Working with International Restaurant Equipment Distributors

Look for professionalism when dealing with international food service equipment distributors

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

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