By Deborah L. O'Mara
When you have a good working relationship with your suppliers, no matter what your trade, you're on your way to business success.
After all, these are the people who make it all work. They have the product you need when you need it. They go the extra mile to let you know about sales or opportunities to test and evaluate new products that may fit in well with your current endeavors.
"I look for service," says Robert Wilson, a Chicago-based remodeling carpenter who concentrates his efforts on historic renovation. Although he is a one-man operation, Robert works closely with his millwork and building-supply centers. "They go the extra mile and have products ready, or they suggest solutions to problems I may have with a particular project. I rely on their experience to help me with my jobs."
That type of close relationship is what works best. Partnering with your suppliers doesn't always mean a formal arrangement. In fact, plain old-fashioned communication and courtesy may be the tie that binds you to your suppliers. Here are some simple things you can do to work more closely with your suppliers and keep them in tune with the current state of your business and needs:
- Place orders early, especially larger ones that may require suppliers to go to different sources to fill it on time.
- Let your suppliers know in advance when you may have a big job on the books shortly, and what it may encompass. They may be able to suggest products that might be a perfect fit or a solution to a problem. They may also be able to recommend reliable subcontractors with expertise in specific areas.
- Be on time for your supply pick-ups. Call them when you're on your way, so bills of lading and other paper work is ready to roll with your equipment or supplies.
- Ask questions before you order to be sure that the product will perform for the application. This is especially true of building envelope and exterior products, including windows and doors.
- Take advantage of what suppliers offer. Often, manufacturers will set up in-house training sessions at your supply house for new products or offer training for new remodelers. Work with manufacturers directly, as well, and latch onto their expertise—which they are more than willing to dispense.
A key benefit some suppliers can offer is one-stop shopping, says Jay Stone, Mid-Atlantic Regional sales manager for The Systems Depot Inc., Hickory, N.C. Both security and audio systems are currently hot, says Jay. And, just as the consumer is looking for one-stop systems solution on the installation side, contractors want the same. "Contractors are looking for [suppliers] that can provide whole-house solutions, not just pieces of the puzzle," says Jay.
Partnering with your suppliers—whether they're your source for one or multiple products—makes sense. It's the simple steps that work best.
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