9. Make sure you can get the equipment, tools and materials when you need them
Timeliness is extremely important when sourcing suppliers. Pick out suppliers you believe can offer the quality of product and service you need, when you need it. Here are a few hints and tips:
Compare suppliers in terms of:
- Product suitability and reliability.
- Reputation, based on references.
- Quality and flexibility of service.
- Location and ease of communication.
- Speed and frequency of delivery.
- Price range and order size.
For long-term supply contracts, make the effort to visit those suppliers that seem to meet your quality standards. To assess how they are likely to perform, ask yourself:
- Are they professional, or sloppy?
- Do they have too much work, or not enough?
- How eager are they for your business?
- Do they have the necessary equipment and space to cope with your order?
- Do they appear to be financially stable?
To avoid late deliveries from suppliers:
- Make delivery and service terms clear, in writing, when you place your contract.
- Ensure your supplier is familiar with the time constraints that affect your business.
- Keep track of what deliveries are arriving when. Chase them up immediately if they are late, contacting the supplier’s managing director, if necessary.
- Always check what has actually been delivered before signing the delivery note.
- Agree delivery performance standards as a condition of the contract.
