If you're new to working with international restaurant equipment distributors, the level of service by international food service companies may surprise you. However, just like any service relationship, it's important to have standards and expectations for international restaurant distributors. It's also just as important to discover what the supplier expects from you, the customer.

You may find an international food service equipment distributor that beats every price, but if they can't offer good service, keep looking. Pay close attention to the service they can offer before and after they close the sale with their customers. Find out whether they have a dedicated technical support staff and trained installers to help you choose among international restaurant equipment dealers.

Here are some more tips for working with international restaurant equipment distributors:

1. Make sure you are familiar with the shipping terms for the international restaurant equipment dealer.

2. Check on memberships in associations that may indicate a commitment to a higher level of service.

3. Strive to do business with an international company that places a premium on ethical practices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for professional affiliations among international foodservice equipment distributors

A good way to ensure the international restaurant equipment distributor is committed to high quality products and service is to find out whether they belong to a major foodservice organization. While professional memberships are no guarantee, they do indicate a commitment to quality and service.

I recommend: Check out whether the international equipment supplier is a member of the European Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (AFEDA), which can point to a commitment to excellence. The Catering Equipment Distributors Association expects member companies to adhere to a code of conduct that includes fair return and exchange policies, professional design assistance and a dedication to customer satisfaction.

Add up the shipping costs from international restaurant supply distributors

Find out what the shipping charges are from international foodservice equipment dealers. It's also important to know whether the distributor will be the one shipping your purchases, and how that affects potential returns.

I recommend: International Restaurant Distributors states their shipping charges as a $15 minimum or 15% of the order. Able Kitchen, specializing in restaurant equipment international sales, keeps their items in stock and ready to send out to customers.

Find international restaurant equipment distributors that stress ethical practices

Ensure that the company you choose displays consistency that you can expect with their products, as well as a commitment to ethical business practices. Look for transparency in business dealings with international restaurant equipment suppliers.

I recommend: Sun Island Group, an international restaurant supply company, plainly states their commitment to ethics and strives for good cross-cultural communication with their international customers. H & K International, focusing on international restaurant equipment supplies, sets high standards for green technology, requiring all restaurant equipment suppliers to lead on environmental issues.

Restaurants, hotels and the myriad other businesses that offer food and beverage as part of their services rely on international foodservice equipment to provide them with quality items to help their businesses run smoothly. International restaurant supply covers everything from fresh produce, quality meat and frozen items to restaurant booths, appliances and buffet stations. If this cog in the foodservice process breaks down, a restaurant will be hard-pressed to provide its customers with the service and food they’ve come to expect.

Some international restaurant distributors provide equipment, supplies and food, while others focus on just the food or equipment. Determine your needs before you start shopping around for international restaurant supply distributors. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Explore international restaurant supply companies by region.

2. Consider big-name international restaurant distributors with local distribution centers for cost savings.

3. Research international restaurant equipment companies to outfit your entire business with quality international foodservice supplies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out international restaurant supply companies by region

International restaurant distributors provide a wide selection of brand-name and regional items from which to choose. Focus on a few companies from different regions of the world to get high-quality, unique items your customers will keep coming back for.

I recommend: DaTang is a Chinese company that has international restaurant supplies such as frozen and dehydrated vegetables and canned items. Eurofood Mart offers a wide range of products from top international food manufacturers.

Opt for recognized international restaurant distributors

If you can't find what you're looking for from one of the regional suppliers, consider one of the big international restaurant supply distributors. They typically have a reputation of getting quality items to customers across the world within a reasonable time and at reasonable prices.

I recommend: Walton & Post is an international restaurant distributor with a variety of American and international products. George Weston is a Canadian food distributor that focuses mostly on baked goods and dairy items.

Find international restaurant equipment companies

While the food may be what the customer remembers most, all the equipment used to store, prepare and serve that food is just as important. That's why restaurants and other foodservice companies should take the time to choose the best equipment - at the best price, of course - from top-notch international foodservice equipment distributors.

I recommend: Hendi can provide the latest in tableware, barbecues, knives and more. Chesher is an international foodservice equipment supplier that offers items such as food processors, juice extractors, and steamers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose international restaurant equipment distributors that offer attractive pricing for the quantities you need.
• •  Serving international items from certain countries or regions of the world helps brand your restaurant or other foodservice company as a specialist in that region.

International restaurant distributors are an excellent source of international food service equipment. No matter what type of restaurant you run, chances are you will need international restaurant supply. Whether it's items for your tables and buffet or equipment used in the kitchen, you can find it at with international restaurant equipment wholesalers. You can even purchase food items and supplies from international restaurant supply distributors.

Saving on your budget is always a main factor when running a business, and there are a few ways to save on international restaurant distributors pricing and costs. Check out the savings on free or reduced shipping, utilize known distributors, and purchase in bulk. Cost shouldn't be a factor in getting the best quality equipment and supplies that you can purchase.

1. Utilize international restaurant equipment dealers that offer free, specialized, or reduced shipping.

2. Explore using well-known vendors for international restaurant supplies.

3. Purchase international food service supplies in bulk to save on extra costs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of international restaurant equipment vendors who offer free or special shipping

International restaurant equipment vendors who offer special shipping deals are an asset when ordering what you need to run your business. Whether it's a special freight type or free shipping, these deals can help you save on your budget.

I recommend: Eurofood Mart offers free shipping on orders over $100. Surplus has specialized shipping that is geared toward your purchase and run through an export broker so that you get the best bargain for your money.

Consider using big-name distributors for international restaurant supplies

Finding well-known distributors for international restaurant supplies can land you the best deals out there. Popular and well-established vendors can offer better savings and have more surplus to work with. Not only that, it is easier to find reviews on well-known companies so you can find out how they work with their customers.

I recommend: Walton and Post offers a myriad of international and American food items. Weston is a distributor in Canada and owns Weston Foods for international items.

Utilize the savings of international food service supplies in bulk quantities

Buying your international food service supplies in bulk not only saves costs, but it can save you shipping fees and ensure that you will always have enough stock on hand. If you are ordering large equipment, the shipping costs can be substantial, so ordering more than one piece of equipment will save on freight.

I recommend: National Importers supplies food in bulk quantities to club retailers, drugstores, grocery, mass merchandise, and specialty stores. Premier Foods is based in Ireland and offers items by the case for bulk savings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider certain regions for your international restaurant supplies, and familiarize yourself with their products and terms.

If you are purchasing supplies from an international restaurant equipment distributor, see if the company is a member of a professional organization. That can reassure you that the business is ethical and reputable.

Next consider the costs: Even if the supplies are less expensive, international shipping fees will add to the cost. But international restaurant equipment distributors often stock unusual or hard-to-find items; in which case, the cost is well worth the price. Check, though, to be sure the distributors don't require a minimum purchase.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

ERP, Enterprise Resource Planning

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, combines all the management, ordering and financial tasks of a restaurant into one comprehensive data system. Many international restaurants as well as equipment distributors have moved to computer software to automate tasks such as ordering equipment or food, scheduling and paying employees, and completing major accounting tasks. Using ERP allows restaurants to operate more efficiently and keep accounts current with their food and equipment distributors.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ explains ERP. Messe Düsseldorf talks about the role of Microsoft's ERP solution for international restaurants and hotels.

Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)

FCSI Foodservice Consultants Society International is an organization that supports people working in the foodservice industry. FCSI developed a Continuing Professional Growth program, that includes testing, because their aim was to hold members to a high standard for knowledge and professionalism. Members can direct to you to the best international restaurant equipment distributors.

I recommend: Foodservice Consultants Society International describes their program.

Logistics

Logistics is key for getting your restaurant equipment when and where you need it. For speedier delivery and installation, consider a company both manufactures and distributes its own products. Not only will it save time, but it's often more cost effective. If the international restaurant equipment distributor is also the manufacturer, troubleshooting will not be outsourced, so your concerns should be addressed more quickly.

I recommend: Titan Global Distribution explains the advantages of choosing a company with strong global logistics. H&K International describes the benefits of using a company that combines manufacturing and logistics and lists some of the services that may be included under this arrangement.

Catering Equipment Distributors Association

The Catering Equipment Distributors Association is another organization that holds its members to a high standard of professionalism. They offer services from equipment selection to design, and they also expect their members to be ethical and dependable. Find contacts for the best international restaurant equipment distributors through its members.

I recommend: The Catering Equipment Distributors Association offers a brief overview of their services. Links in the sidebar expound on each one.

MOQ

Often when you order a product, an international restaurant equipment distributor may impose an MOQ, or minimum order quantity, especially if international shipping is required. If you are a small business and need only one item or a few items, look for distributors who do not require MOQs.

I recommend: For an explanation of MOQ, visit sticky-marketing.net.