7 Complete Tips for Choosing the Best Supplier

Regardless of the type of business you run, both online and offline , often the production process is hampered because not all of your raw materials are fulfilled yourself . This is what then becomes the background for business people to later establish cooperative relationships with suppliers . Of course, the existence of a business supplier is very influential on the continuity of the business you are running.

Choosing a business supplier is not easy, especially for those of you who choose to run a business as a reseller or dropshipper who resells finished goods from suppliers as a source of income. Therefore, before deciding to collaborate, you should pay attention to several important factors in choosing a business supplier .

Put Quality First

In terms of choosing suppliers of raw materials or finished goods that you will resell to fulfill orders from customers, quality must be used as a measurement basis in selecting business suppliers . If the quality of the product is bad, then it is certain that the product you will produce or resell will be the same. We recommend that you do not be easily tempted by low prices or fees in determining the supplier of your business.

The business that you run is expected to last for a long time. The quality of raw materials and merchandise that will be resold will be the main bet. Customers will return to making a second purchase only when they are satisfied with the quality they received on their first purchase.

Pay attention to the Track Record

Don't be in a rush to choose the best supplier for your business. Try to be more careful in finding sources of information regarding business suppliers from buying and selling forums, communities, marketplaces, and so on. One of the easiest ways to find out the credibility of the supplier is by looking at the track records of buyers who have transacted with that supplier.

Some marketplaces sometimes don't include a contact person and only go through the live chat feature . You can contact the supplier through the feature, then ask for a contact number that can be contacted. Make sure that the supplier can be contacted at any time when you are going to place an order.

Take into account the supplier's ability

It is very important for you to reconsider the supplier's ability to fulfill orders. The reason is, some suppliers claim to be able to complete the orders ordered, but in the end they are unable to complete them completely. The ability of suppliers of course varies in terms of production and distribution . Thus, choose a business supplier who is able to complete with an accountable punctuality.

Consider Supplier Consistency

The consistency of suppliers in fulfilling orders greatly affects the availability of stock of goods in the business you are in. Make sure you choose a supplier who has consistent capabilities in providing supply to your business. If in the middle of the road the business supplier is unable to deliver the raw materials you need, of course the credibility of your business is at stake.

In addition to studying the supplier 's track record , you also need to take into account carefully the things that can affect the consistency of business suppliers in fulfilling orders, such as distance, facilities and infrastructure owned, to the number of workers they have.

Ask for Sample Products

If you are still unsure about the quality and quantity that can be met by the destination supplier , it would be nice to ask for sample products for each category of raw materials or finished goods. This can convince you to make further decisions. If the sample product provided is of good quality, you still shouldn't be careless. Don't hesitate to go back to check the product quality on your next order.

Review the Product Return Policy

In carrying out business partnerships with suppliers , you need to study the details of the applicable product return policies. In some cases, product returns occur because the materials or goods sent by the supplier have damage or defects. For this reason, you must know the policy in effect before finally making a transaction. Studying product return policies carefully can also prevent unwanted losses in the future.

Choose a supplier with fast response service

After pocketing all the necessary contact information, you can perform a simple test regarding the service from that supplier . Start trial orders in small quantities. Then, look at how good the service is, how fast they respond when contacted by customers, and how they handle customer complaints. We recommend that you prioritize suppliers with responsive services, so that if needed they can be relied on at any time.

Those were some tips that can help you in choosing the best supplier for your business. Make sure to always take into account the stock of goods carefully so as not to run out.