This article originally appeared on our Forbes blog
Checking references is an important (and free!) part of the supplier vetting process. I’m surprised by how many makers either don’t request them or don’t follow through once they secure names. Further, it’s not enough to ask easy questions such as, “Do you recommend Company X?” as the goal of each conversation is to go beyond surface level information. When done properly, speaking with references should paint a fuller picture of what it would actually be like to work with a given supplier.
Here are four tips to optimize your reference checks and make more informed decisions as you source new partners.
1) Ask For More Than One Reference
Reputable suppliers should have multiple happy customers willing to endorse them. When requesting references, be clear that you’d like a few options, and let the supplier know that both past and present clients are okay. This may give them more range, as some clients in their roster will be off limits due to privacy clauses.
If a supplier refuses to provide references or will only send a single point of contact, this is usually a sign to proceed with caution.
2) Stick To Your Product Category
Speaking with references who have made products similar to yours is key. For example, if you on the hunt for a factory that specializes in structured outerwear, but the references you receive can only vouch for the supplier’s ability to produce casual knits, the intel is only so helpful. Seek confirmation that a partner is good at what you are making.
3) Create A Vetting Checklist
It always pays to be organized and methodical when vetting, especially when you’re in contact with multiple potential partners and need to collect and evaluate lots of data. Before setting up discussions with references, make a list of the questions you want each one to answer. You’ll also need somewhere to compile all of the information you receive, such as in a spreadsheet dedicated to your vetting efforts.
Here are some suggested points of inquiry:
- Is the supplier responsive? How long do they typically take to reply to messages?
- How long has the reference worked with the supplier?
- Has pricing increased over time? If so, why?
- Are deadlines usually met? If not, why?
- If there has even been a quality issue with the factory, how was it remedied?
- You’ll receive an extra layer of feedback if you ask questions by questions by phone since it’s possible to pick up on more nuanced forms of communication such as tone, hesitation, sarcasm, etc.
4) Remember That No Supplier Is Perfect
A factory doesn’t need to score 100% on price, quality, speed, responsiveness and everything else you’re looking for in order to be a worthy choice. As with any relationship, partnering with supplier requires compromises. The important thing is that you are clear-eyed about the potential trade-offs of working with one vendor over another.
For example, if you hear repeatedly that a factory has great quality but needs to be nudged a bit to finish orders on time, you can enter the partnership knowing you’ll need to build in delivery buffers. Preparation can help eliminate unwanted surprises and offset a vendor’s weak spots. This is not to say you should ignore negative feedback, but rather a reminder that no business is perfect.
References are likely to say positive things about a supplier, or else they wouldn’t have been chosen in the first place. By starting each conversation with the reminder that you aren’t seeking perfection but rather a solid, reliable partner, you’re more likely to receive authentic feedback.
This looks delicious and so healthy and I love the spices combination. A great solution to just needing a little something to have with a cuppa for morning tea as well, or even brunch. Love it, thanks sk. Best wishes, Pauline Delphine Ferdinand Loughlin
Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. Roseanna Frazier Pearla
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is also very good. Nettie Trev Lattonia
Working with @businext is like having a family member who can fix everything. They know what you need, exactly when you need it. Lenore Scarface Hey
Im obliged for the article. Really thank you! Much obliged. Jolynn Beale Elston
Integer nec odio. Praesent libero. Sed cursus ante dapibus diam. Sed nisi. Nulla quis sem at nibh elementum imperdiet. Duis sagittis ipsum. Bettina Bruno Joan
I really like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage! Van Onfre Slavic
Very good article post. Really looking forward to read more. Cool. Eba Josiah Germana Hildy Derron Holub
Can I just say what a reduction to seek out somebody who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know tips on how to convey a difficulty to light and make it important. More folks must learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant imagine youre not more popular because you positively have the gift. Audre Thorvald Studnia
Wow! Finally I got a web site from where I be able to genuinely obtain helpful information concerning my study and knowledge.| Denni Shaun Kohler
Everything is very open with a clear description of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing! Gui Dukie Ignaz
Exceedingly absorbing specifics that you have remarked, thanks a lot for adding. Athene Dene Jocko
Thanks Luci! You rock at this!! YOU are an inspiration to us! Olive Irwinn Gredel
Excellent post. I will be going through many of these issues as well.. Matilda Matteo Henni
Hey there. I found your blog by means of Google while searching for a comparable topic, your website came up. It appears to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to come back then. Mag Ralf Snow
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through content from other writers and use something from their web sites. Elaine Jarib Milo
Genial justo esto es lo que me faltaba para terminar mi trabajo, al fiiiiin T. T GRACIAS! Jordain Kendall Audry
Hello there. I found your site by way of Google at the same time as looking for a similar topic, your web site got here up. It appears to be good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to visit then. Viviene Noby Sosanna
Fantastic website. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you for your effort!| Shalna Claudian Palila
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people do not talk about these subjects. To the next! Many thanks!! Olympia Ambrosi Vasilek
This was delicious! I added some cayenne pepper to give it a little punch. Definitely will make again! Andie Stewart Birdella
You are a great writer. Do you have any more sites? I love sucking dick btw hmu Almeta Jerry Link
After looking at a number of the articles on your website, I really like your technique of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and let me know your opinion. Franni Mead Jandel
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to
this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this website with
my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I will definitely be back. Lucila Car Lyda
Just desire to say your article is as surprising.
The clarity in your publish is just excellent and that i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
Well together with your permission let me to clutch your RSS feed to stay updated with coming near near post.
Thank you a million and please carry on the rewarding
work.
I really like it whenever people come together and share ideas.
Great blog, stick with it!
It’s remarkable to go to see this web page and reading the views of all colleagues about this post,
while I am also eager of getting know-how.
wonderful issues altogether, you simply won a new reader.
What would you recommend in regards to your post
that you simply made a few days ago? Any
sure?
Hi to every body, it’s my first go to see of this web site; this web site consists of amazing
and truly fine data in support of visitors.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am going through
troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I am
unable to join it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS problems?
Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
Thanks for every other informative site. Where else may
I get that type of info written in such a perfect means?
I’ve a undertaking that I’m simply now operating on, and
I’ve been at the glance out for such info.