Do You Trust Your Vendor?

By Catherine Lang-Cline

In staffing, our client calls us because they need a person, the right person. We could send someone that just fits the skillset, but instead, we do more. We dig deeper and make sure that they are a fit on all levels. This means that we are not sending a ton of resumes; it means that we are asking our client to trust us. We want them to trust that we have vetted a huge group of people and have only sent them the best to choose from. We create a relationship with our client.

One of the best things a vendor can do for you is to work as your partner. It needs to feel like they are your right-hand person in solving their problem. It goes far beyond selling.

Do you feel that you have a trusting relationship with your vendor? It really can be quite easy. Check this list and see if your vendor does this:

  • Builds trust

  • Understands your business, inside and out

  • Knows the players involved on your team

  • Understands your financial concerns

  • Communicates, communicates, and communicates

  • Admits mistakes

  • Problem solves

  • Listens

  • Understands your culture

  • Is pleasant to work with

Bonus if they remember your birthday! Basically, your vendor needs to do more then manage your inventory; they need to manage the relationship. They need to be the go-to person that can solve your problems, not add to them.

And how about you as the customer? The best thing that you can do is #5. We want to hear the good, bad, and the ugly. Your feedback is important to us. Also, if we are doing a good job, tell others. We would love to know that we are doing such a great job you can recommend us to others. If you can’t recommend us, we want to know that, too.

Here’s hoping for a nice, long-term commitment of service!