When should a potential supplier provide samples and pay to ship them for the potential customer's evaluation?
 
I am sourcing items for our company's new product -- a surfboard ding repair kit.

There are many components and for each component I need to see several different samples from separate companies.

Most of the potential supplier companies are located in China.

My question is who should pay for shipping these samples? Should our company or the manufacturer, the potential supplier?

David

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Visitor Comment:

Anytime you can cut costs through ethical negotiations or legitimate accounting methods without under-specifying your product, it is wise to cut costs.

There is every reason for a potential supplier to ship product samples in a timely fashion, make sure they arrive in perfect condition, and meet your specifications. Also potential suppliers should be expected to follow up with you by asking questions regarding your satisfaction. Also, there is good reason for potential suppliers to win your business by shipping at no cost to you.

Use this product evaluation process to get to know your future suppliers' methods of doing business.

When they become your long-term suppliers by contract, you will be relying on them for timely, correctly specified parts. The relationships you build during this process will help you decide which companies to select as suppliers.

Your business' success will be dependent upon your suppliers.

Paul, IL


It is reasonable to consider as part of your evaluation of potential suppliers whether or not they will ship evaluation product samples to your company at their expense.

If not, consider that fact within your selection process decision points.

Sam, NY

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