The way you work with suppliers can make a major difference to your business. We've come up with 4 great tips you can use to ensure you stay on good terms.

Having strong relationships with suppliers will really help your business prosper, particularly the key companies that you rely on for frequent, large or complex orders. They can provide you with considerable advice and support - from product information to optimal order times, loyalty points or discounts, so building and maintaining good business relationships is well worth the time and effort.

1. Earn their trust

Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship, so make sure that you’re honest and reliable in your dealings with suppliers. This is particularly important when it comes to financial matters, so be scrupulous about paying your bills when they’re due. If you find you’re unable to pay for some reason, let your suppliers know as soon as possible and confirm when their bills will be paid.

2. Be fair

Try to keep your supplier’s requirements and limitations in mind when ordering products or services to avoid making unreasonable demands. For example, if you’re right out in the middle of an isolated rural area, allow extra time for deliveries; if you’re making a customised or otherwise unusual request, make sure that you’ve provided all the information the supplier might need and give them as much notice as you can.

Occasionally something may go wrong with an order, which is always inconvenient but happens to everyone at some point. In this case, let your supplier know as soon as possible so they have the best chance of fixing it. At the same time, bear in mind that in the end they’re only human and we all make mistakes – try your best to stay calm and collected when you’re discussing the issue (whether by email or phone), and remember you’re probably dealing with someone who wasn’t directly responsible for the mishap in the first place. Also consider that if other customers have also been affected, the supplier will be trying to sort everyone out, so you may need to make allowances accordingly.

3. Communicate proactively

The more lead time you can give your suppliers, the smoother things will run, so try to avoid last-minute sourcing – instead, do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions before you commit to a supplier or product. Suppliers will appreciate the notice and may be able to offer suggestions that you hadn’t considered to improve the end result.

In turn, pay attention to the communications you receive from the supplier and respond promptly if there are any concerns – for example, if a product you buy is changing or being discontinued, ask what other options are available.

4. Remember the golden rule

You know the one: treat others as you’d like to be treated. Yes, it’s a bit of a cliché, but that doesn’t make it any less true. When you’re dealing with your suppliers, consider how you’d like your customers to treat you – with respect, consideration and promptly paid bills – then apply this thinking to the relationship with your supplier.

Put yourself in their place and think honestly about how you’d feel having your business as a customer, then see what you can do to improve this.

CIPS https://www.cips.org/supply-management/opinion/2015/may/four-top-tips-to-improve-supplier-relationships/

Entrepreneur https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/205868

CIPS https://www.cips.org/en/supply-management/opinion/2015/february/the-five-secrets-of-supplier-relationship-management/