Small firms typically lack the financial resources to purchase products or services from other countries. In this context, considering local sourcing can be advantageous. This will not only meet your business’ demand for items or services, but it will also save money that can be put toward other purchases. Furthermore, the benefits of using local suppliers go far beyond budget considerations.
However, one of the issues associated with a local sourcing strategy is that not all items or services are available all the time. To address such issues, businesses can consider international sourcing as necessary to meet their product requirements, in combination with working with local suppliers whenever possible.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the advantages that small businesses can enjoy when using local vendors.
It Provides an Extra Inch of Flexibility
Assume a customer approaches you and requests that you supply a large number of products by tomorrow. How will you meet that goal if you’re sourcing internationally? This would be impossible in most cases. There are also extra steps you’ll need to take care of such as getting an EORI number which applies to all imports and exports.
On the other hand, local vendors can complete your order faster and deliver it to you or directly to your customer within a shorter time frame. For example, if a customer needs baler twine urgently, having a nearby source lets you deliver the product as soon as possible.
It is also easier for vendors to deliver products within the same region rather than across the country. As a result, using local vendors allows you to attain whatever goal you set for yourself and take advantage of prospects for rapid growth and achievement.
You’ll Have More Control
If you’re establishing a business, be aware that you may experience challenges. If you’re a manufacturing company, you’re likely to have issues with your suppliers, which is to be expected. However, professionally dealing with such situations is critical.
Given that your items are sourced worldwide, communicating with your supplier and resolving issues over the phone can be difficult. On the other hand, local sourcing provides you the control of dealing with everything face to face. You can go to the site, check on quality personally, and clear up any issues.
Communicating with local suppliers is also easier and more efficient. When sourcing internationally, you can only speak to them online or over the phone, which can lead to misunderstandings and roadblocks. However, with a local supplier, all you need to do is drop in and have a chat.
It Offers a More Cost-Effective Supply Chain Solution
As a small business, it’s understandable that you don’t have as much money as larger companies to spend on your supply chain. Using local vendors will help you get the things you need while also saving you money. This will also save on delivery costs.
On the other hand, working with international suppliers can be much more expensive as you’ll probably be responsible for shipping costs, which are only set to rise in the future. As a small business, this will constrain your budget, and you may be forced to make sacrifices in other areas.
You’ll Generate More Revenue
Customers prefer quality over quantity, and being consistent in this area is vital for retaining your existing customers while attracting new ones. However, with suppliers located overseas, it can be more difficult to check the quality of the products and raw materials you buy in order to guarantee consistency.
Dealing with local suppliers makes it easier to ensure you receive high-quality supplies and therefore are able to deliver the best quality. In turn, this will help you to build your customer base, and more customers equal more income.
You’ll Help Boost the Local Economy
International sourcing is also detrimental to the local economy. On the other hand, using local suppliers will help to generate momentum among other businesses in your area, and they will start to opt for local procurement as well. All of this can have a positive impact on the local economy. Not only is this the right thing to do for your local community, but a stronger local economy translates into more business for your company as well!
It’s More Eco-Friendly
Working with local suppliers is also better for the environment, as it reduces global shipping and therefore slashes greenhouse emissions. Furthermore, you can personally visit your suppliers to make sure they have eco-friendly production processes.
You can Meet Customers’ Demands Faster
In contrast to foreign sourcing, employing local suppliers allows you to deliver orders faster. Because local delivery may only take a few hours, you can meet your customers’ requests more quickly. This will keep you customers happy, and ensure they keep coming back!
Solidify Your Supply Needs
The market is growing ever more competitive, and using local suppliers is one way you can provide better products and a higher level of service, allowing you to stand out from the competition.
