Whether you’re starting a new business or you need to change suppliers, you’ll have to undertake the daunting task of selecting new suppliers. This is not as challenging as you might believe, but you do want to watch out for common mistakes made during the vendor selection process.
When looking for wholesale suppliers of merchandise and office supplies, consider these signs that you don’t want to take their business.
1. The company asks for too many or too little forms.
You need a balanced level of information provided and received during the process of vendor selection. Too few forms indicates that the company could be cutting corners or unable to provide what you actually need from them. They might just barely meet your requirements, but you don’t get a great level of service or shipments are delivered late or without the proper contents.
In other cases, you might run into a supplier who asks for too much information. Not only is this a colossal waste of time for you, but it also indicates that the company fails to operate efficiently. You’re more likely to be working with a supplier that’s focused on profits and details, not the customer or the quality of goods.
2. The supplier shows a lack of confidence in your company.
You don’t need the supplier you choose to get too involved with the details of the company, but they shouldn’t spread bad omens before the deal goes through. Many suppliers fail to offer the right support to their customers because they believe they know better than the client.
Find a company that will root for you and support your needs. They shouldn’t try to give you advice on what you should be doing for success unless directly asked. They should simply supply your goods and be there when you need them.
3. There’s disconnected and confusing communication.
Your supplier is arguably the most important part of your business. Without their services, you don’t have goods to sell. Customers become angry that their shipments never arrived, and they may walk away from your business forever. A strong indicator that a supplier won’t meet your needs is the way they communicate with you.
Is it hard to connect with your supplier? Are they answering phone calls or calling back the same day? Do they answer emails within 12 hours? Rapid, clear communication is the key to getting your customers their products on time and at the right price.
Don’t be overwhelmed with the process of hiring a supplier, but don’t be taken for a fool either. Do your homework and recognize that you have the power in any situation with a supplier. If you’re not happy with the way a supplier treats you, it’s time to move on.
