Finding a good restaurant supplier is the key to good success in the restaurant business. There are some things you can do to ensure that you source quality products from a good supplier for your bar or restaurant.
The first thing you need to do with any restaurant is make a list of the supplies you need. This is a list of everything you might need from appliances to disposable food packaging. You want to create a wish list of everything you need to run your business.
After you know what you need, set a budget for these items so you are aware of exactly how much to spend. Budgeting is going to help you stay profitable and keep track of your cash flows. Once you have a list and budget, it is time to find suppliers that fit your needs.
There are many suppliers for restaurants out there. You need to find the one that is best for you and what you need. The best place to start is with a local industry association. Every state has one and they can tell you who is reputable and who is not. Other good sources are trade publications and other industry websites that are informative and reputable.
Another supplier option is the online world. Many suppliers have gone online and provide e-commerce marketplaces for restaurant supplies. These online sources can provide a great deal of price competitiveness and delivery accommodations.
When you approach a supplier about arranging supplies for your restaurant, you need to be in control of the situation. Do not get pushed into purchases or pricing you are not comfortable with. Ask the supplier for a list of their supplies and request samples so you can see the quality of their products. Meet with suppliers and tour their facilities if possible to get an idea of what type of operation they are running. Getting references or testimonials will help make sure the company is of high quality. Lastly, compare prices. You do not want to go over your budget but the cheapest supplier may not always be the best so you have to balance quality and price.
There are many options out there for restaurant suppliers. Know what you need and how much you are able to spend on it and then seek out reputable restaurant suppliers.
