Like your customers, suppliers are an important piece of your pet store's success. They provide the premium dog food, dog toys, grooming supplies, and health supplements that keep your shelves stocked and your four-legged customers happy and healthy.
But picking the right suppliers is challenging — dealing with reasonable prices, reliable shipping, top-notch quality, and making sure they fit your brand’s values. Strong supplier relationships lead to better product options, more favorable terms, and even exclusive opportunities and pricing that help your pet store stand out in a competitive market.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps for selecting the best suppliers for your pet store, focusing on key supplier selection criteria. You’ll learn how to determine your unique needs, evaluate potential partners, and explore how leveraging a solid point of sale (POS) system can help manage your relationship with suppliers.
Step 1: Identify Your Pet Store's Unique Needs
Figuring out your pet store's unique needs is the first step in finding the right suppliers. Think about which products you want to stock (like tasty treats, fun toys, premium bedding), who your target customers are, and how you manage your inventory. This clarity helps you pick suppliers that fit your style and makes sure your shelves reflect what your customers really want.
Action steps:
- Conduct a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to spot any gaps in what you’re currently offering.
- Survey your existing customers to find out what they’re looking for and if they’re satisfied with your current product selection and where you can improve.
- Create a projected inventory list that outlines the products you want to carry based on your findings.
Utilizing your POS system: A solid POS system can give you insights through sales analytics, showing you which products are flying off the shelves and who’s buying them. This information is helpful for making smart inventory choices. You can cross reference any reports with your customer surveys to see if they’re aligned.
Step 2: Research Potential Suppliers
Researching potential suppliers is key to finding partners who can meet your pet store’s needs. Use online directories, attend trade shows, and read industry publications to get an in-depth overview of your options. This step is important for building a diverse and reliable supplier network that can adapt to your store's demands.
Remember: You aren’t obligated to use one method to source products or to rely on just one supplier. Most small to medium-sized businesses have nine times more suppliers than they have employees. It also pays to look for both domestic and overseas suppliers to avoid logistics nightmares down the road.
Action steps:
- Create a spreadsheet to track potential suppliers, including their contact info, product offerings, and any key notes.
- Join industry-related groups on social media to connect with suppliers and fellow pet store owners.
- Set a goal to attend at least one trade show per year for networking and sourcing.
Utilizing your POS system: Many POS systems come with integrated supplier management features that make it easy to keep track of supplier information and their products.
Step 3: Evaluate Supplier Reputation
When it comes to supplier reputation, you want to know they’re reliable and provide quality pet products. Check out online reviews, ask for references, and look for any industry certifications. Taking the time to evaluate potential suppliers helps you avoid partnerships that could hurt your pet store’s image.
Most consumers read reviews before purchasing even the smallest products, and that number jumps to 98% for first-time purchases. The same should apply when looking for services and suppliers. It’s up to you to do your due diligence to avoid scams or faulty products.
Action steps:
- Create a list of key questions to ask references about their experience with the supplier.
- Use sites like Trustpilot to get a sense of overall customer satisfaction.
- Develop a scoring system to rate suppliers based on reputation, quality, and service.
Utilizing your POS system: Use your POS system to track sales data for products from specific suppliers, giving you insight into their performance and reputation over time.
Step 4: Analyze Product Quality and Safety Standards
You want to make sure the products you sell are safe and meet your customers’ expectations. Request samples, understand each supplier’s quality control processes, and ensure they comply with regulations. Prioritizing high-quality products helps build trust and loyalty among your customers — trust us, customers will notice if the quality fades, especially if prices steadily increase.
Action steps:
- Test samples yourself to ensure they meet your standards.
- Ask suppliers for documentation on their quality control processes and certifications.
- Stay updated on local regulations affecting pet products to verify compliance with your suppliers.
Utilizing your POS system: A solid POS system can track product recalls and safety alerts, keeping you informed about any quality issues.
Related Read: Pet Shop Products List: 10 Essential Items To Sell
Step 5: Evaluate Pricing and Terms
Getting a handle on pricing and terms is key for keeping your profit margins healthy. Take the time to compare quotes on premium dog food, grooming supplies, and pet toys, and negotiate payment terms to snag the best deals for your inventory. This financial check-up helps ensure your pricing strategy for treats and essentials aligns with your business goals.
Action steps:
- Create a comparison chart of pricing, terms, and discounts from different suppliers.
- Set a budget for each product category and determine what price ranges are acceptable.
- Schedule time to negotiate with pet store suppliers before making final decisions.
Utilizing your POS system: Many POS systems integrate pricing data, making it easy to compare supplier pricing and manage your budget effectively.
Step 6: Assess Reliability and Responsiveness
A supplier’s reliability and responsiveness has a real impact on how your pet store runs. Check their delivery times, order fulfillment rates, and how well they communicate. This assessment is important for keeping things running smoothly and making sure you have products available when your customers need them. After all, a brand is only as good as its customer service — 78% of consumers have noted backing out of a purchase due to poor customer support.
Action steps:
- Place a trial order to test their delivery times and accuracy before committing to larger orders.
- Document any communication delays or issues during the trial period.
- Regularly check in with suppliers to ensure they can continue to meet your needs.
Utilizing your POS system: Your POS system can help track order history and delivery times, making it easier to evaluate supplier reliability over time.
Step 7: Check Product Range and Diversity
The variety of products a supplier offers can affect your ability to meet your customers’ needs. Make sure your suppliers have a wide range of items, including specialty products, so you can cater to a broader audience and keep up with the latest trends in pet care.
Action steps:
- Create a product matrix to outline the categories and brands you want to stock, from premium leashes to high-quality cat supplies.
- Chat with potential suppliers about upcoming trends and new product launches.
- Keep an eye on what your competitors are offering to spot any gaps in your supplier’s lineup.
Utilizing your POS system: Your POS system can help you analyze which products are flying off the shelves, so you can make smart decisions about expanding or adjusting your inventory.
Step 8: Establish Clear Communication
Good communication with your suppliers is a must for a successful partnership. By setting clear expectations for how often and in what ways you’ll connect, you can tackle any issues quickly and keep those relationships strong.
Action steps:
- Schedule regular check-ins with your suppliers to chat about performance and any needs you might have.
- Create a shared calendar for important dates, like order deadlines and upcoming promotional events.
- Use project management tools to keep track of your conversations and action items.
Utilizing your POS system: Your POS system can generate reports that you can share with your suppliers, so everyone stays on the same page about sales performance and inventory levels.
Step 9: Build Long-Term Relationships
Building long-term relationships with your suppliers can create partnerships that benefit everyone involved. Trust and loyalty play a big role, as they can open doors to exclusive products, better support, and exciting promotional opportunities. Being open about your needs and challenges helps foster a collaborative atmosphere.
Action steps:
- Attend supplier events or appreciation days to strengthen your connections.
- Celebrate your suppliers’ achievements and milestones to show you value their partnership.
- Keep suppliers in the loop about your business growth and any changes you’re making.
Utilizing your POS system: Use sales data from your POS system to highlight successful promotions or product launches when you talk with suppliers about growth.
Step 10: Evaluate Supplier Performance Continuously
Regularly checking in on your pet store suppliers’ performance is key to keeping your standards high and adapting to your changing needs. Pay attention to product quality, delivery times, and overall satisfaction so you can catch any issues early on.
Action steps:
- Create a supplier performance scorecard to evaluate important metrics.
- Set up regular reviews to discuss how things are going and where improvements can be made.
- Keep a record of any issues and resolutions to track your supplier interactions over time.
Utilizing your POS system: Use data from your POS system to spot trends in supplier performance, making your evaluations easier and more accurate.
Step 11: Stay Informed on Pet Industry Trends
Staying on top of pet industry trends helps you make smart decisions about your suppliers and product offerings. Dive into industry publications, attend trade shows, and join online forums to keep yourself updated on new products and market changes.
Action steps:
- Subscribe to industry newsletters and follow key influencers on social media to get the latest insights.
- Join online forums and discussion groups to share your thoughts and learn from others.
- Set aside some time each month to check out new product launches and market research reports.
Utilizing your POS system: Use your POS system to analyze sales trends, helping you figure out which new products or categories might resonate most with your customers.
Related Read: Pet Retail Industry Trends To Watch in 2024
Recommended Suppliers
As you navigate your supplier selection process for your pet store, consider these four providers that can help you manage your supplier relationships and streamline ordering:
1. PetEdge
PetEdge offers a wide selection of pet supplies and accessories, including grooming tools, toys, and health products. They’re known for competitive pricing and flexible ordering options, making it easy for pet store owners to keep their shelves stocked. Their user-friendly online ordering system helps you manage your inventory efficiently, ensuring you have what you need when you need it.
2. eTailPet
eTailPet stands out with its built-in catalog of over 160,000 pet supplies from top suppliers in the industry. This extensive and always up-to-date catalog keeps you informed about available products and any that may have been discontinued. One of the key benefits of using eTailPet is the ability to create purchase orders automatically from the catalog, streamlining your ordering process and saving you valuable time.
3. Wholesale Pet
Wholesale Pet specializes in pet food and health products, offering both popular brands and unique items. They focus on quality and safety, ensuring that the products you stock meet high standards. With competitive wholesale pricing and excellent customer support, they’re a reliable choice for pet store owners looking to expand their offerings.
4. PetFlow
PetFlow is another solid option for pet store owners. They provide a wide range of pet food and supplies, with a strong emphasis on convenience and reliable service. Their B2B offerings include bulk purchasing options and exclusive deals that can help you stock up on popular items at great prices.
Manage Your Suppliers in One Platform With eTailPet
By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the supplier selection process, focusing on your unique needs and building strong relationships based on your supplier selection criteria. eTailPet, a POS platform designed specifically for pet store owners, offers features that make managing your suppliers easier.
With smart order, you can track your top-selling products and quickly identify which items need restocking, so you never run low on popular items. Vendor credits simplify returns by helping you manage credits from suppliers efficiently, while quick purchase orders streamline the ordering process, ensuring you get what you need without delays.
Plus, you can send email purchase orders directly to vendors, making communication and documentation a breeze. With advanced returns, you can handle returns accurately to ensure that credits from suppliers are processed correctly. By leveraging these tools, you’ll enhance customer satisfaction and boost profitability.
Ready to take your supplier management to the next level? Schedule a free demo of eTailPet today!
