Signs You’re With the Right Supplier
Having the right hardware supplier can make or break your product. No matter what you’re selling- be it simulators, industrial testing equipment, media & entertainment solutions, or something else entirely- your success hinges on consistent, customisable solutions which meet your customers’ needs. Furthermore, these solutions need to come in within your budget.
Thankfully, a good supplier can make these processes easy for you, and help you deliver reliable, satisfactory products to your customers. This blog will outline the biggest signs that your supplier is the right fit for you.
Communication is easy
With the right supplier, communication is easy. They should always be contactable and willing to discuss your requirements, needed specifications, and answer any queries you may have. This prevents potential issues such as miscommunications or delays.
Mistakes happen, so if something does go wrong- like a delayed shipment- they should also be completely transparent with you. It’s preferable to be informed in advance that a delivery won’t make it on time, rather than waiting for you to tell them it hasn’t arrived.
They’re an expert in the field
An ideal supplier will have many years of industry experience, with highly knowledgeable staff you can rely on for technical queries and support. This ensures all the hardware you receive is consistent and up to standard. They should be able to identify and resolve any quality issues before sending out an order.
Another bonus is if they have prior experience working with your industry. If so, they’ll understand your unique requirements, challenges and limitations, as well as any regulatory or safety requirements.
They’re sustainable
Many organisations are aiming to be Net Zero by 2030- both to benefit the planet, and to prevent lost business as customers opt to buy from sustainable sources. The right supplier will help you contribute to the circular economy, not add unnecessary carbon emissions or e-waste to your supply chain. Ideally, they’ll champion eco-friendly initiatives within their own business, proving they understand the importance of sustainable business practices.
They’re accountable for any issues
As well as being transparent about any potential issues, as mentioned, the right supplier will also hold themselves accountable for any shortcomings. They’ll know that your product (and consequently your business) rely on them fulfilling their end of the agreement.
An accountable supplier takes full responsibility for any issues, be it quality issues or shipment delays. This doesn’t just mean verbal acknowledgement or apologies. It should involve free replacements or reshipments, as well as actions to prevent similar issues from taking place in the future, such as introducing stricter quality controls.
They comply with regulations
All suppliers must comply with any relevant laws and regulations. Failure to do so will have serious legal and financial ramifications for your business. The right supplier will readily provide any relevant accreditations, certificates of compliance, and previous reports.
If your supplier hits most of these criteria, you probably have a great working relationship which contributes to the success of your products and your business. If not, it might be time to consider switching suppliers.