Why use a single source supplier

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ – we’re conditioned to believe that the more services or products a company offers, the less specialist it will be. But is that the case when it comes to supplying the logistics industry?

The single source supply model has been around for generations, from the days of the first ‘general’ or department stores. These days we have the likes of Amazon and Screwfix, which are trusted by millions to deliver a wide range of quality products day-in, day-out.

So, when did the phrase ‘one-stop-shop’ become a red flag in logistics procurement?

Single source supply: the benefits

Working with a single, trusted supplier that can provide you with everything your workplace needs has many benefits for businesses operating in the logistics industry.

These include:

• A single point of contact – You always know who to call if you’re running low on supplies, when you have a new team member to kit out, or in the event your requirements change.
• A trusted partner – You’re trusting a single company with all of your workplace supplies. That’s a big deal for you, but it’s also a big deal for the supplier, who won’t want to lose your business. They’ll work hard to live up to your expectations, and want to impress you. You’ll also get to know their team, and they yours, creating a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
• Economies of scale – Placing bulk orders and packaging together category spend with one supplier allows you to benefit from cost savings and loyalty discounts with that supplier, reducing your business’s bottom line spend.
• A single invoice – One single account and monthly invoice means less paperwork for your admin and finance teams, and a more streamlined payment process.

What to look for in a single source supplier

Having said all the above, it’s vital to ensure you choose to work with the right single source supplier – one that really can supply all the products you need, in the necessary quantities, at a fair price, and to workable timescales. You’ll also want to know that those products are going to represent the best value for money in terms of quality, user-friendliness, durability, protection, and comfort.

At the end of the day, the decision to go with one supplier over another is always going to come down to gut instinct at the outset, but good, trustworthy suppliers should be offering all of the below as standard:

• A dedicated account manager that will be a single point of contact for your team
• Two-way contact, with them highlighting new innovations and upgraded products suited to your business on a regular basis
• A choice of products wherever possible
• Information as standard, giving you everything you need to know about a product to make an informed decision
• Reasoning as to why certain products are better suited to your business requirements, and why they may recommend a product with a higher price point over a cheaper alternative
• Availability to talk and answer any questions you have, as well as openness to challenge, with the knowledge and experience to back up what they recommend
• Added value in terms of early access to new products and innovations in technology, discounts for bulk orders, and rewards for customer loyalty.

iSB Group: delivering for logistics since 1975

At iSB Group, we are proud to say we supply businesses in the logistics industry with everything they need to keep their employees safe, happy, healthy and productive at work.

Our connections in the industry and our commitment to quality service means that, if we don’t already stock something in our range, we have the experience and expertise to source the best options for you, at a fair price.

To find out more about how we can become your business’s trusted supply partner, why not get in touch with our team.