Finding the right distributor for your electronic components may seem simple at first. You might want to use one with reasonable delivery fees, based in your local area. However, there are other factors that you may also need to consider. There may be red flags with your current distributor that make you question whether you have made the correct choice. By considering any issues you are currently facing, as well as what you require from an electronic component distributor, you can soon see whether they are genuinely a good fit for your company. Let’s explore it in more detail…
Quantities of Products
The price per unit is not the only consideration that needs to be made when it comes to your distributor. You might also need to think about the quantity of each product that is required. Some distributors may have a minimum number of each component that needs to be ordered in each shipment. For example, if you are a smaller business that only requires 2000 band pass filters, you may end up having to buy a much greater quantity to meet the minimum order requirements and, therefore, may very well end up spending more than you bargained for. Finding a distributor that will allow you to buy the amount you need, or fairly close to it, might be a better option than remaining loyal to one that gives overstocks you for an extended period of time.
Delivery Time
You might also want to factor in when you need products to be delivered. While your distributor may not have any power regarding the actual delivery time, especially if they use an external courier, the punctuality in which they process and dispatch your order can make a big difference. A distributor that responds to your purchase quickly will be able to get your order sent out sooner. If you need to then wait days or, even worse, weeks for the process and dispatch of your order, you may end up missing a deadline or running out of parts that you currently have in stock – this is a sign you are using the wrong electronic component distributor.
Poor Customer Care
Whether there is a problem with your order, or you simply want to ask a question, you should be able to gain clarification from the distributor’s customer care department. Problematic phone lines, no response to emails, or even poor customer service in general can really affect your relationship with the distributor. Something as simple as a rude call agent may make you think twice about whether that distributor should hold your loyalty, or if you may be better off seeking future purchases elsewhere.
When gaining the correct electronic components is vital to successfully running your business, it is clear that finding the right distributor is imperative. If you have spotted any signs that your current distributor is not the right fit for you, it may be a good idea to see what other electronic component distributors supply the products and quantities that you require, so that you can make the ordering of parts as simple as possible.
