The Vendor List: Why It's Important To Audit Vendors!

Haven’t Audited Your Promotional Products Vendors Recently? Here’s Why You Should.

If you run a business of any size that uses promotional products, branded collateral, inventory management, or wants to explore an all-encompassing portal, you’ve probably got quite a few vendors that you use regularly to meet all of these needs. And there are many reasons that you may use multiple vendors.

Perhaps you needed a specialized product in a pinch – like custom multi-chargers for a major upcoming expo – and you couldn’t get them from your preferred supplier. Or you had to meet some sort of vendor quota 5-10 years ago that’s now an outdated business practice. Maybe you took over a new position and it’s simply “the way it’s always been done”.

Regardless of how you go there, what typically happens is you’re now left dealing with 5 or 6 different vendors, when you could be relying on only one or two – and they probably aren’t doing that much to keep your business. They’re just waiting for their next set of “marching orders.”

Think about it – when was the last time that a vendor reached out to you to see how they could add more value to your business, rather than just waiting for your next product order?

Taking A New Approach In 2018

As you’re moving into 2018 and looking to increase employee productivity, consider the amount of time an employee spends finding new products and interfacing with multiple vendors, when you could streamline this process by having one true branded solutions partner. What we’ve observed is that you may be partnering with five different companies when you only really need to work with one. This leads to confusion, more emails added to your overflowing inbox, and even delays in shipping your promotional products, collateral, etc.

By taking a look at each vendor you’re partnered with – and why you’re partnered with them – you can understand whether or not it’s advantageous to continue your current business relationship.

When auditing your vendors, there are two primary questions you should ask yourself.

Has This Vendor Been Proactive Or Reactive?

The best vendors are always proactive. They’ll reach out to you with ideas about new products and methods you can use in your business, and help you leverage the power of branded and print materials to succeed.

If most of your vendors are reactive, you may want to consider putting them on notice – or even breaking ties altogether. You need a partner that works with you closely and doesn’t just wait for your next order without adding any value.

Am I Using This Vendor In A “Fractional” Manner?

Even if you are partnered with several great, proactive vendors, you may want to reconsider your business relationship if you’re using them fractionally.

For example, if you have one vendor for t-shirts and another for custom digital mailers and yet another for fulfillment, you may want to consider finding a vendor that offers a wide range of products and services, so that you can leverage the value of a centralized vendor.

Centralizing your vendors helps you save money and time, and reduces the risk of late shipments, incorrect items, and other major issues.

Audit Your Vendors With This Strategy!

As an all-in-one branded solutions provider, we believe in the power of centralized, proactive service. At Forefront Group, we pride ourselves on providing the very best service to all of our clients, and self-auditing to ensure we are always bringing fresh materials to the table.

So take another look at you branding vendors, and if you think you could do better, contact Forefront Group now, and learn why we're the best in the business!