Top 5 considerations when choosing a supplier

If you’re a new business looking for a product supplier, or your existing supplier is underperforming or just not fitting your current and future plans for the business as you evolve, it can be hard to work out what are the most important aspects to consider. Who is the best fit for you? Why are they perfect for you? At Simply Brands, we are firm believers in the importance of long-term business relationships that work for everyone, and mould or shapeshift to deliver results as the business and markets change over time. But, that relationship has to start somewhere. So, where do you begin with your search? 

1: Stability

Starting a new relationship with a supplier takes time and effort, you want to know that none of it is wasted. You need to feel secure in the knowledge your supplier is here for the long-hail. They have a proven track record and have happy customers that can vouch for their great service.

Minimal staff turnover, consistent product availability, a wealth of experience and global market knowledge all help to confirm your supplier is stable and they can perform at their peak no matter the changing demands of the market.

2: Sustainability

This is about action beyond words. Every business out there likes to profess to be sustainable, or hopes to be. But what steps is the supplier taking to become more sustainable? Do they have realistic goals with clear outlines of the steps they’re taking to achieve them? The more sustainable your supplier is, the more sustainable your business is, and the more attractive it becomes to the conscious consumer.

At Simply Brands, we want a better everyday life for everyone, and believe that is only achieved when living sustainably. One step we have taken is with our Sustainable Edition power leads that are made from recycled bottles! They are stylish and eco-friendly and we are hoping to expand the use of rPET materials throughout an even bigger range this year as well as on our storage lines and other fabric lines within our ranges. We’ve also introduced stylish and eco-friendly Cactus Leather into our Simply Promo range! It’s beautiful and brilliant and we love working with it for our Promo partners.

3: Packaging

Anything that makes your life easier is a bonus, right? If your supplier can assist with packaging and design, that is one less part of the chain you need to worry about and everything is taken care of in one easy step! At Simply Brands, we are proud to offer our private labelling service, which means your chosen products are packaged up in a beautiful design, with your branding and supplied to you exactly how you wish. Job done! We love a swift, professional, efficient service.

4: Compliance

Don’t let the legals give you a headache! Compliance within any marketplace can be complex. You need a supplier that appreciates that. You need a supplier that knows the details. You need a supplier that is prepared to support and deliver products and services that comply with your regulations and go above and beyond on quality standards. 

At Simply Brands, we work with global partners. We are proud to have created a network of professionals who know their marketplace inside out and are swift in action if standards change. So wherever you are and whatever the nature of your business, we are here to support you to not only comply with standards but deliver beyond expectations for a happy customer.

5: Scalability

Your business may be just starting out, or you may have a large and complex enterprise. However, the supplier you’re working with needs to be scalable to meet with your demand as you grow. Can your supplier handle frequent, large demand? Do their operational facilities allow for a larger workload, and do they have enough staff for efficient communication and delivery of assets?

Some of these questions may seem a little in-depth for the need you have right now, but if you can delve a little deeper and solve any foreseen issues immediately, it saves so much time (and money) in future. Take your time to research a supplier and you’ll have so much more confidence in the relationship from day one.

Ready to talk more? Get in touch with our team to learn more about how Simply Brands can deliver all this and more as your trusted supply partner.