Finding and working with new suppliers

[JuliaClementsRoche]

In general, where do you tend to look when you need new suppliers? For example, do you ask around your network for recommendations, proactively search, or do you do something else?

When you have then found a potential new supplier, do you go with your gut instinct about whether or not to work with them, or do you ask specific questions/ run checks etc?

 

[fisicx]

Depends on what I need. Buy all sorts of stuff online either for delivery or click and collect. I have no loyalty to any one supplier, it’s just whoever is most convenient.

 

[Mark T Jones]

It very much depends on what type of suppliers you are talking about.

Professionally, my 'suppliers' are banks, finance companies and independent lenders - it's what I do, so basically all about keeping an ear to the ground and being on top of things.

Random business supplies (very few) - Amazon.

Trades - local pub.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

I spent enormous amounts of time researching suppliers in the printing field. It was vry important to choose suppliers who had the correct equipment in house and were not subcontracting without my knowledge.

I never used a printer or bindery without visiting them first.