Choosing a Vendor

As a marcom specialist I need to collaborate with a variety of suppliers and vendors. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to meet and work with excellent suppliers and vendors, although I must admit, there are a few I prefer not to work with again.

I’ve come to work with people who have become project partners. I’ve discovered that working with a successful partner provides excellent results.

Here I share my personal considerations when choosing a business vendor.

1. The most important in my opinion is to work with someone who comes with a recommendation – preferably from someone whose opinion you trust.  You may want to see if they have recommendations on professional networks such as LinkedIn.
2. Choose someone who understands your requirements, someone who will listen as well as offering their professional advice.
3. Check that the provider / supplier can meet your time frame requirements.
4. Some may consider this consideration as superfluous – however in my personal opinion it can make or break a project. Work with someone you feel comfortable with. The process is usually more productive; the outcome more successful. If a supplier is going to “get on your nerves” as soon as you see their name on your incoming calls – chances are the results will not be as good as you had hoped for.
5. Sometimes paying a slightly higher price may be worth it. Working with a professional usually results in less wasted time during the process and a superior end result.