If you’re in the manufacturing business or any business that relies on a steady supply of a certain product or material, then the quality of your suppliers is everything. They can affect things like your margins, the quality of your finished products, and your manufacturing throughput. Going with the wrong supplier could lead to delays and uncertainty, which is something no business wants to deal with. This is why you need to be very careful when picking suppliers and know how to differentiate the good from the bad. Here’s how you can find the right type of suppliers for your business.
Have a Clear Set of Criteria
The first thing you have to do is ask yourself what you’re looking for in a supplier. Some people will need a supplier that can deliver fast, while others might need a supplier that will allow them to make orders of any size without huge price discrepancies. Other things you should consider include dropshipping capabilities, quality control, return policy, responsiveness, and payment terms and conditions.
Find a Sourcing Agent
If you don’t want to look for a supplier on your own, you can hire a sourcing agent. Sourcing agents can be particularly helpful if you want to work with foreign suppliers. Instead of burning yourself with different suppliers, you can go with a reputable sourcing agent or company and lower the chances of getting swindled.
Sourcing agents are far from perfect, however. For one, hiring them will cut your margins and you’ll never be able to have a true relationship with the suppliers. This means that you could lose your connection if the agent disappears, and you won’t be able to get things done on your own if something happens. All communications will have to be done through the agent. And, if you have an issue with the agent, then you’ll pretty much be at their mercy and they can sabotage you very easily, so beware.
Look Online
These days, it’s pretty easy for anyone to gather a good list of suppliers. You can run a straight Google search for the type of supplier you need, and you should be able to get a lot of results unless you’re looking for a very specialized product. Some directories will allow you to search for suppliers for specific products or industries.
If you need something common like metals, finding a good supplier online should not be too difficult, but don’t just go with any random supplier. Whether you’re looking for stainless steel or aluminum, FastMetals has you covered. Visit https://fastmetals.com/ to view all metal products available. Suppliers like this have been in the business for decades and they have a solid track record to back their reputation, so you’ll be in good hands.
Finding a great supplier for your business can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow our few tips and take the time to thoroughly vet anyone you’re thinking of working with before placing your first order.