Do you feel lost among the daunting prospect of spending large amounts of money on a chemical supplier?
You aren’t alone. But it’s good to know that businesses in the manufacturing sector have many options for sourcing their chemical supplies.
This article discusses four key considerations to take into account when selecting a supplier when buying chemical supplies. Read on to learn more!
1. Delivery Speed
Buyers and sellers in the chemical and materials industry have several options for getting products from point A to point B.
Usually, there are two main delivery options: air or ground. It’s good to know that you can have the product shipped by air within a matter of hours, or you can have it delivered by truck or rail within six days.
Buyers need to cut their costs and ensure that their shipments arrive on time. Minimizing the number of days required for a stock-up order, which consists of many items, is essential. They may need special handling and customized packaging that adds extra costs to each item packed into a pallet.
2. Product Availability
Suppliers can have a large selection of products, but not all products are available at all times. It’s vital because when a buyer orders a product, it needs to be available in the inventory. The supplier needs to know how fast they get it shipped to you in time.
Some suppliers offer lead times for their items that specify how long it usually takes before ordered item ships. Still, if you get an order request at the last minute, this lead time won’t do you much good.
The best suppliers will be able to discover more and ship hard-to-find items fast, without incurring any extra expenses or waiting periods for delivery.
3. Pricing Structure
Most buyers worry about the cost of their chemical supplies, plain and simple. There’s a reason why everyone wants to buy products at the lowest prices possible. The chances are that your business is not in a position where it can afford to sell products with no regard for cost.
That’s why you want to work with suppliers that offer reasonable prices for products. Great suppliers can provide competitive prices but don’t cheapen their service or customer support because of it.
For example, you want suppliers who offer best-price guarantees, so they’re giving you the best price possible and not passing along savings from service reductions. To find the best prices and terms, you’ll have to do some research by shopping around different suppliers.
4. Inventory Handling Capabilities
In general, suppliers can handle small orders. Still, when buyers need large quantities of products, providing a prompt service is one of many challenges faced in distribution. The right supplier can manage and maintain a large inventory that allows them to ship items within 30 minutes.
When shopping around, it’s good practice to ask about these inventory holding capabilities. That way, you know if the potential supplier will handle your orders as and when they come in.
Purchasing Chemical Supplies
There are, of course, several other factors that can affect your decision. These are more specific such as terms and conditions as well as returns policies.
But now you’re armed with the four most significant factors. You can make choosing the right chemical supplies with confidence.
For more insightful information to help your business grow, keep reading our top tips!
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