subject: The Truth About Suppliers [print this page] Suppliers are not just about getting an edge in the business. They are, in many ways, the cornerstone of any successful business operation. Whatever their naturewholesale suppliers, drop shippers or distributorsthey are trying to make a profit off their sales, much like anybody else in the business. Why is it that we often end up blaming our suppliers when our own businesses do not work out? Their job is to sell at the highest possible price; much like a retailers job is to get the best possible price from his customers. If people could understand this basic philosophy, then working with UK wholesalers would be a lot easier.
As a buyer, you need to be able to negotiate the best possible price for the best possible quality. This is dependent on your ability to judge quality, to find information on prevalent pricing, as well as to negotiate. The ability to negotiate often is a function of the number of people we know, or our wholesaler list, more than anything else. If we know only one company or person who is willing to supply us in the quantity we can afford, how can we negotiate?
It is also important to respect the unwritten laws of the supply chain. Live and let live. If you try and attack someones business, then they will come back to undermine yours. While there is no legal repercussion of sharing special pricing or selling below the recommended retail price, it disturbs the supply chain. If this happens enough, then there will be repercussions, which could include loss of good will or loss of the business altogether. Relationships with suppliers are important to the continuity of any venture, retail or wholesale, and a fallout with even one person can lead to problems.
