Sourcing · 8 min read

How to spot a good supplier (the signs that do not lie)

There are hundreds of suppliers in every category, and most are average. The good ones share a set of characteristics that are easy to spot if you know what to look for.

How to spot a good supplier (the signs that do not lie)

Responsive communication

A good supplier answers emails within 24 hours, in clear language, with real answers. If they take days to respond or answer with vague statements, they will be worse after you have paid.

Transparent pricing

A good supplier gives you a full cost breakdown: product price, packaging, shipping, and any hidden fees. A supplier who hides fees until after you have paid is not one you want.

Willing to start small

The best suppliers will work with first-time buyers. They will let you place a test order, they will show you photos of the actual product, and they will guide you through the process. Suppliers who only work with huge orders are not worth chasing.

A real factory

Ask for a video call. Walk the factory floor. If they refuse, they are probably a middleman, which means higher prices and less control. Middlemen are not always bad, but you should know who you are dealing with.

Consistency

The biggest test of a supplier is consistency. A supplier that delivers excellent quality on order one, order two, and order three, over months and years, is the one worth keeping.

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Published by Deeline Learn — trend reports and buying guides for the Nigerian market.