All businesses that need to stay fully stocked up on janitorial supplies would do well to seek out a local partner with whom they can develop a long-term relationship and make it easier to keep their inventory at proper levels.
But how do you find a local janitorial supplier in Ohio that you can trust to provide you with outstanding products and service for years to come? Here are a few of the key characteristics you should look for:
- Selection: Of course, one of the biggest factors in your decision of a local supplier will be the kind of product selection they offer. The majority of distributors will not create any of the products or equipment they sell, but will most likely feature products from a variety of different brands. In some cases, they’ll also have private label products that compare well to the name brand products, which you can use to get the same effectiveness at a lower price. Inquire about the selection the supplier carries and browse their catalog before you make any decisions. A better selection means greater convenience for you and a greater ability to meet your needs by going through a single source.
- Helpful staff: Local distributors are capable of providing you with better customer service than you’d get from larger national distributors or from online shops. These staff members will be able to provide you with helpful information about the product lines they carry, and in some cases may have some custodial background and experience to be able to recommend specific products, equipment or processes to use for certain tasks. The staff will also be able to help you take orders, manage your inventory and provide other support as needed.
- Training: As we briefly touched on above, local distributors often have people on staff who have significant knowledge of equipment or products, and thus are capable of providing you with some training if you need it. In some cases, there may be opportunities to work with these companies and their skilled employees on educational seminars or certification training to improve your own capabilities.
- Better inventory management: It’s much easier to develop a strong relationship with a local company, as you’re able to work with the same representative over and over again to take care of your orders. You’ll likely have a rep assigned to your account who can help you with all of your needs, whenever they may arise. This makes it much easier for you to manage your inventory, as your assigned rep will quickly become familiar with your needs and the items you already have in stock. You can set up scheduled purchases or deliveries based on your usage of certain items, which is a highly convenient feature.
These are just a few examples of some of the most important characteristics of a local janitorial supplier in Ohio. Look for these characteristics whenever you’re in the market for a new supplier for your basic janitorial needs. To learn more about what Lamberson Packaging Solutions can do to ensure you’re stocked up on janitorial supplies, just get in touch with us today!