[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Building a good relationship with your suppliers is key, although you\u2019re their customer it\u2019s important to remember that it\u2019s a two-way street. We\u2019ve put together 4 ways to maintain supplier relationships.<\/p>\n

1. Understand your supplier’s process<\/strong><\/p>\n

Each supplier will have a different way of doing things, whatever the process is it\u2019s important that you respect it. Some might prefer sending an invoice later and others might want you to pay when you collect. Stay on top of supplying things such as business information or purchase order numbers when they ask for them. You know it\u2019s not ideal when your clients don’t abide by your processes or payment terms, so make sure you\u2019re not that client for your suppliers.<\/p>\n

2. Give feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mistakes or miscommunications can occur despite the very best preparation. It\u2019s important to tackle them with your supplier quickly and in a professional manner. Don\u2019t ring up and yell if something goes wrong, be calm and direct and let them be a part of a solution.<\/p>\n

3. Communication is key<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want to maintain a great supplier relationship, communication is key. If you\u2019re struggling to follow their process or they don\u2019t allow much flexibility, let them know. Reflect on what\u2019s working well and what needs room for improvement. Invite them out for a coffee or get them around for a beer so you can build rapport. This will make it easier for both parties to communicate.<\/p>\n

4. Reward good service with loyalty<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been with a supplier for years and suddenly cut and run for someone cheaper, it\u2019s not a good look and you could burn bridges that you\u2019ll need later on. If you\u2019ve got a good relationship, you can always have the conversation and see if there are any loyalty discounts they can offer.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”related-post”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Related articles” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2313143e” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”title my-5″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”4″ element_width=”3″ orderby=”rand” item=”918″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1666645994923-4d14bff0-7eca-4″ el_class=”related-posts mx-auto mt-3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Building a good relationship with your suppliers is key, although you\u2019re their customer it\u2019s important to remember that it\u2019s a two-way street. We\u2019ve put together 4 ways to maintain supplier relationships. 1. Understand your supplier’s process Each supplier will have a different way of doing things, whatever the process is it\u2019s important that you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n