Very few companies can manufacture a product from start to finish completely on their own. Something as simple as a pencil requires multiple industries, professions, and people working together to deliver the final product. If just one of those industries or people slips up—if a ship carrying graphite is stuck at sea for a few extra hours because the lighthouse keeper oversleeps—that creates supply chain issues. In our connected world, it is important to maintain a healthy relationship with your supplier.
Obviously, you have no control over the lighthouse keeper’s sleep schedule, but you can control your relationship with the vendor. At the end of the day, your supplier wants to sell you a great product and you want to buy the product for your business needs. By maintaining a healthy relationship, you are more likely to reach your mutually beneficial goal.
Successful vendor relationships require a bit of hard work. Here are some simple steps to help build a healthy relationship with your supplier.
Six Steps to Building a Great Relationship with Your Supplier
1. Set expectations
Have you ever gotten into an argument with your spouse because you asked them to clean the kitchen, but they only did the bare minimum? They’re confused as to why you’re mad since they took out the trash and washed the dishes, but you also wanted the countertops wiped down and the floors mopped. This argument could have been prevented if you had made your expectations clear from the beginning. The same goes for vendor relationships.
Make your expectations clear from the start. If you want to be involved in the process from beginning to end, tell your supplier. If you need certain procedures done to meet compliance in your industry, make your supplier aware. 
2. Communicate
How do you make your expectations clear? By communicating effectively.
Communication is key to any relationship. If you’re open and honest with your vendor, they’re more likely to reciprocate. Don’t be afraid to tell them about a quality issue and they won’t dance around lead time issues in return.
By communicating effectively, you can work together to solve issues and stop disagreements before they start.
3. Remember they’re human
Your relationship with your supplier is a human relationship, and meeting in person can help get to know your business partners in small ways that aren’t feasible digitally. Whenever possible, aim to meet in person or make a special trip to get to know one another away from the computer: take a tour of their facilities or go out to lunch together.
Don’t forget to ask them about their weekend or upcoming vacations. You don’t have to become their best friend but building a strong personal relationship will result in a strong professional relationship.
4. Give timely feedback
Do long lead times and delays frustrate you? Well, delays also frustrate your supplier. Don’t let their email sit in your inbox for a week before you reply to them. Typically, it is best to respond to emails and voicemails within 24 hours of receiving them.
If you’re in the quotation stage of a project, many suppliers may require you to approve the quote within a certain time period or the price increases. Still, don’t wait until the last minute to send your feedback. They worked hard to provide you with the quote so you should return the favor by providing timely feedback.
5. Share common values
To foster more collaboration, you may want to make sure your supplier aligns with your core values before working with them. For example, your company may care deeply about sustainability and taking care of the Earth. You wouldn’t want to work with a supplier who regularly dumps waste into a local creek.
That’s an extreme example, but the more the supplier fits with your values, the easier it will be to work with them. If you both share similar values, you can partner on initiatives outside your normal relationship, such as sponsoring a charity event, that can help build your partnership. 
6. Reward good service with loyalty
If you’re happy with your supplier, then reward them! Don’t go shopping around and continue to give them your business.
Another way to show your gratitude for their service is to refer other businesses to them. You can write them a review or ask if you can participate in a case study. Remember this relationship is a two-way street so they’ll be more likely to send more business to you as a result.
Still Not Happy?
If you’re not happy with your supplier and you’ve tried the above steps to build the relationship, it is probably time to find a new vendor.
Butler Technologies, Inc. is an industry leader in user interface and printed electronics solutions. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service. A real person is always standing by to talk about your next project. Contact us today if you’re ready to make the switch.
Meet the Author
Courtney Houtz is the marketing lead for Butler Technologies, Inc. In her role, she is responsible for content strategy, branding, and project management. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in social relations and policy.