When you work in the food industry, the supplier you use has the power to make or break your business. After all, working with a supplier that’s unreliable could result in you not having any stock to sell, and if the products they sell are low in quality, this is unlikely to be conducive to a successful business. There’s no doubt that sourcing the right supplier for your business is essential- but how is this achieved?
Whether you’re finding a supplier for your brand new business or you’re considering switching away from your current one, read on for some tips on how to find the perfect food supplier for your operation.
Be clear on what you’re looking for
When conducting your research, rather than finding out what services the suppliers offer, it’s essential to take the time to assess the specific needs of your business first. By making a list of your requirements, you can then refer to this during your search in order to find the perfect match for your operation. Would you like ingredients to be sourced locally? Do you have a specific payment option in mind? These are just a few questions you will need to ask yourself before liaising with suppliers to ensure you find the perfect fit for your business.
Settle for nothing less than product excellence
When it comes to picking a reputable food supplier, the quality of the products is of crucial importance. After all, a lack of diligence in the food industry could result in serious illness or even a fatality and with this in mind, quality is not something that can be compromised on. Ensure your supplier is adhering to all food safety compliance procedures and if something seems amiss, it may be worth continuing your research in order to find a supplier that delivers top-quality products without fail.
Carefully assess their prices against your budget
Before conversing with suppliers, it’s essential to assess your financials to ensure you don’t end up paying for a service you can’t afford. Work out your budget and when discussing prices with a supplier, consider how much room there is for you to add mark-up to the products. While this may seem like an obvious thing to point out, the best way to find products that are good value for money is to shop around a bit and liaise with lots of different suppliers. This will give you a higher chance of finding the best deals which will undoubtedly benefit your business.
Ask about delivery schedules
To guarantee your products consistently arrive at your premises on time, it’s essential to find out the ins and outs of a supplier’s delivery schedule. Do they offer delivery or collection? Do they deliver at a certain time of day? Do they offer a customisable delivery schedule? These are all crucial questions to ask and if a supplier is able to tailor delivery to your rota, this is bound to be a successful partnership.
At Freshways, we pride ourselves on being reliable suppliers that deliver high-quality dairy products throughout London, Wales and the UK. When it comes to quality, we settle for nothing less than excellence and we offer some of the most competitive prices around. Contact us today for more information and give your business a boost with Freshways.