Every Procurement/Purchasing operation has its own needs, which are critical factors when selecting the right suppliers. You want to make sure there are locations near enough to deliver goods or services to you in a timely fashion. It’s important to know that a supplier is financially stable, because you’ll depend on them for your livelihood.

But when it comes down to it, is “big” always the best when it comes to selecting suppliers?

Take a few moments to consider the advantages of considering a smaller — and perhaps more specialized — supplier to meet your needs.

Larger suppliers are more likely to have their top dogs spread all over the place, tending to the needs of big customers. But smaller suppliers are more likely to muster their troops to help you out if there’s a problem — and you know you’re getting the best attention that supplier has to offer.

Expect more “one-size-fits-all” solutions when you’re dealing with a big supplier. This is fine if you only require standard solutions. But a small supplier is much better equipped to build a custom solution based on your specific needs.

On a day-in, day-out basis, is a larger supplier going to make you a top priority? Only if you can compete — financially — with the heavy hitters, who also deliver the heavy bucks into a supplier’s bank account. Like they say, sometimes it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond — especially if you’re a smaller supplier.

Tags: goods, services, supplier