Should You Check Into a Vendor’s Online Reputation Before Going into Business with Them?

Working with a vendor offers certain advantages to a business. For example, ordering becomes a simple process and overall efficiency is improved. In most cases, the business enjoys a cost savings as well as less stress. Overall, the right vendor can make life easier for a business owner.

But there are lots of things to consider before going into business with a vendor. One of the top priorities is how that relationship will affect the future of your business.

Besides finding a vendor that can meet your needs, it is also important to find one that has good reputation. Associating with a company that is less than reputable can reflect poorly on your business.

Gathering information that answers the following questions can help in making key decisions about a vendor’s online reputation and whether it can offer the services your company needs.

• What does the vendor specialize in?
• Is the total cost clear?
• Can the vendor offer scalable services?
• Can they commit to the schedule?
• Is the company stable?

The bottom line is reputations matter. At the same time, it is important to do some research into companies before snap decisions are made. In most cases, a stellar reputation can be a trusted indicator that a vendor is reliable, trustworthy, and operates as a professional business.

It’s the less than stellar reputations that can be more puzzling. For example, it is very possible for even the best company or business to have unhappy customers and clients. And it is a fact that frustrated people are more likely to voice their concerns than people who are satisfied.

Taking the time to do a little research about the vendor will make you feel more confident in your decisions about working with them. It will also provide helpful information about how the company operates.

What Does the Vendor Specialize In?

Some vendors seem to be able to offer a bit of everything. Their goal is to please everyone. However, it is generally wiser to work with a company that specializes in the specific items needed.

This helps ensure the company has more knowledge and expertise in the items being provided and there is a true focus on the area of business, industry, or niche that you happen to be in. It is more likely this vendor will understand your unique needs and preferences.

Is the Total Cost Clear?

The vendor should be able to provide a total cost proposal that is very clear and easy to read. This allows businesses to choose exactly what is desired within a given budget.

Can the vendor offer scalable services?

Growth is a goal for every business. This makes it important to always keep scalability in mind. Ensure that the vendor will be there for you when you’re ready to grow and expand.

Can They Commit to the Schedule?

No matter what type of business or niche you’re in, time is money. When it comes to business, sticking to a schedule is imperative, and this, of course, applies to working with vendors.

Quality vendors should be able to present documented and planned schedules that include dates and deliverables.

Is the Company Stable?

Ideally you will find a vendor that meets other criteria and that you are completely satisfied with in every way. When that happens, knowing the company is stable will provide assurance that it will be there for you in the future. In other words, a long-term relationship can be established – which will be beneficial for both the vendor and the business.

As a business, you have to be cautious about business-related associations – including relationships with vendors. Your business will be judged according to its relationships and affiliations with other businesses. With that in mind, choosing vendors carefully is part of the reputation management process.

This article was written by Debbie Allen, a professional writer and blogger.

Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net