Selecting a new supplier for any ingredient or packaging can be a lengthy process. It takes time to build trust and communication between the two parties, especially if it is essentially a “long distance relationship” which is common in the manufacturing industry.
No matter what you buy, we believe that you should get the following things from your supplier to be able to build a strong, mutually beneficial partnership that will be long lasting.
1. Competitive Price
Let’s begin by noting that price is referred to as “competitive” rather than “cheapest”. Buying olive oil is just like anything-- you get what you pay for. For better or worse, olive oil is one of the more expensive edible oils available, because it comes from a fruit rather than a seed.
Price is one of the quickest ways to sniff out a low-quality product, unless the company can justify their lower pricing. Legitimate reasons for low rates are large volume purchasing, close manufacturer relations and efficient packaging or distribution.
Most importantly, shop around. Get price quotes from multiple companies before deciding. Even then, be cautious of making your final decision based solely on price. Want to play it safe? Ask questions to build a strong, open relationship with your supplier and make sure you receive the proper documentation. This partnership is just like any other: having open communication and being honest about what you need will get you the best results.
2. Quality Product
One of the most important attributes is the quality of the oil. First and foremost, you should find a product that meets your specific quality needs whether that is a particular grade, taste or color profile. Secondly, you should always look for olive oil that is not mixed with a cheaper oil to cut costs.
Different grades of olive oil offer different levels of quality. You’ll need to assess your bottom line requirements for quality along with your price restrictions to choose a grade that will work for your business. Work closely with your R&D and Marketing team to do an overall assessment of how the different choices could affect your finished product and overall sales.
Lastly, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting what you’re paying for. Good suppliers are willing to provide chemical lab tests and results. This is a good way to confirm the authenticity of your olive oil and verify that you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for.
3. Quick Problem Resolution
Let’s face it, things don’t always go as planned. You probably know that there is no sure-fire way to avoid all problems. However, a great supplier is fast to resolve issues and find solutions with you.
Always choose a supplier that is courteous, helpful and accessible.
4. Reliable Personal Service
We understand that your purchases are large, in the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars. It’s reasonable to want to work with someone someone who knows you personally at the other end of the phone, ready to help.
Make sure to look for a company with dedicated personnel, who fully understand the olive oil industry. You should be comfortable enough to ask any question and get a quick and thorough answer, or at least be assured fast follow-up from the appropriate person.
Some companies try to cut costs by relying on answering services, automated messaging, or talking only via email. This type of communication doesn’t always cut it in situations that require an in-depth discussion. You should always have a personal account manager who is intimately involved in your business needs.
Topics: Suppliers
