The benefits of using one trusted glass supplier
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Working with a single trusted glass supplier can do wonders for your business. Learn why in our article.
It's never been easier to get the glass you need for architectural and design projects – and that goes for private clients, installers, designers and suppliers. But all too often, there's a catch.
Once upon a time, you would get your glass from a single workshop. It was quick and easy to arrange and if a problem arose, you knew where to go to fix it.
In today's fragmented marketplace, the simple task of procuring materials has become a logistical albatross. It's now perfectly possible to buy panels from one supplier, get them cut by another and then get them printed, coloured or otherwise treated by a third party.
This is a problem for obvious reasons. On top of its logistical complexity, it makes it harder to assign responsibility when something goes wrong – and slower to resolve the problem.
Throw in the negative effect that multiple deliveries have on your carbon footprint and it's obvious why customers are looking for alternatives.
The easiest way to resolve this problem is to find a reputable glass processor who can do the lot for you. Establishing a good working relationship with a single supplier can reduce your administrative burden, save you money and much more.
Here, then, are seven benefits of using a single trusted glass supplier.
1. Better cost savings
If you get all your glass from one supplier, you may be eligible for bulk discounts. What's more, a close, long-term relationship with a supplier makes it more likely that you can negotiate on price. You'll also spend less on deliveries, as multiple shipments will be consolidated.
So if you're looking to unlock cost savings without compromising on the quality of glass, it makes a lot of sense to use a single, trusted supplier.
2. Consistent results
Some consumer goods thrive on choice. Love coffee? Then you'll want to try out new blends at new venues.
Glass isn't like this. You just want a good-quality product that meets your requirements from a reputable, flexible, trustworthy supplier.
So once you've found your supplier, why complicate things? Keep them as your supplier and enjoy consistent results again and again.
3. Streamlined procurement
"I've got too much free time at work" is something very few people get to say. Even simple tasks like making a purchase can soak up valuable time and energy.
This is one reason why using a single trusted glass supplier can be so helpful. It allows you to roll multiple purchases into a single order. That means fewer invoices, schedules and email chains. What's not to like?
4. Quicker problem solving
Ever caught a cold and spent days wondering where you got it from? It's not unlike the experience of procuring glass from multiple suppliers, experiencing a problem and then not knowing who's responsible.
This can be a thing of the past if you work with a single trusted supplier. Problems can be resolved quickly and painlessly – and if you've built up a good relationship with your supplier, there won't be any need to look elsewhere.
5. Environmental sustainability
Increasingly, businesses are looking for ways to improve their environmental sustainability. Working with one supplier means fewer deliveries – and fewer deliveries means a smaller carbon footprint.
It's a simple way to demonstrate your commitment to the environment, while also reaping the other benefits that working with a single supplier affords.
6. Better relationship with your supplier
This is perhaps the number one reason to work with a single trusted supplier: you become a trusted customer.
Businesses are more likely to cut you a deal and treat you with understanding if they consider you a long-term partner. That's not to say that a reputable company will treat you as just another number if you work with multiple suppliers – simply that you're less likely to receive a personalised, tailored service.
At the end of the day, a good relationship with your supplier is essential for getting the right materials to your clients.
7. No supply chain complications
Sadly, we live at a time when supply chain disruption is as normal as your morning cappuccino. A variety of global factors has meant that getting a product from A to B is a challenge.
This can directly impact your business if you're relying on multiple vendors to supply you with your goods. Working with just one trusted supplier, however, means you're less likely to be stung by delays and cancellations.
8. Everything under one roof
It may be that your project requires different glass products or glass panels of different sizes and thicknesses. For this to be achieved, several processes are in play: firing, cutting and treating.
You can get these jobs done separately. You can get your panels from one supplier, get another to cut them to size and then send them to a processor to be sandblasted, say, or digitally printed.
There are a couple of problems with this approach. The first is environmental. If you're looking to bring down your carbon miles, it makes more sense to get all three tasks completed by a firm you trust.
Secondly, it means that you have limited oversight of the project. By contrast, regular updates from a single supplier give you more visibility than if you're scrolling through multiple email chains.
Knowing that everything is being done under one roof can give you peace of mind – and if you're overseeing a project that involves a complex mix of glass products, this can make all the difference.
How we can help
At ToughGlaze, we make, cut and process a range of
commercial glass products all under one roof. So if you're looking to simplify your glass supplies,
get in touch. You'll be enjoying the benefits in no time.
