How To Put Your Vendors To The Test

Important Vendor Review

Relationships with your vendors are just as crucial to business success as working with your customers. Ineffective vendors can make your business suffer and that’s the last thing you want to happen, right?

If your business has grown—or you see growth potential—be sure your vendors have your back. The competitive market we are experiencing means you can demand more from your vendors. Now is a great time to evaluate your vendor relationships to see if they are still working for you.

Test Questions

The first question to ask is, “Do I have a solid, healthy relationship with my vendors, or are they just billing me?”

I’ve compiled a list of questions to use as a guide to evaluate your vendors’ performance, and what they should—and shouldn’t be doing.

1. Do your vendors listen? They should take time to discuss your problems and questions then help solve problems when asked.
2. We all know that one size doesn’t fit all. Do your vendors’ processes, systems and services allow for customization based on your needs? Or are your vendors more like assembly lines and you have to take what you get?
3. Are you getting your money’s worth?
   • Do they offer free consulting when you’re looking for answers and readily research when asked? If they take the initiative and offer to research, even better.
   • Do they offer free training on how to use their products and/or services? More important, does the training actually take place?
4. Does their customer service measure up?
   • Can you meet with them in a timely manner as a team to discuss your specific needs and problems?
   • Does your vendor contact you with ways to build your relationship?
   • Do they anticipate your future needs?
   • Do all the people you deal with give you the respect, time and quality of customer service you need and deserve?
   • Can you contact your vendor 24-7 in an emergency and they’ll respond ASAP?

Tough Love

If you are confident your vendors meet your needs, they are there when you call on them, and they give you the respect you deserve, then by all means they are keepers. But if you have any doubts or too many negative answers to these questions, sit down with them to discuss your issues and where they may fall short. There might be misunderstandings about expectations that can be easily resolved.

Consider it tough love—you need to get tough so your vendors know you demand the best from them. By building strong relationships with your vendors, they’ll be committed to go the distance for you.

If those relationships and the commitment aren’t there, it’s time to take the next step and look for a new vendor. Yes, it might take extra work to search for another vendor, but it’ll be worth it when you find the right fit and your business succeeds.

About Brothers Fire & Security

As one of the premier providers of fire and security solutions in the Upper Midwest, Brothers Fire & Security strives to build long-term, value-added relationships. We work with business owners and property management companies, as well as all types of public institutions to solve fire and security needs. By taking advantage of our integrated bundled services, many of our clients find that they can save 25-30% on their safety services, annual inspections and more. From a single location to franchises throughout the region and the country, our integrated approach saves our clients valuable time, money and stress. We provide fire protection systems, security systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, 24-7 monitoring, fire extinguishers, card access and kitchen hoods.