Industrial chains get used everywhere, from automotive and food processing to pharmaceutical and textile. It is one of the most commonly used industrial hardware. That’s why you need a reliable supply of industrial chains. But finding a reliable industrial chain supplier is easier said than done.
Cost seems to be the number one criterion when selecting an industrial chain distributor. However, you will need to consider other factors when looking for a supplier.
Why?
Because saving a few hundred dollars off your purchase is a waste if you get low-quality material, have poor after-sales experience, and face delivery delays. These factors can cost you thousands of dollars down the line. So, what do you need to consider while choosing a reliable industrial chain supplier?
Let’s find out.
1. Research, Research, and More Research
Before you start hunting for the perfect industrial chain supplier, you should do thorough research. You can start with online research to look up suppliers in your area. But there is only so much you can find through this channel.
It’s better to search the industry database and supplier forums and tap into your network. This research needs to be backed by a few factors, which we will discuss in detail. You can create a list of these factors and see which distributor best fits the required criteria.
2. Ask the Industrial chain distributor for Relevant Certifications
Quality certifications are a critical factor in selecting an industrial chain distributor. While most suppliers are willing to share their certifications, some do not always make it easy. Ask every supplier you meet about certifications and if you can verify those.
You would want to work with someone willing to share all necessary certifications, quality-related documents, and guarantees. These certifications will come in handy should you come across faulty hardware or need repairs during the warranty period.
3. Check for Financial Stability
A financially stable industrial hardware wholesaler ensures guaranteed supply. It’s not uncommon for suppliers, even the large ones, to go out of business unexpectedly. You don’t want to be caught off guard.
In a situation like this, you would be forced to buy material from another supplier at the eleventh hour. It will be a costly purchase. Moreover, you will most likely face delivery delays and even quality issues.
4. Consider Weather Related Risks
Natural disasters like floods, droughts, and earthquakes affect everyone around the globe. And these disasters also take your supply chain for a toss. If your industrial hardware wholesaler is in a disaster-prone area, you may want to consider a backup. Plus, always check the weather-related events before placing your order.
5. Take the Location into Account
You also need to consider the location of your supplier. If possible, find a local supplier. Local sourcing comes with many benefits. For example, you can visit the industrial chain wholesaler in person. Face-to-face conversations lead to easy and fast communication.
Convenience is another advantage of local sourcing. This means your orders will get shipped quickly and efficiently. Shorter shipping distance and time will also bring your transportation costs down. It will help reduce your carbon footprint and fuel emission, making your business more environmentally friendly.
6. Review All Products Thoroughly
Make sure to review all products thoroughly before placing your order. Every product comes with detailed information such as technical specifications, usage guidelines, and maintenance tips. Your industrial chain distributor should be more than happy to share these details. This will help you buy only the most suitable products.
7. Ask the Industrial chain wholesaler about Their Scalability
This is an important factor that often gets overlooked. Your industrial chain distributor should be able to scale with your growing demands. Find out how flexible the supplier can be in handling both high and low-volume orders.
You don’t want to outgrow your supplier’s inventory in the long run. Be sure your distributor can handle your demand fluctuations with eases. The supplier should act as your resource partner, not just a vendor.
8. Look for Accountability
You would want to work with a supplier who takes responsibility for their end of the deal. This makes a whole lot of difference when issues related to product quality and delivery delays arise. A responsible industrial chain distributor will take responsibility for the quality problem and address it as soon as possible.
On the other hand, a wholesaler without accountability will deflect responsibility, leaving you stranded with poor-quality products. That, in turn, compromises your ability to meet deadlines and deliver good service.
9. Know Their Expertise
Your industrial chain wholesaler needs to be an expert in the field. A supplier specializing in industrial chains will know the usual issues related to quality, packaging, legal, and shipping. They will most likely fix these issues before they arise, creating a smooth, reliable supply chain.
An inexperienced supplier may cause a delay due to a lack of knowledge. Ask the supplier how long they have been in the business. Moreover, find out their current customers. You should also check how familiar they are with the legal compliances in your niche.
10. Understand Their Customer Service
The importance of good customer service can’t be stressed enough. Most businesses operate round the clock, making it necessary to find a supplier who can come to your aid 24/7. Get a deeper look into their service contract, their customer service process, and overall rating by their customers.
11. Note Down the Payment Terms
Paying for large-volume orders is often challenging. Most businesses, especially SMEs, lack the liquidity to make payments in a lump sum. Talk to the suppliers on your list about their payment terms. This includes asking about the down payment and whether you pay the rest in installments. Also, check your payment options – can you use wire transfers, online transfers, and cash to make payments?
12. Ease of Communication
Communication barriers like language, time zones, and culture can present real challenges. Try to find an industrial chain distributor who can communicate easily with you. Look for the following traits of effective communication when looking for a supplier.
- Clarity
- Consciousness
- Courtesy
- Consideration
- Listening
- Empathy
- Honesty
13. Find the Best Cultural Fit
The best cultural fit is the supplier whose goals align with yours. The best way to find such an industrial hardware supplier is to take the following steps.
- Find out the companies they typically work with.
- Understand their minimum order quantity.
- Know how much they understand your business.
- Check if they can meet your specific requirements.
14. Compliant with Third-Party Quality Check
Third-party quality check is an industry norm these days. You can always get your industrial chains inspected by certified inspectors. If an industrial chain wholesaler resists third-party quality checks, it’s a cause for concern. But a reliable distributor will never object.
Third-party inspections can help you identify defects that the manufacturer’s QC team missed. It also protects you and your team from potential on-site accidents and injuries. The risk of fatal accidents is high in overhead lifting applications. So, find a supplier who agrees to third-party quality checks.
15. Ensures Regulatory Compliance
Your supplier needs to make sure the products comply with local, state, and federal laws. Failure to do so can result in steep fines and other legal consequences. Check if your industrial chain supplier confers to regulatory compliance. Never working with a supplier was slammed with legal action for lack of compliance.
Contact a Trusted Industrial chain supplier
Finding the right industrial chain supplier is a must for your business. However, finding the ideal supplier is not going to be easy. These fifteen tips will help you get started when looking for a reliable distributor. Try these tips now!
Are you looking for an industrial chain wholesaler? You have come to the right place. Elite Sales Inc. offers a wide range of industrial chains and other hardware. Contact us today to know how we can help!