Do you prefer choosing single or multiple supplier?

Multiple suppliers is less risky. Even if only as a standby.

Single supplier

It is better for controlling quality

Long term relationship

Can follow JIT principle

May not require quality check

Open account- to avoid daily paperwork

Multiple suppliers

Competitive pricing

Flexibility in case of capacity(volume) issue 

Conclusion - I would prefer Single supplier

I agree with the motivation and logic of all prior answers.

My personal preference would be to have two reliable suppliers per key input.  In some instances and in some countries this might not always be available as the product is specialised.  In the case of specialisation, there would be a complex tender process and specific document put out to pre-elected suitable tenders. 

I would support the most reliable supplier from a quality point of view, and also the off balance sheet qualitative aspects, like corporate responsibility to socio-economic goals of the country, stability of the vendor, the time the vendor has been in business, and their track record.

Multiple supplier, to get competitive price, different level of expertise and low risk in case supplier cant fulfill your requirement

prefer choose always multiple vendors as rely on single supplier is more risky for timing, communication, scm relation management, time deliveries, most important financial terms and conditions.

by selecting multiple vendors mainly we can negotiate financial terms and conditions in optional way and chances of delay process for deliveries will be less.  

Reasons for Choosing a Single supplier:

-The supply chian is integrated to support JIT or EDI and makes multiple suppliers impractical. -The availability of better pricing with higher volume. -Suppliers may be more responsive if it is the sole supplier for100% demand. -Supplier contract might require use of only one suppplier (quality reasons). -Deliveries may be scheduled more easily.

Reasons for Choosing Multiple Suppliers:

-No one supplier may have sufficient capacity. -Competition may result in better pricing or service. -Multiple suppliers spread the risk of supply chain interruption. -Provides greater volume flexibility to ramp up. -Government Regulations (Antitrust issues-only LT reason) -Allows testing new suppliers without risking a complete disruption of material flow.

Best Regards

I prefer choosing single supplier

1. Minimize compatibility problems

Because the vendor specifically designs their products to work together, on the same platform, there are several advantages for the user including no double data entry, more cross-application features and faster processing speeds.

2. Get new features sooner

Since you're already running on the vendor's platform you have the infrastructure in place to deploy new features or applications from the same vendor a lot quicker, without all the preflight checks normally required when taking on a new program.

3. Save time in the procurement phase

We all do it but not many of us actually enjoy time spent comparing vendors to find the best. If you had to do that every time you needed a new application you'd wear yourself out. If you've already found a quality supplier, it's easier if you can stick with them for additional software you need.

4. Vendor takes more responsibility

There's an old saying 'one bloke to choke' that can apply when working with a single vendor. In contrast, a multi-vendor environment can have you going from one to the next to get a problem resolved, with each vendor blaming the next.

5. It's just easier

One phone number, one contact, one invoice; it's just easier dealing with one vendor. Period.

6. Faster deployment and staff training

Software from the same vendor follows the same style of usability. Similar controls and functionality means new features and applications can be rolled out, and staff won't require a lot of intensive training to get up to speed.

I think is better to have more that one supplier specially when you have a big work like construction work or you want to extend your supplier database

I prefer to have one main supplier which will get70-80% of my order......... one backup supplier which usually get15-20% and a second backup which will receive emergency/occasional orders only (usually also my most expensive vendor) the %ig depends on demands of my internal customers.

This is for the same quality and same name brand item ...3rd tear vendor same quality, however may be a different name brand ...comparability is a must

It depends on the type of goods you need to procure and the market conditions for the same.

My option would be multiple supplier as:

a) there are options to choose from

b) effective back up plan for unforeseen circumstance