Communication
Customer History
In most relationships, communication is regarded as the
number one priority. Ideally, you should always be aware of everything your supplier is experiencing, especially if it will have an impact on day-to-day operations at your facility. Even between orders, your supplier should keep in contact to see what your future needs may be. • Does your supplier understand the casting process well enough to talk about its unique challenges?
• Does your supplier return messages and emails in a timely manner?
• Are you receiving communication regularly, even between orders?
• Are you aware of supply issues as they arise? • Is your supplier honest and open in discussing issues, good or bad?
• Does the supplier give you advanced warning if an order will not arrive on time, as planned?
Location Experience
If you are starting fresh with a supplier, its customer base
is a good indication of its reliability and experience. • Is the customer history filled by a single customer? • Are the customers’ needs similar to your needs? • How many customers in industries other than metalcasting does the supplier have?
• What are current customers saying about the supplier?
T e more experience a supplier has, the better able it is
to think on its toes and avoid potential situations before they arise. Plus, experience allows a supplier to know how to handle and solve problems. • Is there anything in the supplier’s background that causes worry? Upset customer, stock issues, etc.?
• Does the supplier have a history of research and development for the metalcasting industry?
• How long has your supplier been supplying product to metalcasters?
• Is it easy to find and access information about the supplier’s history?
34 | MODERN CASTING April 2012 While in today’s world supplies can be shipped around
the globe, consider the shipping and handling costs that may be associated with faraway suppliers. • Is the supplier close by? • If shipping, are the supplier’s shipping costs reasonable and competitive?
• How long will you have to wait for your order? • Can you receive faster delivery services, if need be? • Is the supplier able to respond and ship quickly? • Can you obtain spare parts and in-plant technical assistance quickly?
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