The process of selecting office equipment suppliers is one that can be convoluted and can take a lot of time. When it comes to picking the right person for the job, a certain number of checks need to be done to ensure you get the best price, the best equipment and service that add value to your organisation. While it may seem like more of a hassle than it is worth, this process does help you separate the business giants from those who simply claim they can do the job, but don’t have the resources or the desire to follow through.
When selecting anything from office furniture suppliers to businesses that will service your printers, you need to ensure you think strategically. The process is not just one you go through to hire one service provider. It is one that allows you to change and adapt what your suppliers do to fit the changing needs of your business. Not only is this a long-term strategic benefit, but it may give your business a competitive advantage in other areas.
So what should you look for when picking from the list of potential suppliers? First, consider the reliability of the supplier. This is a quality you should be able to bank on, since a reliable supplier allows your business to deliver more reliably too. Quality and value for money are important, as they ensure you get the most ‘bang for your buck’, that is, that you are not overspending and under-delivering. Another facet of good suppliers is a clear communication channel. Can you imagine what would happen if you needed printer spares but couldn’t get hold of your supplier? Your business would suffer.
When selecting the right supplier of office machines, office stationery or even comprehensive office solutions, you ideally want to hire someone who sees a partnership between your two businesses, rather than someone who can provide a service when needed. A partnership is a guarantee of a mutually-beneficial relationship, which means the supplier will work harder to meet your goals in the long-term. If a supplier is not fully invested in what you want to achieve, they do not have sufficient motivation to work harder for your business.
Remember when choosing a supplier that you will be given a number of proposals, filled with promises. Not all businesses can actually deliver on these promises and you need to look beyond what they say they can do, to what they have actually done in the past. A business that is concerned with its reputation, even it is a small one that services office printers, will do everything in its power to provide you with positive solutions, such as DocX can.
