processes. Technology makes life easier, but that isn’t all; it is also more accurate as there is no chance for human error. It can be useful to look for a supplier who uses a Contract Management System to organise their deliveries, and it can be just as useful for you to invest in a Contract Management System for your own business, too!
They Will Be Legal And Ethical
You should also consider whether the supplier is legal and ethical, especially if you run an environmentally-friendly business. This may not seem very important, but lots of customers today actively seek out ethical businesses that only work with other ethical businesses.
They Will Be Great Communicators
Finally, a great supplier will know how to communicate effectively. They will always answer the phone if you ring them, and they respond to your emails quickly. This is extremely important, especially if you are relying on one supplier for all of your products.
