 | Quote: |  | | |  |
Originally Posted by shirtgirl31 |  | | | | | | | | | How would anyone describe this industry in terms of how it is to deal and wheel in?
As a startup, should I be looking for 1-2 solid suppliers/distributors to build with or should I expect to change as the trends change?
Tye | |  | |  | |
While your message is a bit cryptic, I think I understand the general meaning of it. As a rule, you do not want to wheel and deal with manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. You will only burn bridges, which are hard to repair. The industry suppliers are a close knit group who actually trade quite a bit of information within their ranks. If you try to pit one against the other for a better deal, eventually, you won't get a good deal from anyone. This is actually not a very good way to do business.
You should find a supplier that is reasonable, located within a close distance, and that you enjoy having a relationship with. Then buy everything you can from that one supplier. You will find that most will price your purchases on your total volume. A gallon of $80 emulsion can be purchased for as little as $56 when your volume warrants a quantity discount. Those who shop around are seldom getting the best 'long-term' price.
As for substrates, you can get similar deals. For instance, some of the larger textile wholesalers send faxes each morning to their customers. There will be several levels of pricing based on your volume of purchasing. I have been in as many as 7 shops in one day that were all buying from the same wholesaler and seen four different pricing schedules.
Do yourself a favor and devote yourself to building loyalty with your supply chain. When you have a question that needs to be answered you will have a friend to call for information and someone on the other end will take the time to answer you.
How 'friendly' or not is this industry to grow in 
Re: How 'friendly' or not is this industry to grow in 
Re: How 'friendly' or not is this industry to grow in 
