One of the most important decisions a new dive shop owner will make is what supplier or suppliers they will purchase their stock from. There are many factors to consider, including quality, price, availability, and customer service. Whether you’re looking to open a dive shop, you want to better manage supplier relations at your shop, or your shop needs to change its suppliers altogether, this blog will guide you through the process of choosing the right dive gear suppliers to make your retail shop the best it can be.
Finding the right supplier can make or break your dive shop. Product quality, supplier reliability and customer service are also necessary factors to consider. Taking a systematic approach that accounts for all of these factors and compares the qualities of various supplier options will serve you well as you decide who you’ll work with or re-evaluate your decision.
An important factor in choosing a supplier is the availability of particular products or brands. Many divers have certain brands they prefer. You’ll need to determine what brands and products you want your store to offer and ensure that your supplier can provide them.
If you already have a store, analyze your sales data to understand how much product you’ll need to order and how often. Understand customers’ expectations for quality and price and their product preferences. As you talk to suppliers, discuss all of these factors and make sure they’ll be able to supply your shop’s unique needs.
Now let’s do a deep dive (no pun intended) on some of the most essential criteria in selecting the right supplier for your business.
Like most industries, there are wide spectrums of dive gear pricing and quality. Not every store can or should sell the most high-end equipment, as more affordable options should always be available. However, you should strive to sell high-quality equipment, as selling cheap or faulty equipment will cause problems for your customers and your shop. Look for suppliers with a proven track record of product quality and reliability. A few good indicators of this are a supplier’s product certifications, testing standards, and included warranties. You’ll want to look at what third parties have to say as well.
In business, many matters come down to price. Research various supplier options so you can find the best price. However, you don’t have to settle for the cheapest price. It may be worth it to pay a little more for better products. As you negotiate the prices you’ll pay, consider all aspects of the deal. Consider shipping costs and how they will affect your margins. If you make large orders, you may be able to obtain a high-volume discount.
You’ll need to determine if a supplier has enough product to be able to fulfill your orders, and if they can consistently meet deadlines. Stocking delays can lead to empty shelves, which can create a negative reputation for customers. While dive products are commonly sold in-store, you may sell products online, and you’ll need a reliable supplier to help you get orders to your customers in a timely manner.
You may adjust the amount of product your order throughout the year based on seasonal changes and shifting demand. You’ll want to discuss this in advance with your supplier to make sure orders can be adjusted throughout the year.
A supplier’s products may be great, but if you can’t reach anyone to help you when you have issues, they may not be a great fit. A supplier should be willing to go the extra mile to help you resolve issues you have. Whether it’s a late shipment, a damaged order, or other issues, you’ll need a supplier that will work tirelessly to resolve issues. They may not be able to fix every issue immediately, but a supplier that prioritizes customer service can be invaluable.
How can you be sure a supplier can measure up to your standards? There are various sources you can turn to for information, and you’ll want to find official information from suppliers as well as from third parties to get a more balanced view of things. You can look at online resources, industry publications, and attend trade shows. You can also request product samples and catalogs from potential suppliers.
A good way to learn about a supplier is to seek out other stores who have worked with them. You can look online for reviews or even ask a supplier for references of other clients. If you can get in contact with these references, they’re likely to provide more candid information about the supplier than an official source. The more data you collect about a supplier, the more confident you can be in your decision.
If you find a supplier you can rely on, it will benefit your store to maintain a long-term relationship with them. If the partnership continues to be beneficial for both parties, both parties will be incentivized to continue working together, and you’ll build a greater level of trust. To effectively manage this relationship, you’ll need to establish open communication. You’ll need to be sure your supplier is willing to work with you when issues arise, and in turn, you’ll need to answer their calls and work with them if they have issues.
Over time, these long-term partnerships with suppliers can work to your advantage. You may be able to work with these suppliers to offer exclusive products. You may be able to promote each other, leading to greater success, and you can learn valuable industry insights that can set your business apart from the competition.
Continually evaluate a supplier’s performance as you work with them. Pay attention to whether they’re fulfilling all of their orders, if they’re on time, and if the product is consistently high-quality. You can also ask for feedback from your employees and customers regarding the quality and stock levels of the equipment. They may notice defects or issues that you hadn’t. As you track feedback and performance metrics, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about which suppliers you want to continue to work with.
When choosing a supplier for your dive shop, don’t just go with the first one you find. Take the time to research various suppliers. Learn about their products, pricing, shipping processes, and customer service practices. Determine which supplier is the best fit for your shop, and when you find one you feel is trustworthy, invest in a long-term partnership. Continually keep track of whether your suppliers are meeting expectations and make adjustments if necessary. As stores and suppliers work together with integrity, each will benefit from the partnership.
A cloud-based point-of-sale system can help you work with suppliers, easily place orders, and more effectively manage your inventory. Dive Shop 360’s all-in-one platform can help you with these tasks and has many other features to help you run your business.
Contact us today to schedule a demo!
