A supplier relationship can seem pretty simple on the surface. You buy products or equipment from someone and use them in your own manufacturing or development process. It can even be impartial from time, totally unconcerned about developing relationships.
But some are, and especially with service. That also goes for specialist products that need to be perfect. Moreover, relationships that are built often last, such as a high end restaurant only using one or two fish purveyors in order to sustain the quality their clientele know.
But to trust someone, you not only have to give them a chance, but you sould vet them before signing anything. Here’s how:
Research Their Background & Reputation
To some extent you can begin digging into their history, because a supplier’s track record tells you everything you need to know about their reliability. Check how long they’ve been in business, look up their leadership team, and see if they have any major certifications or industry recognition.
You’ll also want to search for reviews and testimonials from other businesses, but remember that the most valuable feedback often comes from companies similar to yours in size and industry. Don’t just rely on their website testimonials either, since those are obviously going to be cherry-picked.
Try reaching out to some of their current clients directly if possible, or check industry forums where people discuss their experiences with different suppliers. Financial stability matters too, so if you can find information about their revenue, growth patterns, or any recent financial difficulties, that context will help you understand whether they’re likely to be around for the long haul.
Test Their Communication & Response Times
Pay attention to how they handle your initial inquiries because this gives you a preview of what working with them will be like. Good suppliers respond promptly to emails, return phone calls within a reasonable timeframe, and provide clear, detailed answers to your questions.
If they’re slow to respond or give vague answers during the starting discussions, that behavior probably won’t improve once you’re paying them. Test their knowledge by asking specific technical questions about their products or services, and see if they can provide detailed explanations or connect you with someone who can.
You could also want to ask about their customer service structure and what kind of support you can expect after the sale. The way they communicate about timelines, pricing, and potential challenges will give you better insight than almost anything else.
Assess Their Quality Control & Logistics
Understanding their quality control processes is crucial because you need to know they’ll deliver results you can actually trust, so ask about their testing procedures, quality certifications, and how they handle defective products or returns.
A good supplier will be happy to walk you through their processes and might offer to show you their facilities or provide references from quality audits. That can be important if buying specialist gear such as when using Distributors of Ophthalmology and Optometry Equipment.
With this advice, we hope you can find it easier to thoroughly vet a supplier going forward!
