Although food wholesalers are multiplying "like mushrooms after rain", especially recently; it's not easy to find a good, reliable contractor. Many entrepreneurs, especially beginners, believe that running such a business comes down only to the timely shipment of goods. Nothing could be more wrong.
Wholesale, although it focuses on distribution; it is primarily a place for storing products. When looking for "the best of the best" one should take into account both its logistic system structure and the conditions of goods storage.
What else is worth paying attention to?
Group of wholesalers
Food wholesalers direct their offer to: retail customers, wholesale customers or both of these groups at the same time.
The assortment offered by the wholesaler
The wider and richer the range, the better. Both the quantity and quality of the products offered by the wholesaler are of key importance. The variety of goods offered is also important. When choosing a food wholesaler, it is worth paying attention to whether it has all the solutions we prefer: fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea, drinks, alcohol, spices, sweets, dairy and others.
The offer tailored to our needs to the maximum extent will allow for significant savings. Not only quantity is important, but also quality. Before establishing cooperation, it is worth checking where the products proposed by the company come from, and whether the warehouse has domestic goods.
Food storage method
This is not only about storing food in a warehouse, but also about transporting products. A reliable contractor should operate according to strictly defined product quality standards and methods of their storage. Each type of food requires a different, special treatment - dry products should be stored in cool and dark places, while fresh products should be stored in a strictly defined temperature.
The method of securing the ordered food during transport is equally important. Proper protection of goods affects their quality as well as their suitability for consumption.
The method and time of delivery
Efficient order fulfillment is the basis of any efficient food warehouse. A reliable contractor knows that express delivery will translate into customer satisfaction. The advantage of any good warehouse is timeliness - the shorter the deadlines, the better.
The largest companies have their own suppliers. Slightly smaller, they are forced to use the services of local carriers. Delivery problems, even if handled by an independent supplier; they will scare new, regular and potential customers.
Adequate prices and discounts
The price of goods should depend on their quality. When using the services of a food wholesaler, we expect lower prices than in a local store. An issue that works to the company's advantage is the presence of discounts. The discount associated with exceeding a given order threshold seems to be particularly attractive.
Contact with the customer
A good food wholesaler is in constant contact with its customers. Depending on their preferences, it may be contact by phone or e-mail. It is important, however, that the recipient can contact the company at any time and ask for the details of the order.