Vendor 101:
SUPPLIER VS. STRATEGIC PARTNER?
How do you view the companies/vendors where you buy your materials and equipment?
Do you have a Supplier relationship or a Strategic Partner Relationship?
THE DIFFERENCE IS EMMENSE
A supplier relationship is transactional in nature. You sell a project and need to purchase materials and equipment to perform the work. The material is ordered, the material arrives on the jobsite and you pay the invoice. This process continues as you sell work.
A Strategic Partnership relationship is relational in nature where the supplier is vitally connected with your business. They are essentially business partners and contribute to your success. They are involved in your strategic planning and growth. They provide you with goods & services, but also provide value, industry expertise and can anticipate services that you may not realize you need.
Over the past 65 years at Gelderman Landscape Services, we have created one-of-a-kind partnerships. From our Health Spending Account provider to Fleet Leasing, from Uniforms to Marketing, from Softscapes to Hardscapes, from Irrigation to Equipment providers.
Let us know if you want to be connected to a fantastic group of Strategic Partners found within the Gelderman-Southbrook alliance/dealer network!
