Where to collect supplier information？

Regardless of whether it is an experienced company or a start-up company, it is difficult to collect data for those suppliers who cooperate for the first time. Here, companies can use the following methods to comprehensively collect the true information of suppliers from multiple aspects.

Broaden the channels for supplier data collection

On the basis of clarifying the demand for new suppliers (mainly including production requirements for material technology, quality and delivery date, etc.), enterprises should actively seek materials or information of new suppliers. There are many ways to obtain information. Buyers can choose according to actual conditions, but they should avoid oversimplification of collection channels.

1. Filter from the information provided by the supplier. As a kind of corporate publicity strategy, the supplier will print some publicity materials. In order to obtain more orders, the supplier will provide information about their company to companies with purchasing intentions. Buyers can make full use of these resources, carefully study the promotional materials provided by various suppliers, and select useful parts from them.

2. Distribute questionnaires to suppliers. The questionnaire is a very effective method with a wide range of applications, but it is a little cumbersome to apply and requires a lot of manpower, material resources and time. Buyers compile detailed questionnaires based on the supply and demand situation of their industries and distribute them to those interested suppliers. Then, collect supplier information based on the responses to the questionnaire.

3. On-site inspection of suppliers. In order to collect supplier information comprehensively, capable buyers can visit the supplier on site. The main purpose of this approach is to: one is to prevent unnecessary intermediate links from being added, and the other is to better investigate the supplier’s strength. The cost of site visits to suppliers is very high, and it will only be implemented when major purchases or strategic partner-type suppliers are selected.

Google Deep Search

Google, Bing, and Baidu are all very good and simple search tools. Generally speaking, we usually only focus on the first page of search results when searching for a keyword. However, the SEO of many suppliers may not be so good, so they are usually not listed on the first page, which means we need to dig deeper, and don’t ignore the search results on the next few pages. In addition, we also need to try various keyword searches, such as wholesale, wholesaler and distributor, etc. words can be used interchangeably, and each combination needs to be tried to search.

Platform website

Some resources can be obtained from free platforms and websites, which contain information about countless suppliers.

Alibaba

Buyers can choose to search for suppliers on the Alibaba homepage, and then enter the name of the supplier.

 If the vendor has its own Alibaba store, you can find relevant information about the vendor.

Including his main products, product parameters, set-up time, factory video and other information.

You can also use the same search method in made-in-china.com/ and globalsources.com.

Or, more simply, you can leave a message on our website justchinait.com/supplier-list with the supplier name, and we will send you the supplier information you need to your email address within eight hours. All you have to do is tell us the name of the supplier. We are in China and this information is within reach.

Social networks and forums

Sometimes the best source for finding potential suppliers may be through recommendations from others. It is also a good way to seek advice from everyone on social networks. Nowadays, social networks are quite convenient and make “recommendations” easier. Try search for the industry personnel you are looking for and ask them to introduce the corresponding suppliers.

LinkedIn is a great channel and can provide great help. Try to search for the industry personnel you are looking for and ask them to introduce the corresponding suppliers. In addition, the niche forums are also a good place to find suppliers. Reddit has a special section Subreddit, every market segment you can think of can be found, you can go in and study it.

If we find a supplier, even if they are not suitable for us, we can also ask them to give pointers on the correct direction to find, because they are more well-connected and understand more in this regard. In many cases, they are also willing to introduce you to the right person.