While there are many benefits to working with a big supplier, sometimes their size can actually hold you back – especially in current times when being nimble is a must. Richardson Seating, a small supplier that specializes in logoed bar stools, shares why it’s important to shore up partnerships with small and medium-sized suppliers and the surprising ways their size can be an asset to your distributorship.
One of the greatest strengths of small suppliers is their ability to adapt and change quickly. Unlike large suppliers, which may require multiple levels of management to sign off on every decision, small suppliers can make decisions and put them into action ASAP. This has proven essential to stay afloat during the pandemic and with the current supply chain issues.
Speaking of supply chain, there’s a massive shortage of bar stool frames right now. What did Richardson Seating do? It’s impossible to get parts for everyone, but Richardson Seating knew they had to prioritize service to long-term promo dealers, so they stopped selling to Amazon, Target, Williams Sonoma and Overstock for over a year, which meant they never ran out of stock for their logo bar stool customers. Big-box retailers had to wait, but promo product dealers had product available at all times. Is your current supplier willing to make those calls to support your business?
While the term “jack of all trades” is often used as a compliment, many forget the full phrase: “a jack of all trades is a master of none.” While it might be convenient to get all your promos from the same supplier, it doesn’t necessarily mean your supplier is an expert in every product category. And how hands-on are they? The more involved a supplier is in the creation of products, the more pride and ownership they have. That translates into high-quality items with a personal touch. Plus, they can also lend extra expertise with your questions or custom project requests.
Richardson Seating takes pride in every single bar stool created. The two co-owners who are also brothers operate every single machine and tool in the factory. They know their craft inside and out, and personally make sure all products are welded and assembled correctly. Lower quality just to save money is never an option, which is probably why they’re a 5-star supplier that's been in business since 1975.
While our industry prides itself on great customer service, sometimes it can be difficult for large suppliers to give you the personalized attention your order needs, given the volume of orders they handle. That’s not the case with small and mid-sized suppliers, as their customer service teams are less overwhelmed and have the time to give you the one-on-one attention you deserve. They are committed to providing personalized service and knowing your name, not just your order number.
Richardson Seating is dedicated to making it easy to do business with them by making themselves available to help through every possible method. Dial their 800 number and you’ll get through to one of 12 phone lines answered by real people, which is a rarity in this digital age. They accept EDI, faxes and email. You can even contact them on their cellphones or through their website. More of a social media person? You can reach Richardson Seating on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. They also have a company-wide SMS system so customers can text questions any time. Even if you ask a question after hours, it’s likely one of the owners will get back to you. Now THAT is customer service.
Small suppliers can offer flexibility, craftsmanship and customer service that larger suppliers simply can’t compete with. Richardson Seating is a small supplier you can count on for all your logoed bar stool needs. Whether you need to dress up a counter in a car service shop or add some personalized touches to bar seating at restaurant, they can help. Remember, when it comes to suppliers, bigger isn’t always better.