Choosing the right hospitality suppliers is crucial for the success of your hospitality business. It has a direct impact on your ability to deliver product and services on time, at the right price.

If you ask cafe or restaurant owners 20 years ago how they choose their ingredient suppliers, the answer will most likely be price-driven. The ever-changing government and industry requirements have placed greater importance on food safety and quality.

Choosing the right hospitality suppliers is becoming more sophisticated and critical.  The first step is to establish a set of criteria the suppliers need to fulfil to be able to work with you in meeting your customer demands:

Quality and Safety

Consistent quality and meeting the pre-established safety standards are vital to keeping you in the game. Poor quality is a reflection of your business reputation, not your suppliers. Consider suppliers that offer quality assurance.

Reliability

For a smooth running of your business operations, receiving the goods and services on time, and as described are very important.  If for some reasons your suppliers are unable to meet their obligations, they should communicate honestly and provide ample notice. Larger suppliers are generally reliable due to their extensive resource and systems in place. However, do consider smaller hospitality suppliers who might respond better to your needs.

Value for money

The lowest price does not always equate the best value for your money. You will need to strike a balance between price, quality, reliability, flexibility and customer service when deciding on a supplier.

Stability

Stability ensures consistency. Exercise due diligence and consider credit checking your suppliers for some assurance that they won’t be out of business when you need them the most. It is also worth asking for contactable references from your potential suppliers.

Location

For hospitality business relying heavily on physical materials, location plays an important factor in their supplier selection. Distance means longer delivery times and extra freight which will affect their bottom line. If you have a distant supplier, it is advisable to have a local alternative as your backup.

Depending on the type of your hospitality business, you might wish to explore other criteria such as minimum and maximum order quantities, delivery and methods, payment terms and conditions, return policy, and quality assurance.

Deciding which suppliers to work with may seem like a tedious process for your hospitality business. However, picking the right one can help you meet and exceeds regulatory standards, drive customer demand and build a strong brand for your company.

Once you have set your requirements, it is time to find your suppliers. It is best to compile a shortlist of potential suppliers, so you have a broader base to choose from. Apart from recommendations from friends and business acquaintances, directories is another a great place to start. Visit www.hospitalitychain.com, a free-to-use online portal with a comprehensive listing of hospitality suppliers for everything you need in hospitality, fine foods and equipment. You can click on the suppliers to read their profiles, watch their introduction videos (if any) and find them on Google map. Most importantly, their contact details and websites are not hidden from you so you can communicate with them directly to discuss your business requirements.