Landscapers Pro Tip: How to Spot a Good Supplier

Hey landscaping folks! Let's talk suppliers - finding the right ones can make or break your season. Bad suppliers can leave you hanging when you need materials most, while good ones can be worth their weight in gold. Here's how to find the best suppliers and spot those red flags before they cause you problems.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Don't just go with the first supplier you find or automatically pick the cheapest one. Do your homework. Ask other landscaping companies who they use and trust. Join some local landscaping Facebook groups or hit up industry forums - people love sharing both good and bad experiences. Just remember, if a supplier has a ton of negative reviews about late deliveries or quality issues, there's usually fire where there's smoke.

SAMPLES & SITE VISITS

Speaking of quality, always ask for samples before you commit to big orders. Whether it's mulch, stone, or plants, you need to see what you're getting. A supplier might have great prices, but if their mulch is full of trash or their plants are half dead, you'll end up paying more in the long run. And here's a pro tip: visit their facility in person if you can. A well-organized yard with fresh inventory is a good sign. If their place looks like a tornado hit it, that's a red flag.

RELIABILITY & COMMUNICATION

A good supplier picks up the phone when you call and gets back to you quickly with quotes. Try ordering something small first to see how they handle it. Watch out for suppliers who are always making excuses about delivery times or availability - that's not gonna get better when you're in the middle of a big job and desperately need materials. And if they're pushy about minimum orders or try to pressure you into buying more than you need, that's another red flag.

PAYMENT TERMS & PRICING TRANSPARENCY

This is something people usually overlook, but it has a huge impact on your profits. Good suppliers are upfront about their prices, delivery fees, and any minimum order requirements. They'll work with you on payment terms, especially once you've built a relationship. Be super careful with suppliers who demand full payment upfront before you've established trust, or whose prices seem to change randomly. And always get quotes in writing - verbal agreements have a funny way of being "forgotten" when problems come up.

FIND A PARTNER

Last but definitely not least, look for suppliers who understand our industry and are willing to be partners in your success. The good ones will give you a heads up about upcoming shortages or price changes. They might even help you out in a pinch when you need something fast for an important customer. Watch out for suppliers who don't seem to know much about landscaping or who treat you like just another order number. You want someone who gets that in our business, timing and quality are everything.

PRO TIP: HAVE A BACK-UP SUPPLIER

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you find an awesome main supplier, have a backup or two lined up. Materials shortages happen, prices change, and businesses close. Having options can save your bacon when things go sideways. Plus, knowing you've got alternatives gives you some leverage when negotiating prices.

Finding good suppliers takes time and effort, but it's worth it. Start looking now, before the season gets crazy. Build those relationships, watch for the warning signs, and don't be afraid to make a change if something isn't working out. Your business depends on having materials when you need them, at prices that let you make a profit. Get this part right, and you'll be set up for a much smoother season.

If you need help with marketing, advertising, or bookkeeping for your landscaping business, Trades CXO is here to help. We specialize in the skilled trades and will build you a customized plan that not only grows your business, but adapts with your business as it grows. Reach out for a free consultation today!