Vendors are your Greatest Asset

As discussed in the Annual Contracts blog, talking to your vendors and getting them actively involved in your project or business can save a lot of time and money. When you have a new concept or project that entails new strategies or components, you may want to ask your vendors for a little help. You should schedule time in your project management timeline for your vendors. Why? Mainly because your vendor may work with a hundred other companies and has seen what they do or how they do it. It can be presentations, to full scale marketing campaigns. You vendors will know how to save money on the project as well.
When a vendor gets involved, they get invested. They feel a part of your business and want you to succeed so you will keep coming back. Building this relationship is also building trust. Call your vendors to see how they are doing. Don't talk about business, just see how they are. This helps when any problems arise such as print errors or delivery time issues. You know that you can talk candidly and cut the BS.
But, don't forget that you are running and business and getting 3 bids is an absolute unless you have an annual contract on the item already. Your vendors know that you bid other companies and understand. Any Questions? Please feel free to comment!

Thanks! -Pete