All too often I hear business owners talk about "how they made their supplier jump." They brag about how disrespectful they were when they placed a large order. They love to take the "I'm the important customer" attitude. Well, maybe you are the customer to your supplier. And there is no doubt that you - as the customer - should be treated well. Nevertheless, I don't believe that it gives you the right to treat anyone badly. In addition, it can be BAD FOR BUSINESS.
"But Ron," you say, "How can it be bad for business? I'm not selling to my supplier. He is selling to me." I say it is bad for business for two main reasons. First, your supplier may take your abuse because he feels it is necessary in order to keep you as a customer. However, if you read my posting entitled "The Two Biggest Marketing Mistakes," you will recall that everyone is either a customer, potential customer or a referral source. If your supplier does not buy from you and is not a potential customer, he is certainly a referral source. He can recommend that others buy from you. If you treat him badly, how do you think he is going to react?
Oh, you may say that he will refer customers to you anyway because the more you sell, the more he sells. Maybe so - but I wouldn't bet on it. We are human and have feelings. Many times feelings will trump logic, especially if we are made to feel badly. Why take the risk?
The second reason that it is bad for business again plays to our feelings and emotions. Who do you want to help? Who do you do favors for? Who do you go the extra mile for? Someone who makes you feel good and someone you like? ...... or someone who abuses you? The old saying is, "You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar." If you make your suppliers feel good and feel important, they will go overboard to help you.
Go out of your way to compliment and thank suppliers - even when they have done nothing special. The better you make them feel, the more anxious they will become to go the extra mile for you.
What do you think? I would like to hear your comments?
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2 comments:
I consider my suppliers among my biggest assets. Without their relent support in quality management, punctual delivery and flexible terms, I would not be able to support my clients 101%. I always tell 2 of my most trusted suppliers that I can sleep in peace when I know they are handling my jobs.
Thanks for your comments. It is a shame that many business owners don't realize how important suppliers are. When I hold my appreciation events, I always invite both customers and suppliers.
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