subject: How do I choose the right supplier for my network equipment? [print this page] How do I choose the right supplier for my network equipment?
In the many years that we have been in business I've seem and heard a lot. I remember a potential customer who we quoted and who have his business to someone else. Frankly, I was disappointed because I knew we had quoted him with very advantageous pricing. About one month after he decided to buy from someone else he called me and asked for help. My first response was surprise that he wasn't calling the supplier he had bough the equipment from. His honest and humbled response was that he bought from the other supplier because they were $200 cheaper (BTW, this was a $100,000 quote). Yet, once he started implementing the equipment he had questions because things weren't going according to plan. It seemed that the supplier was very capable at taking his money and shipping the equipment on time but now that he had a crisis on his hands with equipment that wasn't working properly they seemed to ignore his pleas for help. He admitted that he learned a valuable lesson. Anyone can come through when things weren't critical but once the problems arose he needed help not excuses, deflection of blame or stalling tactics. He needed help and he needed it immediately. He needed a supplier who knew how to respond to a crisis situation. We quickly got the head of our Tech Dept. on the phone and spent many uncompensated hours helping him. Guess who he came to for his future network equipment needs? Yup, us.
So, following some basic sensible business you can save time, money and many sleepless nights.
1. Choose a supplier who can handle a crisis
It's easy to get a false sense of security with when your network is running smoothly and within budget and things happen on a timely basis.
2. Make sure the supplier has a reputation for reliability.
Ask the supplier for references from companies in your industry or of a similar size or critical nature. The supplier should be quickly forthcoming with a list of at least three contacts.
3. Ask about the supplier's warranty and tech support capabilities.
When your network, or any of your equipment, has a problem swift solutions are vital. The length of the supplier's warranty is important but it's more important to know that they will actually be able to help you quickly and with an acceptable solution. Make sure you and the supplier agree upon any possible help you might need in the event something goes wrong.
4. Have the supplier provide or at least double check the solutions you believe are necessary. Have them identify and verify the right products for your situation.
Ask the supplier for one or more possible product solutions to help accomplish what you need now and for the near future. Your perceived solution might work for you but a good supplier will also consider growth capabilities and cost effectiveness to save you money and downtime should you need to upgrade your network in the near future. This info will allow you to make a more informed decision that just might save you time and money.
6. Make sure your supplier has a customer first attitude
One of the most important considerations in choosing a supplier is to use one who will save your tail when something unforeseen happens. Note I said "when" not "if". Mark my words....if something can go wrong it will and you need to know that when you face you boss or your Board of Directors, that you have complete confidence that the supplier you use will come to your rescue.
