How To Build Strong Supply Chain Relationships

Building solid relationships with your suppliers is crucial to running and efficient business. Here are some of the key ways you can create, and maintain good partnerships within your supply chain:

1. Make sure you get to know your key suppliers.
   Ideally, meet with them regularly at their location so you can see working practices, and get a feel for their culture.

2. Take an interest in their plans and aspirations. Understand what their vision is, and see if their values and ethics are compatible with your own. Apply this thinking to your customers too. Build relationships with businesses that share your ideals and want to work with you to build a lasting, strong partnership.

3. Keep the lines of communication open. Be clear about your timescales and exact requirements. Leave nothing to chance, the more explicit you are about your needs the better. Understand your supplier's schedule and work within it. Place orders as early as you can, so your supplier has plenty of time to deliver.

4. Give honest feedback. If you are having problems working with a supplier, whether the issues are minor niggles or catastrophic failures, tell them so they can (hopefully) rectify the situation and prevent them from recurring in the future.

5. Apply all of the above to the businesses you supply.

Further Reading:
Understanding Wholesale Supply Chains
How to Approach New Stockists
Delivering Excellence To Your Wholesale Customers