Three Advantages to Having More Than One Fastener Distributor
In business, it is often your connections and relationships that are most valuable. Managers work hard to find and establish a working relationship with suppliers they can count on. Reliability, price and service are the three major factors that keep that relationship strong. But have you ever thought about the advantages of having more than one fastener distributor? Building multiple connections will help to grow your business, as these three advantages prove. Fastener Distributors can find Building Fasteners, Line Fasteners and Marine Fasteners.
Better Prices
There's certainly no harm in asking your fastener distributor for a better price. But when they do not specialize in a certain brand or type of product they may not be able to do as well as other distributors could. The trick is collecting the names and contact information of companies that cover a broad range of fastener lines. Overlap is good - the distributors will often compete with each other to offer you the best price - but be sure that all of the bases are covered.
This is especially important for general contractors that complete a wide variety of projects.
Better Availability
When one fastener distributor is out of something that you need today, it pays to have multiple connections. It may make sense to start with your preferred distributor (perhaps they are the closest geographically or offer the best prices and payment terms), but be sure you have a few more to call on when stock gets low.
Rather than changing your schedule or inconveniencing your own customers to handle back orders, having another fastener supplier will keep you stocked up at all times.
Better Choice
Choice is especially important when you are ordering a customized product. Perhaps different distributors will offer a variety of packaging options or can complete the project within several different schedules. The key element here is choice - if you only have one distributor you will be limited to their services and options. With multiple points of contact, even customized fastener orders will come with the choice you need.
Building relationships with more than one fastener distributor is a wise idea for a variety of reasons. You can count on better prices, better availability and better choice - three advantages that mean better business for you.