As a business owner, working with the right vendors to supply your company with needed parts and products is critical. When a supplier fails to deliver on time, can’t get access to the products you need, or doesn’t provide the service you expect, your business suffers. If your business constantly uses lubricants and fuels, having a reliable fuel distributor is critical. Here are some things you should look for in your company’s fuel distributor.
- Solid Background – Choose a fuel distributor that is already stable and successful in the industry. Such a company will have a much better ability to give you accurate lead times on products. In addition, an established company will have the proper processes and procedures in place to ensure timely delivery, accurate billing and a good mix of products.
- Access to the products you regularly use. Before settling on a fuel distributor, ensure that the company carries the products you use most frequently. This will minimize the chances of you needing to order from an alternate supplier. In addition, it’s a good idea to ensure that the company carries a wide range of products outside of those you regularly use. This will help ensure that as your needs expand, your distributor can keep up.
- Timely Delivery – You rely on your distributor to help you keep the products you use regularly in stock. It is important that your distributor has solid delivery practices and works with reputable carriers.
- Guarantee – Choose a company that keeps its word. It is important that a company stands behind its products and offers you the best in value. Price is important to all businesses, so ensure your company prices its products competitively.
- Customer Service – It is important that your supplier be responsive to your needs. Waiting on hold or having to track down products keeps you from serving your own customers. Choose a fuel distributor that offers excellent response times and friendly and knowledgeable customer service professionals.
- The Right Quantities – Depending upon your business, you may need fuels in extremely large quantities. Be sure to choose a distributor that can meet your quantity needs, and one that has backup fuel in storage in case of emergencies.
Your fuel distributor is one of your most important suppliers. Choose this vendor with care to make running your own business easy and profitable.
