5 Tips for Finding a Small Business Vendor

It’s not mere hyperbole to say that small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy.

Roughly 60 million people in the United States today are employed by small businesses. If you run a small business that supplies products to customers, it’s important that you find a quality vendor.

Knowing how to choose a vendor can take your business to the next level.

Here are some tips that you should consider when you’re looking for an amazing small business vendor.

1. Consult Your Business Plan and Understand Your Brand

Your business plan is the first place that you should look when you’re learning how to choose a supplier.

This business plan is your company’s mission statement and should explain what you need in a vendor. Choosing the vendor will reflect how your customers perceive you, the types of profits you enjoy, and so much more, so make sure that you set the right foundation.

2. Consider the Style and Type of Supplier

Figure out the best business suppliers for your company by focusing on their style.

For instance, you might need a traditional wholesaler, a farmer’s market artisan, arts and crafts dealer, memorabilia merchandiser, and other sorts of professionals. Learn exactly where your products are sourced from and make sure that they’re of the highest quality.

3. Mull Through Prices and Fees

When learning how to run a small business, you always have to manage your overhead costs.

Look into the wholesale prices that they charge, and figure out how much you’ll have to mark it up in order to earn a profit. Your supplier will give you a price sheet for every piece of inventory, and you can choose which you’d like to carry in your store.

Measure the return on investment (ROI) that you can expect, and make sure to account for any wholesale or delivery fees. You’ll also need to order a certain number of items in bulk when doing business with a supplier, so use discretion anytime you re-up inventory.

4. Make Certain Your Customers Can Get Their Products Quickly

Speed is everything in today’s business world. Consumers have options, so there’s no excuse for getting products late.

Verify the delivery time for each product you get from your supplier, and find out about any expedited options. Improving this customer experience will build trust with your consumer base.

You can expect 80% revenue growth when you consistently improve the experience that your customers have.

Consistently pick up new small business management tips that will lead to satisfied customers.

5. Find Reviews and Choose Companies That Are Professional

Finally, look into reviews before you decide on a specific supplier. Professionalism should be non-negotiable, and you need to be able to trust them each step of the way.

Ask other companies in your industry which suppliers they work with as well. A reference can go a long way toward bridging this gap and choosing the most qualified supplier.

From here, focusing on strategic sourcing will help find the best vendor for your business.

Look for a Small Business Vendor That Can Assist Your Business

These tips will help you out when you’re looking for a quality small business vendor. Put together a list of about three different vendors and schedule some time to consult with them.

Read through our other articles when you’d like to learn more about wholesaling, business, advertising, and other topics.