How to communicate with suppliers
Communicating with Suppliers How should you act as a “good customer” to your suppliers? Perhaps this is a question we usually forget to ask ourselves.
Let's say you have found a good supplier that is suitable for your company's needs. Everything seems fine so far.
One day you understand that cooperation with this supplier is not working (again) and you start accusing the supplier. This is the point where it is best to keep in mind the fact that there are two sides of the coin.
How to communicate with suppliers
Communication at the strategic and tactical level
1- Constantly interviewing suppliers
By doing this you can push the flow of information, you will get information about new trends and technologies and you may even get some free advice that is suitable for your environment.
2. Inquire about their development plans
This will give you ideas that you can use to develop your own services as well as information about potential new services that your business could benefit from.
3. Open your business model in front of the key people of the suppliers
This is the supplier's way of understanding priorities and knowing what's important to you, the supplier will understand why some little things are important to your business even though it seems like background noise to them. The supplier will work harder for you if they know the reason.
4. Open development roadmap
It is also important for the supplier to know what you will develop in the long term and how, in this way the supplier is able to provide and develop services and technologies for your needs.
5. Clearly state what you want
Suppliers are often accused of poor results. Accusations are unfair if the definition is unclear or incorrect.
6. Get important services with the right service levels
It's not the seller's fault if you don't understand how to get the right levels of service, it's only the kindness of the supplier, if they still help you.
operational communication
1. Tell about your projects and changes in time
The supplier has the time to organize things and retain the necessary resources and capabilities.
2. Use agreed communication channels, methods and methodology
Suppliers have their reasons for using agreed channels, and the supplier process revolves around these channels.
3. Training and interviewing the supplier's operational staff
Get to know them personally and it will be easier to work with them in the future.
4. Notify changes made at home or by a third party
It's better to hear changes from the customer than to discover them themselves and use unnecessary time to settle, sometimes you need to make changes very quickly, but remember to inform them every time you can.
5. Prioritizing and rushing to the resource only when there is a real need for it
The supplier must maintain oversight and systems to prioritize work. Don't rush every pointless ticket. Remember the big picture. This will ensure you get help when you need it most.
Be demanding (including yourself)
1. Do your share
Run the project and other tasks given to you at the same time and be more confident in what you expect the resource to do, there are always situations where you cannot perform the agreed tasks on time. Point this out once you know it.
2. The supplier's success will benefit you
Think of ways in which you can simplify the tasks that the supplier manages for your services, and this cooperation usually leads to better results, the supplier does not perform its duties for itself but for the purposes of your business.
3. Honestly admit when you made a mistake
The supplier is more likely to notice if you try to blame them on internal or part 3 errors.
4. Ask yourself: Are we a good customer for suppliers?
Every once in a while, it's a good idea to ask ourselves if we consider ourselves good customers? However, this must be done on an ongoing basis and counters must be developed so that their evolution can be monitored, this is a systematic way of developing this.
5. A good timbre can be heard widely
Would recommend a good resource when you come across one, the supplier has definitely heard of this and is likely to benefit the future.
6. Pay bills on time
This is taken for granted, but please keep in mind that the supplier earns his living by serving you, this is the prerequisite for cooperation.
As you can see above, it is not a technical issue nor anything particularly mysterious. It all comes down to effective two-way communication, sometimes easier said than done.
Organizations that are successful in managing supply chains recognize the value of managing effective relationships with their suppliers. These organizations have a knack for building trust with their suppliers which leads to sharing knowledge and identifying opportunities for improvement.
be proactive
Addressing issues, challenges, and issues as they arrive prevents them from developing into something more serious. Early and frank discussions and actions will build trust and respect.
Communicate regularly and effectively
Communication with suppliers creates a common understanding
Shared understanding helps avoid confusion and disagreement. Effective communication includes a regular, healthy dose of face-to-face discussion.
Contract managers should avoid hiding behind emails. And remember that communication is a two-way street.
Define and remember roles and responsibilities
Performance = Ability x Motivation x Clarity of Role Description Both parties need to clearly understand their own role, that of their peers, and how both parties fit together to benefit.
read more:
How to manage relationships with suppliers
Learn about the supplier system at Masafa