How to Become a Top Manufacturing Supplier

Editorial Team

How to Become a Top Manufacturing Supplier

In today’s industrialized world, there are many manufacturers, and luring customers with affordable and quality products is not enough. Many others can do the same, necessitating the need to do something drastic to stand out from your competition. Whether you do plastic injection molding in Singapore or supply metal castings, you need to be at the top of your game if you are to become a leading supplier.

Although it’s easier said than done, there are steps you can take to improve your customer relations and become the go-to supplier for most businesses. Here are some of the steps you can take to become one of the leading suppliers for big brands within your industry.

7 Ways to Become a Top-Level Manufacturing Supplier

Invest in Technology

Technology has revolutionized the supply chain business, and you need to jump on the bandwagon. For starters, you need an ERP system to help you manage daily transactions, deliveries, procurement, and other business activities. These systems organize information in a better way, and they also minimize human error. It also helps to have a system where clients can track the progress of their orders and when they should expect them.

Have a Quick Response Time

Research has shown that most people who pose an inquiry expect a response within a day or less. This means that if you take too long to answer, you lose potential clients to your competitors.

Nowadays, various software can track and record all your calls, emails, and form inquiries to help you better manage your clients. You can even set automated reminders to remind you to call back or respond to emails.

Double Down on Digital Marketing

Cold calling and word of mouth were once reliable ways of getting new clients, but in today’s world, the internet is the biggest pool of potential clients. That’s why you cannot afford to ignore digital marketing.

For starters, you need to have a website where you can refer customers to view your services and product catalogs, previous accomplishments, and testimonials. In addition to having a website, you should do Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to ensure your page appears at the top of search results. Lastly, you should invest in paid ads, email marketing, and social media marketing.

Have Your Financials and Relevant Documentation Ready

If you want to bag the big clients, you must have your documents and financials ready for presentation upon request. In most top-level contracts, the clients will ask for your financial records and documentation proving that you have the resources needed to deliver the contract’s commitments. Your potential clients may also send procurement officers to check and inspect your facility on things like:

  • The safety conditions
  • Your equipment
  • Workplace culture and
  • The cleanliness of the organization

Have a Strong USP (Unique Selling Proposition)

Your USP is the edge that you have over your competitors. What value do you offer that’s different from other businesses? Why should you be given the contract? You need to have an impactful USP that convinces your clients that you are the best guy for the job and that you can deliver on your promises. When coming up with a USP, ensure it’s creative, solution-focused, and offers multiple benefits to your client.

Create a Relationship with Local Partners

The world’s supply chain was one of the most affected industries when COVID-19 struck. This led to the realization of the importance of relying on local suppliers. Many benefits come with doing business with local partners. Some of them include the following:

  • Faster reaction time – Local suppliers can deliver goods and services than someone on the other side of the world. They are also likely to react to impromptu orders with short delivery times.
  • Reduced costs – It’s cheaper to source products and services locally than to import them since shipping and storage costs are reduced.
  • Better communication and community support – Language barriers can sometimes hamper international deliveries. However, sourcing locally removes that problem and contributes to the community by improving the local economy.

Understand the Business Needs of Your Potential Clients

Before undertaking a contract, you should research and determine if you can deliver all the requirements. Do you have the financial resources to take on the project? Can you work within the set time limit? All these questions will keep you from taking a contract that’s too big for you.

In conclusion, if you want to become a top manufacturing supplier, you need to stay updated on the latest technology, respond quickly to inquiries and market your company properly. Lastly, you should foster a strong relationship with local suppliers and research each contract’s requirements to see if you can deliver as expected.