Questions to Ask a Supplier
Essential questions to evaluate suppliers, negotiate better terms, and build reliable partnerships for your business needs.
1What is your typical lead time from order to delivery?
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What is your typical lead time from order to delivery?
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Why this works
Understanding production and shipping timelines prevents stockouts and planning issues.
2What are your minimum order quantities (MOQs)?
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What are your minimum order quantities (MOQs)?
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Why this works
MOQs affect cash flow and inventory holding costs; negotiate if they don't fit your needs.
3What payment terms do you offer?
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What payment terms do you offer?
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Why this works
Net 30, net 60, or deposits affect cash flow management significantly.
4How do you handle quality control and defects?
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How do you handle quality control and defects?
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Why this works
Return policies, replacement timelines, and quality standards protect your business.
5What certifications or compliance standards do you meet?
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What certifications or compliance standards do you meet?
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Why this works
Industry certifications ensure legal compliance and quality standards.
6Can you provide references from similar businesses?
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Can you provide references from similar businesses?
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Why this works
Past customer experiences reveal reliability, communication, and problem-solving.
7How do you communicate about delays or issues?
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How do you communicate about delays or issues?
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Why this works
Proactive communication prevents surprises and allows contingency planning.
8What is your capacity, and how stable is your supply?
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What is your capacity, and how stable is your supply?
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Why this works
Supplier capacity constraints can bottleneck your growth or cause shortages.
9How do you handle rush orders or expedited shipping?
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How do you handle rush orders or expedited shipping?
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Why this works
Flexibility for urgent needs matters when unexpected situations arise.
10What volume discounts or pricing tiers are available?
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What volume discounts or pricing tiers are available?
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Why this works
Understanding pricing structure helps with cost planning and negotiation.
11How long have you been in business, and what's your financial stability?
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How long have you been in business, and what's your financial stability?
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Why this works
Supplier bankruptcy or closure creates major disruption to your operations.
12Do you have backup suppliers for your raw materials?
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Do you have backup suppliers for your raw materials?
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Why this works
Supply chain redundancy protects against upstream disruptions.
13How do you handle price increases, and how much notice do you give?
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How do you handle price increases, and how much notice do you give?
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Why this works
Sudden price changes affect your margins; advance notice allows adjustment.
14What customization options are available?
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What customization options are available?
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Why this works
Flexibility to modify products for your specific needs adds value.
15How do you track and report on deliveries?
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How do you track and report on deliveries?
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Why this works
Visibility into order status and tracking reduces uncertainty and customer service issues.
16What is your return or exchange policy?
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What is your return or exchange policy?
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Why this works
Damaged goods, defects, or wrong items need clear resolution processes.
17How do you ensure ethical and sustainable practices?
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How do you ensure ethical and sustainable practices?
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Why this works
Supply chain ethics increasingly matter for reputation, compliance, and values alignment.
18What happens if you can't fulfill an order?
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What happens if you can't fulfill an order?
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Why this works
Contingency plans reveal how they handle problems and protect customers.
19Can we visit your facility or see your operation?
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Can we visit your facility or see your operation?
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Why this works
Firsthand observation reveals actual capabilities versus marketing claims.
20How do you handle intellectual property and confidentiality?
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How do you handle intellectual property and confidentiality?
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Why this works
If sharing designs or proprietary information, protection agreements are essential.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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