4 Reasons Why You Need to Listen to Your Suppliers’ Advice

March 2, 2015

same day courier mississauga Of course you already know that your supplier relationships are key. They can make or break you as a small business owner , because they provide the products and services that allow you to shine.

But how do relationships with your suppliers really tick? Do you manage your suppliers, or do your suppliers manage you?

Regardless of industry or company size, to nurture a great supplier relationship, it’s important to get to the heart of what your suppliers want. One of the key factors in any business relationship is communication. This nebulous concept is actually closely tied to your ROI.

If you can share openly with your suppliers, ask questions, and listen to their advice, you are creating an atmosphere of mutual respect that can pay huge dividends down the road. Here’s why you should listen to what your suppliers have to say.

1. They are Expert in the Services or Products Being Provided
It’s surprising how many entrepreneurs (without researching the industry) will insult a supplier by low-balling an offer, or sour a relationship with unreasonable demands. For example, say you are at a meeting in Tennessee, trying to arrange for a  same day courier to Mississauga  and blowing up on the dispatcher because it’s going to take 24 hours.

Short of hiring the Concorde, the industry simply cannot accommodate the request. Trust your supplier to give you accurate information – after all, they want your business.

2. They Have Experience with Other Customers in the Industry (often your competitors)
True partnership with your suppliers can give you a competitive edge, because they have inside knowledge of industry trends as well as the competition’s pricing, quality and technology. You might even wind up with an exclusive agreement with your supplier, which, although risky, might result in the kind of growth seen when exclusive  rights to bottle Coke  were granted in 1899.

3. They are Valuable Observers of Your Business Approach and Internal Processes
They can point out mistakes you won’t be able to see. A truly successful relationship with your suppliers thrives on mutual satisfaction. That means your suppliers have got to know as much about the inner workings of your business as possible. Being on the same page, your supplier will be able to suggest where to trim costs, improve productivity, and even develop new products or services. Fail to listen to their advice, and you could actually fall behind your competitors.

4. It Helps You Build Rapport

Here are some ways to build rapport with your suppliers:

  • Pay your bills on time
  • Ask for open access to their process so you can better understand their challenges and suggest improvement
  • Ask your suppliers what they really want
  • Provide reasonable lead time
  • If a supplier is otherwise wonderful yet stumbles occasionally, address the shortcomings, then invest the time and resources to develop them

Need same-day shipping in Mississauga or anywhere else in the GTA? Click the following link to get 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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