Getting a good deal means much more than simply going for the cheapest option, says tool supplier Zoro.
There are myriad reasons why businesses choose one supplier over another. Cost, range, service, lead-in times. If the suppliers you have your eye on tick all the boxes, how do you choose who to do business with?
Ensuring your team get the best value and service are rightly top priorities, so here are some pointers when looking for an equipment supplier.
Stock
Regardless of industry sector or size, it’s very satisfying to have all the equipment and stock your business requires in one place. Even better when everything is grouped by industry sector. Time saved on purchasing from multiple vendors means time spent on your organisation
Simplicity
Regardless of the quantities of equipment or supplies your business is ordering or how regularly, you want to get on with your business and not have to deal with complicated ordering systems or lengthy phone calls.
Value
Everyone wants value. Whether you are an SME or a multi-national, a few pounds here and there can, over time, eat into your bottom line. Shopping around is always a good idea, even better if there is a choice of costs for similar items on the same site.
Service
Service should be at the heart of every customer facing business – whether you’re a Tier 1 manufacturer or a call centre. The old saying goes - people buy from people and it is truer now more than ever. It’s great to have the option to order at the click of a button or talk to a real-life person.
Delivery
Every shop floor, factory or office building has a moment when human error or a glitch in the system means something has been under ordered - whether that’s PPE or pens. The trick is finding a supplier who not only says they can turn around your order tout suite but actually does it too.
Communication
If there is a problem, sometimes all it takes is a friendly email or call to let you know what’s happened, and while it may set you back, at least you know.
Certification
Accreditations and certifications count. Think safety, durability and robustness. Aside from avoiding accidents from untested equipment, how about lawsuits, cost per unit to restock and your bottom line?
Recommendation
Word of mouth is recognised the world over as a top-notch way to find businesses that gel with your mission statement. If people are motivated to spontaneously talk about products, services, or brands they have experienced then we are apt to listen.
How it works in practice
Zoro says its relationship with Hasman Ltd demonstrates how this works in practice.
Relocation to the North West has proven to be a good move for Hasman Ltd. Investment in larger premises means the business now delivers industry approved training and apprenticeships for the construction sector. Improved facilities and expanded services also required Hasman increase their field staff numbers by 100.
Hasman’s purpose built, state-of-the-art training centre in Liverpool is a first for the ventilation and duct hygiene industry.
The training centre offers a range of comprehensive courses which are approved by Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the UK's leading trade organisation for building engineering services contractors.
Staff levels have risen to meet the demands of Hasman’s success, but with increased employee numbers comes the need for increased equipment stock. When 100 new staff needed head torches for their inspection kits, Operations Manager Connor Dickson had plenty to consider, he said:
“We needed rechargeable headtorches as we were building toolkits for 100 new staff, so it was a big job.”
He explains that getting the right kit for the job is essential but budget and delivery times are crucial considerations for a busy work force.
“I shopped around and the Zoro range was by far the best and at quantities I needed. They were the cheapest and had the most stock available, at the best price.”
Connor said: “All of the field staff who work on ventilation systems are now using the items we ordered from Zoro.
“It’s really handy for them to have rechargeable batteries for their head torches, it just makes sense.”
Connor admits 100 headtorches is a big ask for any supplier, but he found the team at Zoro helpful and responsive, he said; “The service was great – very straightforward. The delivery came in batches, but they had the majority of what we needed in stock.”
“Everything arrived on time and we were pleased with that because getting the job done on time is a major factor in our industry.”
He says that for Hasman Ltd, Zoro had the combination of a broad product range, top-notch customer service and good rates, and crucially, they delivered on turnaround times.