When you’re in the manufacturing business, one of your primary concerns is that you have the supplies that you need to get the job done. This is why you need a supplier that you can trust. A good supplier will be able to provide you with what you need to ensure that you can create quality products for your customers. However, there are many suppliers out there, so narrowing them down to a few can be difficult. Here are some ways to determine which supplier you should work with:
Check Their Certifications
Nowadays, there are dozens of certifications needed to set up a company properly. However, they do give you a significant advantage. Certifications often come with audits to check whether a company meets specific standards. These can be a great way to ensure that you are getting quality parts from a proven supplier. Check what certifications a supplier has to know what they can deliver to you.
Determine Their Location
Manufacturers nowadays have connections all over the world. One part can come from China, while another part is from Brazil. However, the more distant the source, the more expensive it is or the more delayed it can be. This is why you should pick suppliers that are close to you. For example, a neoprene cable supplier in Singapore is perfect for companies looking for waterproof cables.
Look at the Political Climate
Another problem that comes with having international sources is that you won’t have the same political conditions are your supplier. You might not be wholly concerned, but your customers might be. Don’t just look at the fact that they can supply your order for cheap. Determine if your supplier is located in a politically stable country or has good labour relations. You don’t want to get caught up in a PR disaster if your supplier uses child workers or supports a dirty regime.
Weather Affects Everyone
Inclement weather will affect everyone. This is why you need to be sure that you check out the weather conditions of your potential suppliers. You might end up facing delays because of weather conditions. Whether it is tropical storms or blizzards, bad weather can slow down how well a supplier delivers their supplies to you. Check out the potential weather conditions that your supplier might face and when they might happen to schedule your deliveries.
Talk About Order Sizes
Some suppliers can only send you so much. On the other hand, they are also very good at looking at the bottom line. This means they will sometimes require minimum orders. Discuss with them how much you need and how many deliveries they can do in a particular period. You need a supplier that will be able to provide you everything that you need and not leave you high and dry.
A Solid Partnership
Suppliers and manufacturers need to have a good working partnership. This creates quality products that will be sure to please customers and get the job done when needed. The tips above can be a big help in ensuring that your company meets its quotas and earns a profit.
