When dealing with suppliers, clarity and structure are essential. Always provide detailed information about your product requirements. Include clear images, specifications, and examples where possible. The more precise your request, the smoother the communication will be.
Don’t focus only on suppliers who already sell your exact product. Instead, consider those who work with the same materials or manufacturing techniques. For instance, a factory that specializes in aluminum parts may be capable of producing your product even if it’s not listed in their catalog. These suppliers often face less competition and may offer more flexible pricing.
Use a structured questionnaire when making initial contact. A list of around 10 key questions helps you quickly identify whether the supplier is attentive and reliable. If responses are incomplete, it’s a strong signal to move on.
During price negotiations, it’s helpful to position yourself as an employee rather than the final decision-maker. Saying something like “My boss is firm on this price” can add pressure without creating conflict.
These strategies can help streamline your sourcing process and improve your chances of securing better deals.
When dealing with suppliers, clarity and structure are essential. Always provide detailed information about your product requirements. Include clear images, specifications, and examples where possible. The more precise your request, the smoother the communication will be.
Don’t focus only on suppliers who already sell your exact product. Instead, consider those who work with the same materials or manufacturing techniques. For instance, a factory that specializes in aluminum parts may be capable of producing your product even if it’s not listed in their catalog. These suppliers often face less competition and may offer more flexible pricing.
Use a structured questionnaire when making initial contact. A list of around 10 key questions helps you quickly identify whether the supplier is attentive and reliable. If responses are incomplete, it’s a strong signal to move on.
During price negotiations, it’s helpful to position yourself as an employee rather than the final decision-maker. Saying something like “My boss is firm on this price” can add pressure without creating conflict.
These strategies can help streamline your sourcing process and improve your chances of securing better deals.
