You can stock up on supplies while keeping costs under control by:
- Anticipating what kinds of non-manufacturing-related purchases your company is likely to make.
- Setting budget parameters.
- Reviewing supplier contracts frequently to get the best prices.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy online
To save time and resources, order what you need via an online shopping cart.I recommend: Grainger has set-up the classic online shopping experience for buyers, and has added other services such as resource center where you can get material safety datasheets. Find a local Grainger outlet by Zip Code at the home page.
Get a quick education
Don't know a butterfly valve from a ball valve?Web research can give you the basics.I recommend: Try Industrial 101 for information on a long list of industrial equipment and safety supplies.
Pick a supplier
Getting hooked up with the right supplier is always a challenge. Online directories help ease the burden.I recommend: ThomasNet, Industrial Directory, and Industrial Supplies Directory offersearch by product or company.
Attend an auction
Now that eBay's online auctioning model has gained so much popularity, it's becoming more common to put the bidding and request for proposal process online.I recommend: Companies like DoveBid and Overstock.com run business and industrial auctions.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Centralize buying habits, giving a select group of purchasing people authority over materials management.
the Industrial Goods and Services page at Business.com
Home Depot Tool Rental - Industrial Supplies
Tool Rentals for Contractors and Do-it-Yourself Projects. Find a Rental Center Near You!
Find Location | Tool School | Truck Rental
www.HomeDepotRents.com
Tool Rentals for Contractors and Do-it-Yourself Projects. Find a Rental Center Near You!
Find Location | Tool School | Truck Rental
www.HomeDepotRents.com
ULINE - Industrial Supplies
Over 17,000 packaging products in stock including Industrial Supplies. Same day shipping. Order Online!
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Over 17,000 packaging products in stock including Industrial Supplies. Same day shipping. Order Online!
Wire Shelving | Totes | Pallet Trucks | Hand Trucks
www.ULINE.com
Find Industrial Equipment and Supplies at IQS® Directory
Comprehensive List of Leading Industrial Manufacturers, Suppliers and Distributors with Information, Preview Ads, Links and Request for Quote Tool.
Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Plastics | More...
IQSDirectory.com
Comprehensive List of Leading Industrial Manufacturers, Suppliers and Distributors with Information, Preview Ads, Links and Request for Quote Tool.
Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Plastics | More...
IQSDirectory.com
GlobalSpec.com: Industrial Supplies
Provides database of suppliers for industrial supplies. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
www.globalspec.com
Provides database of suppliers for industrial supplies. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
www.globalspec.com
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