Being Comfortable With The People Who Supply Your Needs
When you are running a small concern or working for yourself it is essential that you get the best people to work with you
. We are usually speaking about the areas of (1) distribution, (2) marketing or (3) people with specific skills or services. In order to do so you need to be able to assess the calibre of the individuals or companies concerned.
The simplest place to start is to ask how much they charge or what their prices are. This is not to find the lowest quotation, but to make a judgement about the honesty and integrity of the supplier.
Do they conceal any prices? Do they then add taxes to confirmed price? Do they charge supplementary expenses over and above the quotation? Do they change the wording of your original request? In these instances it is a sign that they are not honorable because they are not being straightforward.
Do they require a meeting to discuss the initial request? Be cautious of those that do, because it is probably a sign that they wish to engage in some sort of manipulation in order to gain an advantage.
If the supplier is up front about the prices. You can take it or leave it. They do not attempt to hoodwink you about them. They are fair. In other words they act honestly.
Next you want to know whether the supplier will actually do what they claim they will. The easiest way to judge that is to ask for details of recent clients so that you can enquire about the service they received. If they are reluctant to supply such details it may be because they have something to keep secret. On the other hand they may have difficulty finding those details straight away. Give them the benefit of the doubt initially, but follow up later to ensure that you can check to find out whether they do what they say they do on the tin.
Finally when you are speaking to them, do you feel comfortable? Do you detect any animosity towards you when asking questions? Listen to your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, uncertain or put down in any way, then the chances are that this supplier is not someone you would feel able to deal with. If you feel comfortable, safe, and welcome and the supplier seems enthusiastic about having you as a customer, then you are probably right to use their services.
Never ever judge a supplier on price alone. It is a surefire way to lose money.
Having found a having found a number of good trustworthy suppliers should you then go for the lowest price? That is a matter for you. Sometimes it is worth taking a higher price because the level of service is particularly good. On the other hand if the bottom line is excessively important to your business, you may wish to take the lowest price. Sometimes the middle course is the best, but as I say it is a matter for you.
by: Vic Botterill
Make Your Business Memorable Growing Pains: The Difference Between Strategic And Nonstrategic Growth Finding A Career The South Indian Sarees And Their Various Patterns In Silk Can You Train Your Dog To Do His Business On Command? Health Care Reform – Passing the Burden From Businesses to Government My Best Decision: Adding A Law Of Attraction Mlm Opportunity To My Life How To Start A Cleaning Business That Sweeps Up Huge Profits Benefits Of Window Tinting Signs Of A Plumbing Leak How's Your Internet Business Marketing System Working For You? Marketminder.com: Jobs Report, Sarbox, And Japan Post Network Marketing Program Plus Retail Store Management