How loyal of a customer are you?

[MountainMan]

Interesting question I know. Me and a co-worker (i use that term loosely ) had a heated discussion about vendors not too long ago. She's under the impression that we should shop around, try to find a good deal, make them bid on it, etc. While I think competition is a good thing for vendors and such in some cases, I think we should go to the same guy we've always used. He may be a bit on the pricer side, but I know he appreciates the business we give him, he works hard, is timely, and has always been a straight shooter. I'm like that with every vendor or business that I spend money with. If they are appreciative of my business and my money, do good work, and are timely, I probably won't ever change and I'm recommend them every time to everyone.

So, which one are you? Do you use the same service provider/vendor until they give you a reason to leave or are you a lowest price guy?

[mboltm]

I am with the most reliable and my boss hates it, But if I can count on them, they can count on me

[Tubby]

We as a company don't have to have vendors... we ARE vendors. A lot of the work we get is via word of mouth and referrals. Our prices aren't the cheapest and aren't thru the roof but we keep over 100 trucks chasing pipelines all over the US.

Cheaper is never always best and a good job will always get you another job!

[Wulver]

I think if you own your company you should do whatever you want. If you work for someone else I think its a question of ethics if you are basing company money on your relationship with a vendor.

[Coach W]

Im with Tubby, who ever is best gets my vote, at a reasonable price.

[HunterDan2006]

Seems like some of the first to complain about service are the ones that think cheaper is better. I think price is a factor to consider, but quality of service is very important. My experience has been that when I have a long-term working relationship with someone and I need a favor or have a unique problem they are more than willing to help.

[Michael Chittum]

The way I see it is it is bad business not to shop around every once in a while. And if I find someone cheaper then I go back to the original I am using and ask if he can renegotiate or has room. Most of the time they will come down to stay competitive. It is about relationships but it has to be worth it within reason too...

[Dale Moser]

It's a tight rope I walk daily as well. I always give the good ones a chance to make things right if they mess up. I ask the same from our better customers. At some point it comes down to the bottom line, but when I have to make a decision, I ask myself what that supplier would do if things were reversed. I always er on the side of loyalty....for better or worse.

[iamntxhunter]

We as a company don't have to have vendors... we ARE vendors. A lot of the work we get is via word of mouth and referrals. Our prices aren't the cheapest and aren't thru the roof but we keep over 100 trucks chasing pipelines all over the US.

Cheaper is never always best and a good job will always get you another job!

This

[slayer]

I am the vendor and don't mind being shopped around as long as I get the chance to keep the business.

[CaptainDave]

The way I see it is it is bad business not to shop around every once in a while. And if I find someone cheaper then I go back to the original I am using and ask if he can renegotiate or has room. Most of the time they will come down to stay competitive. It is about relationships but it has to be worth it within reason too...

X2

Nothing wrong with being loyal to a long-time vendor, but you should consider at least picking up the phone and asking around a little to get a feel for the market. If they truly are charging higher prices than others, maybe they should at least justify the reasoning for it to you. Obviously, there could be many reasons for that. The business relationship works both ways. By being a loyal customer, have they done anything extra in your direction?

[Txjourneyman]

Cheaper isn't always better. As the Technical Crafts Supervisor here on the campus I buy a lot of material. Lets use lighting for an example. I buy thousands of flourescent and compact flourescent lamps each fiscal year. My supplier does not have the lowest prices, however, they offer the best service. I can call my rep in an emergency and he will personally deliver a specialty lamp. Service means a lot to me. Lower prices without service is crap. Occasionally a rep for competing company will come in. My boss forced me to try one particular company due to the lower price and quite frankly the very attractive rep. After 2 months of terrible delivery service and invoicing mistakes I was allowed to go back to the supplier of my choice.

[Uncle Saggy]

We as a company don't have to have vendors... we ARE vendors. A lot of the work we get is via word of mouth and referrals. Our prices aren't the cheapest and aren't thru the roof but we keep over 100 trucks chasing pipelines all over the US.

Cheaper is never always best and a good job will always get you another job!

Agree totally

[MountainMan]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who values a good relationship with a vendor over price.

I'm the same way with my taxidermist, ranches that I hunt, etc. The problem comes when a vendor begins to take you for granted. They don't seem to appreciate your business or your hard earned cash anymore even if you've given them some good referrals in the past.

It's a tight rope I walk daily as well. I always give the good ones a chance to make things right if they mess up. I ask the same from our better customers. At some point it comes down to the bottom line, but when I have to make a decision, I ask myself what that supplier would do if things were reversed. I always er on the side of loyalty....for better or worse.

That's the problem sometimes is erring on the side of loyalty even though you know it'll probably come back to bite you...

X2

Nothing wrong with being loyal to a long-time vendor, but you should consider at least picking up the phone and asking around a little to get a feel for the market. If they truly are charging higher prices than others, maybe they should at least justify the reasoning for it to you. Obviously, there could be many reasons for that. The business relationship works both ways. By being a loyal customer, have they done anything extra in your direction?

While I never ask for it, I certainly appreciate this in a vendor. I have a couple of vendors that will drop nearly everything if I need something or will give us a good discount on something if we buy it in bulk, etc. I value service over price every day of the week.

[dustoffer]

Trying to do contract work for remodeling and repairs at church is a royal pain. What is it with contractors (general, painting, paving) that they won't return phone calls, or don't show up when we have scheduled an appointment?

Just yesterday I had appointments with 2 different painting contractors to show them the work we wanted quotes/bids on. First one was 10 minutes early, personable, asked the right questions. Second one didn't show, hasn't returned either of the two voice mails I left--what are his chances of getting the contract if he even brings a bid?

Here's the deal. Good, fast, and cheap. Pick any two, but you most likely aren't going to have all 3. Good and fast isn't gonna be cheap -- fast and cheap isn't gonna be good -- cheap and good isn't gonna be fast.

So--reliability is a key factor in my mind in picking a contractor/vendor. I'm willing to pay a bit more to save me some headaches down the line.