Are they more than just a salesperson?
Many companies that sell promotional products are one-person shops that don't have the resources to do the best job possible. When you're evaluating a potential promotional products vendor, find out if they have an art department that can ensure your logo looks its best and a production department that can follow up on your order to make sure it ships on time. If they don't, there's a good chance your finished product won't turn out as well as it could, or won't arrive in time for your event.
Do they really know product?
It can be hard to tell the quality of a product from a picture on the web or in a catalog. A good promotional products vendor has seen the actual products and knows their quality. They also know how reliable different factories are and only work with the best. They can save you money by finding an item that can ship from close to where you need it, or a factory that can produce it more quickly. A good vendor can also find whatever you're looking for, even if it isn't on their site or in their catalog.
Can they help your business?
Anyone can sell you a promotional product, but most vendors don't take the time to understand your business and really help you. With over 10,000 customers, ePromos has experience working with every kind of company and organization, and we know what has worked for people just like you. If you're working with a vendor who doesn't have experience with your industry, or a sales rep who doesn't take the time to understand your business, you're missing out. Look for a vendor who seeks to understand your ultimate objective and has the experience to find the best product to achieve it.
Will they be there when you need them?
If you're working with a small promotional products vendor, they may not be available when you need them. If they're on a sales visit, for example, they won't be there to take your call. Even at a larger vendor without the proper systems and organization you may not be able to get the information you need when you need it. The best suppliers will have someone that can answer your questions or make changes to your order at any time.
Can they work miracles?
Only the largest companies with the greatest volume of orders have the leverage to get items produced in a super rush or hold stock of items that would otherwise be sold out. Of course, not everyone takes the time and energy to make this happen. At ePromos, every sales rep knows they have the right and responsibility to use our company's buying power to do whatever it takes to make the impossible possible. We have unbeatable resources, and we take advantage of them, even if it means spending more time and effort on your order.
What else can they do?
Even if you're just looking to buy one item, it's good to know that the vendor you're working with can handle whatever future needs you may have. For example, ePromos does overseas sourcing and custom product design, fulfillment, logo design, online company stores and much more. Not only do we offer these services, we have a proven track record of doing them well.
The bottom line is, when you're picking a promotional products provider, ask the right questions and find out if they're the right supplier for you. A lot of companies may look the same, but when it comes to service, quality and reliability, not all suppliers are equal. Now that you know what to look for, you can choose to work with the best.
Learn more about our Company
Find out more about our Services
Return to Promotional Product Guides
Visit our Promotional Products Education Center
|
How to Pick a Promotional Products Company
