Choosing among suppliers when planning to purchase office supplies isn’t always about the price list they offer. The choice has to be made considering numerous factors that refer to your business’s suitability. They may include quality, service, reliability, etc. How you measure these factors and weigh their importance depends on the strategy or priority your business follows.
A planned approach to choose the right supplier is always better than opting for a random seller when procuring supplies like printers, cartridges, stationery, etc.
Follow these 5 steps to avail the best supplier
Step 1: Check the vendor’s normal lead time
Getting the supplies for your office necessitates on-time delivery. So, buying from a supplier who offers a suitable lead time along with favourable delivery terms becomes important. You can scan through the delivery options of different suppliers and go for the one who offers you feasible lead time and delivery options.
You can also look for a vendor who offers flexibility like fast, free, low-cost delivery during an emergency.
Step 2: Check the available payment terms
Often, suppliers of office supplies offer varying payment terms. Check the modes of payment available with them. A good supplier would have most of the payment options available on offer. Choose the one whose options align with your preferred mode of payment.
Other necessary terms you need to look into include warranty and convenient return policy.
Step 3: Confirm the shipping locations of suppliers
Choose an efficient vendor who offers the flexibility of shipping supplies to multiple locations, even to the remotest ones. You may have offices operating at different places and needing supplies constantly. In that case, a vendor that does not have a reach at multiple locations for delivery will not be suitable. Also, you may have to spend an extra amount when purchasing from multiple suppliers.
So, you need to cautiously find out if the vendor also has shipment options for your multiple office locations.
Step 4: Estimate the variety and quality of supplies on offer
Smoothly running an office requires various types of supplies. From well-functioning printers to an adequate variety of binding supplies, cables, document filing supplies, etc., a vendor should offer the multitude of products required in an office.
Shortlist some vendors and go through their product catalogue. Go for comparative analysis and understand which supplier provides the largest variety of products with the best quality based on your office needs. Also, see if they offer expertise through queries. It may be helpful in evaluating and zeroing in on the suitable supplier.
Step 5: Evaluation of pricing criteria
Price of supplies, though not a priority, is a necessary consideration when going for the bulk purchase of supplies to meet office needs. It is a standard finalisation step for choosing an office supplies vendor. They should offer economy and affordability when selling you the necessary supplies.
Also, after considering the above steps and shortlisting a few suitable vendors, you can look out who offers discounts or other incentivising schemes on their products.
Following these steps will provide you with an in-depth analysis when selecting an appropriate vendor for your office supply needs. Besides, you should also not forget to check the quality of customer service provided by the shortlisted vendor.
