These 5 Simple Actions Will Create Super Loyal Suppliers

“Loyalty starts with a demonstration of respect and gratitude.” – Chip Bell

The best way to ensure this is to create a good relationship between you and them. These 5 simple actions can help make your suppliers loyal and compel them to supply what you need in good time, every time.

Make payments on time

The exchange of money in any business-to-business relationship is inevitable. It’s always good practice to pay your dues on time to avoid any friction or delay in getting your supplies.

When you always pay on time, suppliers will feel confident and trust you to always deliver when needed. As a result, they'll be more diligent and loyal to you and supply your business with what it needs, when it needs it.

Meet them in person

Although the advancement of technology and its increased use in the business field has made it easier to coordinate operations online, nothing grows a relationship better than in-person meetings. When you get to know the person on the other end of the line, it’s easier to be loyal to them - and gain their loyalty - by building on your professional relationship.

You don't have to meet regularly in person to create a loyal relationship, once in a while is good enough. You can meet to talk about how each of you can work together to improve business for each other or invite them to an annual event at your workplace, like an end of year party or a mixer with other people you do business with as part of a networking event.

Provide feedback

Businesses thrive on continual improvement so it's essential to keep reviewing your processes to see where you can do better. The same applies to your relationships with other businesses, especially your suppliers.

Giving constructive feedback on their operations will help them improve and they’ll appreciate your honesty. When giving feedback, it's always good to do it in a polite manner that won’t come off as confrontational because that might result in tension between your business and theirs. 

Thank them with a gift

Everyone loves gifts and it’s one of the best ways to say thank you. You can thank your suppliers for their great service with a gift, which will entice them to keep working with you in the best way possible.

Everyone loves gifts and it’s one of the best ways to say thank you. You can thank your suppliers for their great service with a gift, which will entice them to keep working with you in the best way possible.

Give them more business opportunities

A good way to keep suppliers loyal is by giving them many opportunities to work with you. Whenever you need a service or product they can provide, contact them to enlist their help. The more you call on them, the more eager they’ll be to work with you

If you need the service regularly, you can arrange automated renewals if you’re happy with their service. That way they're likely to prioritize you and will work hard to keep you happy as their customer.

“Loyalty is the strongest glue which makes a relationship last for a lifetime.” – Mario Puzo