Choosing a reliable food supplier for your restaurant or pub comes with its share of challenges. You have to assess your needs, set a budget, and decide on the minimum and maximum order quantities. After that, it's necessary to contact suppliers, request multiple quotes, and negotiate prices.
Whether you operate a store or dining venue, it's essential to select a vendor you can trust. If he fails to deliver your order on time or comply with the law, you can end up losing money—and customers.
As a rule of thumb, don't base your decision solely on price. There are other more important factors to consider, such as the vendor's reputation and the quality of ingredients.
Not sure where to start? Use the tips below to find the right food suppliers for your needs.
Evaluate Your Needs
Restaurants and other eating venues in the U.S. generate 22 to 33 billion pounds of food waste each year. Up to 10% of the food products used in restaurants are discarded before reaching the plate.
Given these aspects, it makes sense to thoroughly assess your needs prior to choosing a food supplier. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on unnecessary ingredients.
First, decide what the menu will look like. Try to estimate the number of customers per day, as well as the sales volume and other metrics. Use this data to determine how much of each ingredient you need.
Set Clear Expectations
Determine what you expect from the food suppliers you'll be working with. For example, you may want to choose one offering seasonal or organic products.
Here are some aspects to consider before making a decision:
- Product origin and quality
- Customer service
- Delivery times
- Shipping costs
- Payment options
- Type of packaging
- Prices
- Value-added solutions
- Minimum and maximum order quantities
- Financing options
- Sustainability
Take into your account your target audience and the latest food trends, too. Health-conscious consumers, for instance, may prefer fresh local products and minimally processed ingredients.
Research the Food Suppliers You're Interested in
Once you have determined your needs, make a list of food suppliers and contact them for more information. Try to find out more about their past and current clients, service quality, fill rates, and other aspects.
Ideally, look for food service suppliers in your area—especially if you plan to order local or seasonal produce and perishable ingredients. Consider having multiple suppliers for a backup and for different types of products.
Check Their References
Last but not least, ask about their references, licenses, and business permits. For example, some of the best food distributors hold international certifications that demonstrate their commitment to excellence.
Use online databases, such as the Better Business Bureau and EDGAR, to research the companies you're interested in. Check their financial statements and other official documents, too.
Choose a Food Supplier You Can Rely on
As you can see, there's a lot that goes into choosing a food supplier for your business. You need to consider their reputation, product selection, financing options, prices, and more.
If possible, try to visit the supplier's warehouse and business premises before you make a decision. Look for vendors that offer value-added services, such as 24/7 assistance or flexible payment options.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey—our consultants can help you make the right choice. Contact us today to discuss your needs and decide on the next steps.