A good fastener supplier is more than just a vendor that sends you products. Almost any supplier can take your orders and ship them – what sets them apart is how they add value to your business.
It’s tempting to make searching for a fastener partner a purely procurement exercise. Crunch some numbers, find the lowest-priced option and, bam, you’ve found your supplier. But it’s a shortsighted approach that can lead to a lot of problems for you and your customers.
Regardless of the industry you’re in, you want to form a long-term strategic partnership with your fastener supplier. Do your homework and avoid these mistakes when evaluating suppliers:
1) Focusing Solely on Price
While you always want the best price, it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. You wouldn’t hire a manager by automatically choosing the candidate with the lowest salary request, right? Look at a fastener supplier as a strategic part of your business.
Carefully weigh the trade-offs between price and reliability, availability and quality. A cheaper vendor might cost you more in the long run due to shipping delays, stockouts or fastener failure. A partner-minded supplier is always seeking to guide you in making value-driven decisions.
2) Not Evaluating Quality and Certifications
Faulty fasteners can lead to project delays and failures as well as safety hazards. Having quality products is essential for durable, consistent performance and confidence that your connections are secure.
Check that your supplier has ISO certifications and quality control processes to detect defects. Full-service material testing services led by engineers and technicians help you gain a deep understanding of each fastener’s composition and ensure you meet industry regulations.
3) Using a Supplier With a Limited Inventory Variety
As your business grows and evolves, it’s likely your inventory needs will change. You’ll have greater access to standard, nonstandard and custom products if you choose a supplier with an extensive in-stock inventory.
Working with one supplier that delivers all the fasteners you need is the easiest way to simplify your inventory management. Look beyond your needs today and prioritize partners that have the expertise, products and locations to serve you well into the future.
4) Not Verifying That the Supplier Has Expertise in Your Industries
Fasteners are often used in demanding environments, and small details can make a big difference. For example, the oil and gas industry demands materials that resist corrosion and hold up to extreme temperatures.
A true partner works with you to find the right products for the right applications. To make that happen, choose a supplier with deep experience in your industries that can tailor solutions to your unique needs.
5) Overlooking the Importance of Customer Support
If you’re truly leveraging the supplier relationship, you’re doing much more than placing orders and sending money in exchange for products. You’re asking questions and receiving advice that makes your organization more efficient.
Be sure you’ll have a dedicated team that values strong customer communication. Whether it’s phone calls or emails, you should expect prompt responses from people who are committed to helping drive your success.
Build Stronger Connections With Your Supplier
Even in a world where everything is seemingly a click away, personal connections still matter. Transactional supplier relationships may get you the products you order, but you’ll miss out on benefits that go beyond cost savings.
Ready to make buying fasteners a better experience? Check out this infographic that shows the advantages of working with a one-stop partner.
06/4/2020
