Strong Partnerships, Strong Business: Reliability Builds Success

The backbone of any successful print business is reliable partnerships. When you forge strong relationships with dependable vendors, you ensure consistent quality and on-time delivery, keeping your clients happy and your operations seamless.

Here’s how to build and maintain successful partnerships:

1. Communicate regularly:

Keep open lines of communication with your vendors to ensure mutual understanding and alignment throughout the order process. Ask them the best way to stay on top of production and delivery.

2. Set clear expectations:

Define quality, deadlines, and costs upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Is this your first time dealing with this particular vendor or type of vendor? Ask an open ended question to learn more about their industry: This is my first order, is there anything I should know in particular about placing this order?

3. Show appreciation:

Recognize and value the contributions of your partners, it goes a long way in fostering loyalty. Got a paper supplier that never fails you? A thank you card and gift card can go a long way!

4. Follow up effectively:

Build trust by consistently following up to ensure smooth collaboration and long-term success. Use our follow-up cheat sheet to stay on top of communications with them. Just because you don’t use a particular vendor every month doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay in touch. Keep the relationship open and ask them about new products they have or if they have any specials.

Additional Resources:

If you need additional tips on how to build strong relationships, check out our blog summarizing the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.