Come prepared
Before negotiating, know your numbers: how much you buy monthly, which products rotate most, and how much you're willing to pay. Compare at least two or three suppliers to know what a reasonable market price is.
Negotiate more than price
Unit price is only part of it. Sometimes it's easier to win better terms elsewhere:
- Volume or recurring-order discounts
- Payment terms of 15 or 30 days
- Free shipping or shared freight cost
- Exchanges or returns for defective goods
- Exclusivity on certain models in your area
Start small and show consistency
A supplier gives better terms to those who pay on time and buy regularly. Keep your commitments, give advance notice of orders, and communicate clearly. Over time, that trust turns into better prices.
Know your margin before accepting
Every discount should show up in your numbers. Calculate what's left after each purchase and review your selling prices. With your Vallen catalog you can adjust prices in seconds when your cost changes, with no reprinting.
Negotiating with suppliers is a skill learned through practice. Prepare, ask for more than a price, and nurture the relationship. Small cost improvements, repeated month after month, make a big difference to your profit.