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How to find better vendors?

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Question added by GUL NAY , General Manager , Emirate China Commercial Centre LLC
Date Posted: 2013/10/25
Ashraf Alsinglawi
by Ashraf Alsinglawi , Medical Supply Chain Planner , International Committee of the Red Cross

Through the market and through their field successful presence.

Raafat Sallam
by Raafat Sallam , Organizational Development and Training Consultant , Training Centers, Marketing Organizations.

1- By adopt and adapt specific market strategy which refect the organization's strength, aviod the organization's weakness, minimis the environmental threads, and maximize the environmental opportunity.

Amrut Desai
by Amrut Desai , former Managing Director & Country Manager India & SriLanka , Hohenstein India Pvt Ltd-fully owned by Hohenstein Institute GmbH Germany

How to find better vendors?

Dear Gul Nay,

Finding the right vendors is an evolved process that one accomplishes after years of effective coexistence in the ever changing, competitive and complex market place.

Suppliers / vendors and their buyers have to sincerely and professional seek out each other and not exploit each other. The relationship is one of partnership rather than just a business transaction. Partnerships evolve only when it is a “win win” deal where both the partners have a fair chance of survival and growth.

Your suppliers may have once proved they were worthy of your Vendor List, but that’s not enough. Don’t let them become complacent; make sure they keep delivering to the standard your require so they keep their place. If you feel they aren’t performing up to scratch then inform them of your concerns, and that their place on the list is never guaranteed.

 If you’re beginning to suspect that your Approved Vendor List  is under performing, consider where the key weaknesses lie. Here are some checks to help you decide if your list is serving your business to its maximum potential.

Laurie jones in her blog on blur group has the following check list to know if you have proper vendors partnering with you.

Out of date practices

Is it time to take a closer look at your Approved Vendor List? Image Courtesy of Julo.

When you add service providers to your list are you using practices that haven’t changed for years. The important questions to ask here is not just how long has it been since you last updated your process, but also how has your business changed in the intervening time?

This way you can check that everyone who needs to be part of the decision making process is a part of it, and cut out those who aren’t relevant anymore. This will save you time and money in the long run as decisions made are more relevant, and only those whose input is necessary are a part of the process.

Are you using the right tools?

The old saying might go that “a good workman never blames his tools” – but remember this one – “a fool and his money are soon parted”. Look at your list and consider how the cost of your suppliers stacks up against your needs. The focus of businesses develops and changes over time. Are there any entries on your list that you may have outgrown – and that can still deliver to your projects to the same standard that they have in the past?

Track records are important

All businesses make mistakes from time to time, but no one should have to put up with an under performing vendor. As exerts in the field advocate, rooting out and removing the weakest links of your vendor list is a key part of evaluating your suppliers. Look at your list and talk to your coworkers – what sort of impression have they left with your business? If you do find problems, consider your options. Talk it out with the vendors you feel aren’t delivering – or find a better alternative altogether.

No one is irreplaceable

Your suppliers may have once proved they were worthy of your Vendor List, but that’s not enough. Don’t let them become complacent; make sure they keep delivering to the standard your require so they keep their place. If you feel they aren’t performing up to scratch then inform them of your concerns, and that their place on the list is never guaranteed.

Do you know your suppliers beyond the page?

Your business may be evolving – but are your suppliers? What are their aims and strategies- and are they achieving them? Do they have a good standing with other clients? What is their current financial situation – are they in good standing? Skepticism aside, do you have a working relationship with them? Maintaining a good relationship with your suppliers is vital.  When time is of the essence and you need them most of all – are they going to pick up the phone?

Is your list diverse enough?

Specialisms are vital, especially with design and digital projects. Your suppliers may be able to deliver the services you want – but are they the exact services you need?

The large graphic design company on your list would be the obvious first choice for a new range of infographic posters for your business.

Then again, a smaller art company dealing only in print media and infographic specialisms may deliver a better researched and experienced service – and quite possibly for the fraction of the price.

Consider the projects you have in the pipeline and the services you will need. Are you going to get quality results for a proportionate price?

Do you understand your needs?

Supplier list aside – are you sure you know what you want on that list? What criteria decides who makes the cut and who doesn’t – and do these match up to what you want to do? Question whether your list is what you need – or what you think you need. Overall – make sure that the suppliers on that list always match the standards you set.

 

 

this is a subject of specialization and what is given above just an attempt to answer your question. hope you find the answer adequate! 

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