10 Tips for Negotiating with Your Suppliers

February 27, 2015

courrier services Toronto As the owner of a small business , you naturally look for ways to keep the bottom line healthy – after all, you can’t just raise your prices whenever you want more cash flow!

One of the best ways to control costs is with your vendors. Whether you’re buying the best porgy for the restaurant or need 500 units of Fimo for your art supply store, you want the best possible prices and terms. The question is, how do you haggle without alienating your suppliers? Read on.

1. Know the Numbers
If you know what it costs your supplier to make the product, or at least the average industry costs, you’ll know how much room you truly have to negotiate.

2. Know Your Own Business
There’s more to getting a great deal with a vendor than price; some industries, like the restaurant business, place a huge priority on a  courier services in Toronto ‘s on-time delivery while others can buy in bulk and get big volume discounts in exchange for the willingness to warehouse.

3. Dare to Compare
Don’t talk to only one supplier! Talk to their customers, too, and don’t be afraid to share the terms and conditions you have learned of.

4. Take Your Time
Don’t agree to anything before you’ve had time to carefully go over the contract.

5. Build a Rapport
Entrepreneurs are often so focused on their clients that they neglect to build a rapport with their suppliers, but if there’s anyone you should have great communication, trust and credibility with, it’s the people who supply you.

6. Learn the Jargon
If you’re knowledgeable about the industry and know the basics of the supplier’s business model, you can advocate for yourself and gain their respect.

7. It’s Give and Take
Be willing to compromise and think creatively. Remember, the goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, so if you’re willing to bend a bit and put down a higher deposit initially, for example, you might get a better price.

8. Ask
You don’t know if you don’t ask. Can you make a deal if you order more, or at a different time of the month? There are no stupid questions.

9. Nothing Lasts Forever
When your contract is up, renegotiate; many suppliers are willing to lock in terms or throw in perks if it means keeping your business. You can also take this opportunity to see if there are any dramatic changes to the industry – maybe vendors are now offering radically improved services. Conversely, if things aren’t going well for you, your current supplier might be willing to defer repayment or change the agreement if it means continuing to do business with you.

10.  Know When to Fold ‘Em
Be confident enough to walk away if your vendor is unwilling to negotiate at all. After all, if you’ve done your homework, you should have a Plan B and a Plan C all lined up.

If you’re looking to build a relationship with a courier, lets talk. Click the following link for a free quote.

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When you think about courier services, it’s easy to picture the person delivering your package at its final destination. But have you ever wondered who else is involved in getting that parcel or freight from Point A to Point B? At Power Link Expedite, every shipment involves a skilled and coordinated team working together to ensure that your delivery experience is seamless. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people who bring your packages safely and efficiently to you or your customers. 1. The Customer Service Team The experience begins with our customer service team. Whether you’re scheduling a delivery, asking for a quote, or tracking a package, our friendly customer service staff are here to assist. They answer questions, provide updates, and ensure all necessary information is documented, so your delivery process can start off on the right foot. Highlight: This team ensures real-time communication and offers clarity on every step of the delivery process. 2. The Dispatch Team and Logistics Planners Once an order is placed, the Dispatch Team and the Logistics Planners step in. Using state-of-the-art technology, they plan the most efficient routes, ensure the schedule aligns with customer expectations, and optimize resources to handle every delivery with precision and efficiency. Highlight: Their expertise ensures minimal delays, even when faced with traffic, weather conditions, or unplanned hurdles. 3. The Drivers These are the faces most customers associate with Power Link Expedite. Our professional drivers are on the road, delivering packages & freight quickly and safely. Equipped with navigation tools and trained in customer interaction, they represent the final, crucial step in the delivery chain. Highlight: They aren't just driving—they're ambassadors of our brand, ensuring every interaction is friendly and professional. 4. The Technology Experts Behind the scenes, our IT team ensures that all systems, including our transportation management systems, package tracking, and route optimization software are running smoothly. They maintain the tools that allow customers to place orders online, track their deliveries in real time (when appropriate) and keep our operations connected. Highlight: Their work means customers can place orders 24/7 and always know where their packages are, giving peace of mind and transparency. 5. The Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Human Resources, and Bookkeeping Team Our accounting related staff ensure our suppliers, service providers, staff, & drivers are paid promptly. They issue invoices for the work we perform for our valued customers, pay the invoices we receive from our valued suppliers, maintain HR records, and provide HR services to our staff. Highlight: Ultimately, they make sure our bills get paid promptly, and help our staff using their broad HR expertise 6. The Management Team Every great service needs strong leadership. Our management team oversees operations to ensure every department works efficiently and collaboratively. From maintaining high customer service standards, high on time delivery standards, to fostering innovation, and exploring new growth opportunities, they set the vision and ensure every team member delivers excellence. Highlight: They focus on continuous improvement, keeping Power Link Expedite ahead of industry standards. Working Together to Deliver Excellence From the moment you place an order to the package or freight arriving at its destination, every step is carried out by a dedicated professional. At Power Link Expedite, we’re more than just a courier company—we’re a cohesive team working tirelessly to provide top-tier delivery services for your business. If you're an industry partner and interested in collaborating with a team that values accuracy, communication, and exceptional service, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today at 905-693-1143 to learn how Power Link Expedite can support your courier and logistics needs.
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