Just about every company is reliant on its suppliers. This is true not just of consumer-facing product-oriented businesses, but also of service-oriented companies. That’s why it’s important for all business owners to develop working relationships with reliable suppliers.
Read on to find out how to get started.
Choose the Right One
The first step toward building a healthy working relationship with an equipment supplier is to choose which company to work with carefully. The best bet for those working in specialized industries is, of course, to work with a specialist.
When sourcing Oil & Gas Industry Parts, find a supplier that works primarily, or even exclusively, with clients in this industry to ensure that the company’s personnel will know what it takes to supply America’s homes and businesses with fuel.
Be upfront with suppliers about what’s going on with the company.
Alert them to key personnel changes, new products, or special promotions to ensure that the supplier knows who to contact and is able to keep up with client demands.
Sometimes, suppliers will even be willing to help their clients network with other business owners in related fields or even help them find new customers.
Give Adequate Lead Times
Keeping suppliers abreast of important changes is a good first step, but it’s also important to provide them with adequate lead time on each order. This requires an understanding of the supplier’s production methods and unique needs and a level of transparency when it comes to honest projections on the client’s side. Giving them plenty of lead time will ensure that the parts or products will be completed and ready for delivery on time and, in some cases, can even help to cut back on costs.
Always Pay on Time
This may sound like a no-brainer but businesses in all industries occasionally fall prey to the desire to renegotiate payment schedules after their orders have already been placed. This is both disrespectful and unproductive.
It’s fine to enter negotiations for more favourable payment terms before placing an order, but once the supplier has begun to manufacture that order, there’s no time for playing games.
Business owners who find themselves suddenly strapped for cash due to circumstances beyond their control should call their suppliers as soon as they can to discuss options or set up an alternative payment plan.
Don’t be prideful and assume it will all get figured out in time. It could ruin a good thing and lead the supplier to terminate the contract.
Avoid Rush Orders When Possible
There are times when rush orders are unavoidable, and most suppliers know that. Accommodating short time frames for production can be a huge hassle, though, so try to be respectful and avoid last-minute orders whenever possible.
When placing a rush order is unavoidable, expect to pay more for the products. The company may have to request that employees work overtime, pay more for manufacturing supplies, or otherwise go out of its way to accommodate the order.
The Bottom Line
Almost every business in America relies on supplier relationships to ensure that they get parts or products on-time and at a good price. Treat the professionals who provide this valuable B2B service with respect.
Have you focused on how to build a reliable supplier relationship?Finding a new supplier is a huge hassle, so business owners who have been lucky enough to find a good one the first time should appreciate what they have.
Have you been focusing on how to build a reliable supplier relationship?
