Last updated on October 22nd, 2023 at 06:06 pm
Finding the right supplier can be a difficult task. So much so that you may be put off from switching suppliers and choose to stick with what you know. It is perfectly understandable as switching suppliers inevitably brings an associated cost on your finances and your time, which may ultimately disrupt business operations. That said your business deserves top-quality service from its suppliers and if your current supplier isn’t meeting your needs in every way or is impacting upon growth then it may be time to consider changing the way you do business.
Of course, you will need to weigh up the benefits of switching against staying but if you find yourself asking whether your supplier deserves your business, here are some considerations to help make that decision easier.
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Poor communication
Whether you are awaiting an armored level gauge or a supply of pencils, communication is one of the most important factors between you and your supply company. Strong communication will help to forge a good partnership with your supplier and help build a level of trust between both parties. The quicker they can answer your questions or rectify any concerns or problems you may have the better working relationship you are likely to have. Similarly, if there are likely to be any changes or delays to your shipment, the logistics, the costs, or overall operations this will always be better received if it is communicated efficiently and effectively. If you find yourself waiting on hold for long periods and your emails are going unanswered it is a good indicator that there may be better service options available to you.
Unreliability
One of the characteristics of a decent supplier is its reliability. Reliability covers many facets from the timing of deliveries to respectable packaging to consistent quality. Whatever your supplier is supplying your business with it will ultimately affect how your business is perceived by the outside world. As such the last thing you want to be doing is selling substandard products or being unable to keep up with demand due to poor supply.
Of course, even the most reliable of suppliers will have a bump in the road or fall victim to circumstances out of their control but if you are finding that their services are becoming increasingly inconsistent or unreliable then it may be an indicator that something has gone amiss and it may be time to explore your options.
Cost rises
Businesses experience price rises the world over, it is part and parcel of business so it is important to remember that your supplier will need to raise their costs at some point in your professional relationship. That said the frequency and the amount in which they increase their costs should be proportionate and with due notice given. A well-regarded supplier will not subject their clients to unnecessary hikes with little notice. It is important to keep this in mind if you find your business facing price rises from your supplier. In addition to this, any price rises should be thoroughly communicated and explained to you as a business partner so that you can understand the reasoning behind it.Â
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You have outgrown them
As your business grows your needs will grow with it so you need to be sure your supplier can meet the demands of your evolving and expanding business. Are they able to provide you with an increased level of support you may now need? Can they supply the quantities or expertise that you now need from your products? It is not uncommon for a business to outgrow a supplier and it doesn’t have to mean that you part on bad terms. If your needs have outstripped their capabilities and you are no longer confident that they can meet your demands then it is time to consider sourcing a supplier who has the means and expertise to fulfill the needs of your growing business
Recurring problems
Problems in supply chains exist and cannot be eradicated in their entirety however if you find that you are reporting the same problem without any improvement then this will adversely affect your business. Your supplier should act upon any problems or complaints you communicate and failure to do so is a sign that there are deeper problems within your supplier’s business. The problems could be anything from invoicing to quality but if they are not being suitably addressed and rectified it may be time to look at alternative options to meet your supply needs.
