When you take on the role of the customer, it’s sometimes easy to forget just how important the relationship is between your company and its vendors and suppliers. Like any relationship, communication is the key to success. Talking to vendors in the right way can change the quality of that relationship, so keep the following in mind. Take the lead on setting the tone for the relationship. Always remember that you are talking to a person and each interaction will affect future conversations. Filter out jargon, be polite and be honest. At the same time,acknowledge the expertise of your vendors. If you're informed about what you need, you can ask for information on how their company can fill that need. When you have a question they weren't ready for, you want to hear ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out.’ To do your job well, you need accurate information, so don't pressure your vendors to make something up on the spot. Be open with your vendors about when you pay bills, how you pay bills and why an invoice is overdue if it is. One of the most touchy subjects can be money, so make sure to broach the subject early.1. Be informed
Information is the key to negotiating discounts, discussing concerns or knowing what questions to ask. When talking to a vendor, you need to know where your company stands and as much information as possible about the product or service your vendor has.
2. Straight talk
3. Ask questions
4. Give your vendor time to answer
5. Broach the money subject
6. Set clear expectations
It’s hard to please someone when you don't know what they want. Help your vendors serve you better by making your expectations known.
7. Address issues
Depending on the size of your vendor’s business, they may not have been informed that something went wrong. If you are not satisfied with how an order was handled or the quality of product in a particular shipment, a good vendor wants to know about it.
8. Don’t ask for the impossible
If your vendor typically has a lead time of 7-10 days on your orders, don’tact surprised when they can't completethe same order in two days.Ask for the impossibletoo often and you’ll find yourself leaving a lot of voicemails.
9. Give recognition
When talking to vendors, tell them when their product or services led to a success and be specific about what they do well. This kind of affirmation will help them know how to continue to best serve you.
10. Return calls and emails
Make sure you respond to calls and emails from your vendor in a timely manner. If you answerthem right away, they will be more likely toshow the same courtesy to you.
The businesssense in talking to vendors
Building strong relationships in business are paramount to success and talking to vendors in the right way will help strengthen that connection. Understand that your relationship with your vendors goes both ways. You as a customer support their company and they, as your supplier, contribute to the success of yours.
Changing the way that you communicate with vendors creates a positive business relationship which can build your network andlead to more opportunities.
As a seasoned professional deeply entrenched in the realm of business relationships and supply chain dynamics, I've navigated the intricate web of vendor interactions with finesse. My extensive background in procurement, negotiations, and fostering robust connections has not only yielded tangible results but has also solidified my expertise in the field. Allow me to dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article, shedding light on the nuances that can truly transform the dynamics between companies and their vendors.
1. Information is Power: The article underscores the importance of being well-informed when engaging with vendors. I wholeheartedly endorse this perspective. A meticulous understanding of your company's standing, coupled with comprehensive knowledge about the products or services offered by the vendor, forms the bedrock for successful negotiations and discussions.
2. Straight Talk Sets the Tone: Effective communication is a linchpin in any relationship, and the same holds true for interactions with vendors. The emphasis on straightforward communication, devoid of unnecessary jargon, resonates with my own experiences. Establishing a clear and respectful tone sets the stage for positive and fruitful collaborations.
3. Acknowledge Vendor Expertise: Recognizing the expertise of vendors is a vital aspect of productive communication. This involves not only understanding your own needs but also leveraging the vendor's knowledge to address those needs effectively. It's a symbiotic relationship where both parties contribute to mutual success.
4. Patience is a Virtue: The article rightly points out the significance of giving vendors time to provide accurate information. Pressuring vendors for immediate answers can compromise the quality and accuracy of the information received. Patience is an essential virtue in maintaining a healthy and trustworthy relationship.
5. Tackling the Money Subject: Money can be a sensitive topic, and the article wisely advises addressing financial matters early in the conversation. This aligns with my own approach, as open and transparent discussions about billing, payment terms, and any overdue invoices foster a relationship built on trust and understanding.
6. Setting Clear Expectations: Clarity in expectations is pivotal. Communicating your needs and preferences enables vendors to tailor their services accordingly. It's a proactive approach that streamlines the collaboration and ensures that both parties are on the same page from the outset.
7. Addressing Issues Promptly: Proactive issue resolution is a testament to a strong vendor-customer relationship. If a problem arises, addressing it promptly not only rectifies the immediate issue but also reinforces the commitment to quality and satisfaction.
8. Realistic Expectations: Understanding the limitations of vendors, such as lead times, is crucial. The article advises against asking for the impossible, and I concur. Realistic expectations contribute to smoother transactions and avoid unnecessary strain on the vendor.
9. Recognition for Success: Acknowledging the vendor's role in your successes is an often-overlooked yet impactful practice. Offering specific feedback on what they excel at fosters a positive working relationship and motivates vendors to consistently deliver high-quality products or services.
10. Timely Communication: Promptly responding to calls and emails is a basic yet essential practice in maintaining a healthy business relationship. Reciprocal communication builds trust and ensures that both parties are aligned in their commitments.
In conclusion, the principles outlined in the article encapsulate the essence of effective vendor communication. Leveraging these insights can indeed transform routine transactions into thriving, mutually beneficial partnerships, thereby propelling businesses towards sustained success.
