When most buyers plan to find a new chemical manufacturer, they usually focus on the best price. In the long run, however, focusing only on low costs can hurt you. This is because if the quality of the product is not up to standard, and the parts or materials are not delivered when you need them, it will not help to reduce the price by a few cents.
Instead of focusing only on cost, focus on quality. Integrate these 13 skills into your purchasing strategy:
- Inspection certificate
Many buyers have minimum requirements for quality certification of chemical manufacturer. However, it is not always easy for suppliers to view and verify their certification. Find the suppliers that meet your quality standard certification, including ISO, QS, etc.
- Assess the geopolitical climate
Although some overseas resources can offer the lowest price, fragile labor relations or political unrest may make you lose the products you need. Take the time to delve into the potential instability in the regions on which your supply chain depends for success.
- Looking for suppliers with good reputation on Thomas network
image Thomasnet.com Such a product discovery tool is a good place to find new high-quality chemical manufacturers. Thomas network is a leading purchasing platform for buyers and suppliers in the industry, which means a win-win situation for both sides. Engineers, procurement professionals and designers can easily purchase the products and services they need on the platform, while manufacturers and distributors can promote their business and win more contracts.
- Measuring financial stability
According to an informal survey by ThomasNet, nearly half (50%) of buyers have worked with a supplier that failed unexpectedly. Don’t be caught off guard — read the three financial risks of manufacturing.
- Assess weather related risks
We all see hurricanes, tornadoes, snow, rain and drought affecting communities around the world. However, the news rarely reports the impact of these events on the supply chain. You have no right to ignore that. When selecting potential suppliers, identify typical weather related events in the region and assess how they affect your ability to maintain business operations.
- Adjust the production and transportation location according to your needs
Based on your production requirements, you should determine your requirements for a multi location supplier or a single warehouse. Obviously, transportation capacity and associated costs will vary depending on the number of locations provided by the supplier. You can negotiate a better price from a small company in one place, or combine multiple suppliers to meet your needs.
- Check the product information carefully
Detailed product descriptions and related information will help you determine if they provide the right product for your application. Assume that the supplier has taken the time to provide easily accessible product specifications, charts, graphics, and CAD drawings. In this case, it shows that they value your time and are willing to provide as much help as possible to win and maintain your business.
- Ask for accessible inventory information
It is beneficial to know the inventory of suppliers. It shows their commitment to you as a customer and their ability to provide what you need when you need it.
- Know their scalability
Determine the flexibility of chemical manufacturer in providing small and large orders. If you are looking for smaller quantities or prototypes to start with, you are likely to find suppliers focused on this quantity. If over time you need very large product shipments, you may soon exceed your original supplier selection. Before choosing a supplier, understanding the growth pattern of the product you are purchasing will enable you to easily expand your supplier to meet your changing needs.
- Check their commitment to customer service
Expect the best and prepare for the worst. Evaluate the customer service provided by each potential supplier. If you are out of production capacity for 24 hours, you may need to call the supplier at any time of day or night to incorporate this into your study. We should also learn more about the language of the return policy. You don’t want to be stuck with your bag.
- Obtain delivery time and delivery statistics
Delivery performance is the key for industry buyers. Ask about their delivery date and on time delivery rate. If they are not available, then it is a good sign that they are not being tracked or are not very good. Both are worrying.
