November 10, 2023

Why Not Build Something

A magazine for construction freaks

Finding a supplier for business

Welded wire mesh

When it comes to selecting the right suppliers for your business, it is essential to ensure that you are able to deliver the services and products to everyone on time, in compliance with the quality standards and for the right price. For example, if you are ordering welded mesh panels, you want to make sure the supplier is reliable and has good metals. By getting particular providers within the selection criteria, it makes it simpler to find the enterprises that can work with you – that are able to meet the demands of your customers.

Here are the top ways to help find the right supplier for your business:

Set out your criteria

Make a list of the supplier’s selection criteria that businesses need in order to be able to provide you with the right items. This includes issues like:

  • Minimum and the maximum order quantities
  • Lead times from the receipt of your order through to delivery
  • Storage and handling facilities
  • Specific methods of delivery
  • Quality assurance processes
  • Return policy
  • Contactable references
Truck unloading

Organising your criteria early will allow you to evaluate potential suppliers that match your listed items, which will ensure that you don’t overlook important requirements. If we use the previous example, you would perhaps look for a welded mesh manufacturer that had a good return policy – so you could send back any material that wasn’t up to your standard.

Defining your process

Identify the best methods to use when you want to find the right suppliers. Are you planning on publishing your requirements in a publication and then wait for them to come to you? Or are you going to approach your own selected companies directly, and see what they are proposing and what their estimates are? Ensure that you allow a time frame for carrying out your supplier’s selection process. Get the right colleagues on your business team, that can help you review the suggestions and recommend a list of resources that your business can choose from.

Calling for the bids

You can call for bids according to whichever selection process you choose. It could be to request a quotation or a proposal. Whichever form you use, it needs to include the full details of the services and products that you need; delivery dates and quality standards – as per your criteria – and quantities. Get your bidders to provide you with information on their processes and measure them against each other to find the best deal.

Evaluate bid submissions

Compare each of the submissions that you receive against the checklist of the criteria for the suppliers and question items that appear to lack in precision.

Review the overall scope of the services that are outlined in their proposal and consider whether they match your requirements. You can then decide on each criterion and compare all the submissions against your own criteria, for your own evaluation. Go through the agreement with potential suppliers and find out exactly what it comprises – to ensure you are not drawn into a situation that could end up doing more bad than good for your business.

Monitor your supplier’s performance

Even the most reliable supplier can slip up. Make sure that they have a contact point at your business and ensure that they conduct regular performance reviews. This will help you to keep tabs on the work being done and to ensure they are sticking to their end of the agreement. The reviews will also help you to know where you stand when it comes time to talk about contract renewal.

By following these few tips, you will ensure that you find the best suppliers, who will be able to support your business requirements. By getting the appropriate services and goods to you within budget and on time, you can greatly improve your services. In addition, this will improve your productivity and ensure that you are producing quality products.