I run a small import business and want to find some new suppliers in the Far East. How do I establish their credibility from South Africa?
It’s essential to establish that any new suppliers that you intend to do business with are credible and reliable. Here are some ways that you can check up on their credentials:
- Use internet trading forums such as that on eBay to establish whether the supplier has a history of being trustworthy and dependable
- Do online research to find out more about the company, including how long it’s been in business for and how long it’s had the product line that you’re interested in.
- What does their website look like? Has it been professionally designed and kept up to date? Does it have proper contact details including a physical address and telephone number?
- If you can’t afford to visit the supplier, contact them by phone or email and discuss your requirements. Find out about delivery times, payment methods and ability to deliver what you need, when you need it. These discussions should give you a feeling for how professional the supplier is in conducting its business.
- Ask for references and check them.
- You can consider using the services of a reputable inspection agency to make absolutely certain that the supplier is trustworthy.
- Obviously a site visit is the number one way of establishing a supplier’s credibility.