In this modern-day, it's all too easy to get lost in the virtual sea of analysis and comparisons, searching for the right supplier that fits your needs. And with mountains of data and information at the ready, it takes time.
Eventually, though, you find a supplier, complete the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and start production only to discover a myriad of quality or delivery issues. By then, you've worked so hard to put the supplier in play, the thought of starting all over again leaves you feeling disgruntled. Sound familiar?
Transitioning to a new contact pin supplier doesn't have to be painful. Besides, you deserve quality, on-time delivery, and friendly customer service from your supplier. And if you're not satisfied, it shouldn't be like pulling teeth to right the wrong. The customer is always right, right?
Here are some tips and suggestions to aid in the process of transitioning to a new supplier:
Know What You Do (and Don't) Need
More than finding a supplier that fits your needs, also be sure you fit their requirements, too. They want your business, sure, but if you're outside their realm of capabilities, they may view you as "high-maintenance" and increase their prices to compensate. Make sure you have a clear list of priorities or non-negotiables that you can use to identify the right fit and go from there.
Meet and Greet
Meeting your supplier firsthand gives you a sense of their work ethic and their sustainability. How do they treat their employees? Is their facility tidy?
We once landed a top customer after they witnessed the squeaky clean floors of our factory and the gentle hum of our freshly painted contact pin presses. But it goes beyond the look of the place.
Make sure your potential supplier is responsive. Send an email. Leave a voicemail. How long does it take for this potential supplier to respond? Are they thorough? Did they answer your question(s) succinctly?
We believe in timely communication with our customers, especially since, as an OEM, our custom contact pins are simply one component in multiple facets of a fairly complex telecom or automotive application.
Keep an Eye on Things
Continue to monitor their performance. Conduct scheduled performance reviews. This will help manage on-time delivery and make sure they’re fulfilling their promise. While these tips are just a guideline, they should enable you to select an electronic component supplier that can support you, improve productivity, and allow you to continue to deliver quality products to your customers.
About Bead Electronics
Bead Electronics, is a global manufacturer of electronic connector pins and has been manufacturing in Connecticut for over 100 years. The award-winning company carries over 500 patents and is best known for inventing its manufacturing process called swaging. This process is a high-speed, virtually scrap-less, cold-forming process capable of producing a wide size range of metal electronic components that are consistent and cost-effective. The family-owned business is led by its fifth generation. Click here to speak to a connector pin specialist today.
