The contractor-manufacturer relationship is a symbiotic one. Without supplies, a contractor business would dry up quickly. And without builders buying the supplies, manufacturers would be lost. Though many contractor-manufacturer interactions go well, there are times when tensions arise. Here are some tips for smoothing those relationships.
Clarity Is Key
Being very transparent about your requirements from the beginning of the relationship makes a huge difference in your dealings. As long as the manufacturer has a clear picture of your needs, then he/she can determine whether or not those needs can be met by the company. Of course, you have no control over whether or not the manufacturer is being realistic about their abilities to deliver what you need. Being clear and firm initially should help.
Be Transparent About Expectations and Payment
Money is at the root of many misunderstandings. If a manufacturer expects payment to come through on a certain date, but the contractor typically pays invoices at only a certain time of the month, problems can arise. Understand the payment terms that the manufacturer expects and be sure that you can meet them. If you can’t, and you still want to work with that manufacturer, check to see if they are willing to accept another payment schedule.
Remember that trust needs to go both ways in the contractor-manufacturer relationship. Be open and honest with manufacturers at the beginning of your relationship. Let them know about the kind of business you run, what you expect from them, and what they can expect from you. This way, everyone starts off on the same page and everyone feels a bit more familiar with what they’re getting into.
Pay Attention to Reputation
Sure there are a lot of manufacturers out there, but word still gets around in the business. Keep your ear to the ground and pay attention to what others have to say about certain manufacturers. Also, keep a detailed list of those you’ve already worked with. Record what their requirements are, their delivery schedule, their payment schedule, and whether or not they met your expectations. Doing so gives you a good idea of who to align with on your next project.
Advancing the Contractor-Client Relationship
Having solid contractor-manufacturer relationships means that jobs have a better chance of going according to plan. Jobs that go smoothly make everyone happy — especially the customer. Happy clients tend to make referrals and come back when they need another job done. Another detail that keeps customers coming back is financing,
Contractors that offer financing have an edge. Offering customer financing for customers in the home improvement industry means you get to make more dreams come true. HFS Financial has been in the home improvement financing business for many years. Financing options for customers can be tricky to navigate. Partnering with HFS Financial means your customers have a simple way to connect with the right financing option for them, and you don’t have to process any of it. Get in touch with us today to find out more!