What are some ways to award my top print suppliers?
Answered by Suzanne Morgan, founder, Print Buyers Online.com.
Question:
I want to award my top print suppliers annually, but I'm not sure how to
implement this or what type of award to give. What suggestions do you have? What
are other buying companies doing?
A.D.
Answer:
That's a great idea and a wonderful way to motivate your suppliers and
recognize the top performers. Some buying organizations hold an annual luncheon
or dinner for their suppliers. Some use a rating system and share the ratings
with the suppliers individually. Some give gifts.
Instead of focusing on what other buying companies are doing, I suggest that
you consider two things:
Consider what merits extraordinary performance for your company. Every buying
company has special needs and values. For one company the focus might be on
speed to market; another might value innovative packaging; and another might
determine that consistency with branding and quality control is the most
important consideration. This is the perfect opportunity to reinforce and
communicate what is most important to your organization. Your awards program
should explain why the awarding company is recognized. Communicate this to not
only the winners, but also all your other suppliers. This will encourage them to
follow on a similar path.
Next consider what type of award or gift would be meaningful to your
suppliers. Many suppliers would appreciate access to the directors or executives
in your company, so ask those individuals to take part in the event that you
plan. What's likely to be most meaningful to your top performers would be
something that they can show to prospective customers. Solution providers often
find award plaques helpful. They strategically place these plaques at their
facilities to show off during plant tours. A letter of recognition would work
equally as well. They can copy and include it with other materials that they
present to prospective clients. You might even want to ask your top performers
what they would prefer.
Suzanne
If you have ideas on how to recognize suppliers and want to share those
with the community, send me an e-mail at
Suzanne@printbuyersonline.com
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