Whether it’s launching a new business or outfitting a new building due to expansion, all companies need suppliers.

For material handling needs where the supply can range from mezzanines, robotic delivery systems, pallet jacks, bucket elevators, shelves, bins, and drawers.

Buying any of these will depend on your business model and financial situation. Some items are best purchased brand new, while others can be bought refurbished.

But choosing a company to provide your industrial supplies can be hit or miss.

Finding one should be as easy as going online or looking in the phone book, right? First, the sites showing up at the top of Google may be there due to their knowledge of SEO. This means it’s not really based on their skill or expertise.

Other ways of finding these suppliers include:

• Manufacturers: A new business with a specific SKU can find the direct manufacturer and reach an agreement. The problem here is that manufacturers can be picky when choosing companies they deal directly with.

• Specialist Suppliers: A new business probably doesn’t have many contacts; meaning they’ll have to look around. One place they can go is specialist trade forums that list many business suppliers.

• Business Distributors: These act as middlemen for manufacturers. They handle the ordering, fulfilment and payment for the goods required.

• Wholesalers: These carry the bulk of goods supplied by manufacturers. Some of them carry different types of equipment from different manufacturers.

• ‘Independent’ reviewers: Magazines, forums, websites, and associations can act as independent reviewers for businesses. Their opinion can be biased as some of them receive kickbacks from these companies.

Noting that these options all have their pros and cons, it can seem like there aren’t many options available. Businesses can use the following tips when choosing industrial supplies for their material handling needs:

First collate a list of prospects – Based on the suppliers we’ve listed above, choose your preferred supply method. This should also allow you classify them based on. At this point, you should be looking at a list of at least 20 companies.

Next, set the criteria for choosing suppliers – Based on your business situation, you may find you need certain allowances.

Ask the manufacturer if they:

• Offer a favourable line of credit.
• Have a quick turn around time.
• Offer a warranty.
• Have references in your industry.
• Have offices in your local area.

With your options narrowed down, some other questions to ask include:

• Does the supplier serve businesses like yours? Or other businesses in your industry?
• Are they adaptable to expansion in your business?
• Have they been in business for long?
• Do they have have any references you can verify?

One thing to remember is to make choices based on quality rather than price. A company can inflate prices then slash them, to make it seem like they are offering a discount. Be sure to contact the references you were given to gauge the quality of their work. Searching on the Internet, you may also find reviews of their work.

By following these steps, any business can successfully find new industrial suppliers and build business relationships.

A successful company embraces their supplier and can grow their business quickly. Monarch Shelving can help your business improve productivity and help you produce quality services.