posted by Traveling Salesman @ 7:17 AM
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Back in October I posted a question that I think is worth repeating. Who are your best 5 suppliers? Don't list the companies with whom you spend the most dollars. List the companies that offer you the best combination of price, service, quality, sales support, etc. Which supplies do you look forward to calling? When you place an order, which companies can you count on to get the order right and shipped properly? If you want, also post why you rate the companies in your top 5.
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7 Comments:
I feel that in today's market too many buyers focus their purchases just on price, not the real issues that make up a great vendor. While price is a consideration, I agree that quality, reliabilty and service are key to great customer/vendor relations. In my opinion, the top 5 vendors I've had the pleasure of working with are the following:
Distributor Sales Int'l
Sems and Specials
All American Washer Werks
Western Wire Company
North East Fasteners
Check them out, you'll agree they're worth dealing with.
Stelfast, Lindstrom, Advance Components, Brighton Best, Star Stainless. It comes down to relationships. You must work with your suppliers to establish long-term relationships. This type of relationship does not happen overnight. Each side must understand the other sides goals and work together to achieve them.
There are certainsuppliers that have always had the reputation of being reliable, competitive suppliers. Brighton Best has always seemed fit that description. Son of Washer Boy mentioned Advance Components, and I'd agree. Chicago Hardware is another. Star Stainless might get busy at times but they have the stock we are looking for. In the end, some of the best suppliers are those that seem like they care...like it matters that we do business with them. Our industry is filled with suppliers that offer poor customer service. And these companies try to cut costs by reducing their customer service whether that means reducing inside or outside sales forces. Don't forget, people still do business with other people. Price is big, but people still buy from people.
I agree with fastener gal that in today's market buyers relay on price alone. I could not agree more with son of washer boy that relationships are key. However, I am surprised that the following vendors have not been mentioned yet: XL Screw, Porteous, and Heads & Threads. Why are these vendors not being mentioned? In my personal experience, XL Screw ranks as #1 in terms of service, quality, and reliablity. What is all your opinions? XL Screw is a vendor worth your time to check out. Get a minute, give them a call.
I am a 25 year fastener veteran in this industry and it becomes harder and harder for a fastener distributor to make a living.
the ideal vendor is the vendor that conforms itself to the requirements of its customers.solution industries does this better than anybody and is a " must see" to stay ahead of the competition a true "best kept secret"
For my general fastener needs.. we use Wurth or Endries. For basic nuts and bolts-Point Products. For rivets..1 place... Jay Cee Sales and Rivets. They only have rivets..but if you need one, they'll have it!! Great service to.
Would like to see this updated for the year 2016.
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