Finding a steel supplier that has what you need, when you need it, and reliably gets it to you on time makes it much easier for you to continue your operations as usual without needing to worry about where your steel is. But how do you know which supplier is best for you?
Here are several areas you’ll want to evaluate as you consider which steel supplier best fits your business.
Supplier Reliability & Reputation
The reliability and reputation of your steel supplier are especially important because those two attributes are directly passed on to you. That is, if your supplier is reliable, your customers will know you’re reliable. If your supplier is erratic or inconsistent, your customers might end up thinking the same about you.
Look for steel suppliers with a long history of proven results delivering quality products on time. Longevity is important; it shows a supplier has been stable for a significant amount of time and likely has strong relationships throughout the industry, as well as strong finances that generally keep a supplier more flexible and adaptable.
Check to see which ISO certifications the supplier has and if those certifications cover your needs in your industry. For example, Capital Steel holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, which means we adhere to quality and regulatory requirements as set by the International Organization for Standardization.
Ask your potential steel suppliers to see testimonials or case studies, if not already available on their website. A deep dive into a supplier’s previous and current relationships will give you great insight into whether a particular supplier aligns with your goals and values, and if they would be a good fit for your steel needs.
Product Range & Availability
What exactly does your project require? It’s important to make sure your steel supplier has precisely the type of metal you need and the capabilities to fulfill it. When considering product range and availability, you need to consider both short-term and long-term. Does the supplier have the initial steel supply you need right now? Will the supplier have more of it readily available when and as needed?
Also consider the range of products beyond what you may need at this exact moment. Does the supplier have diverse options? If so, it gives you the confidence that as your needs change or expand, your steel supplier can help seamlessly. Plus, a supplier with diversity in its product line is less susceptible to any one specific market, implying a strong financial position and adaptability.
We invite you to explore some of our steel solutions to see how they might align with what you need.
Delivery Options & Logistics
Capital Steel has five warehouses throughout thTo state the obvious, one of the most crucial aspects of working with a steel supplier is the actual receiving of the steel. How does a supplier deliver (and do they deliver at all)? What shipping methods are available to you? Are there any added fees for delivery? Where is the product coming from? Are there warehouses near your location?
Ask all these questions of your prospective metal suppliers to help determine who might be the best fit for your operations.
All of Capital Steel’s steel stocking locations are in the United States (two in Illinois, two in Texas, and one in California), and our three manufacturing facilities are in Michigan. Please feel free to inquire about how we can get what you need to you in a timely fashion.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
When partnering with a steel supplier, it’s more vital than one might think to share similar environmental standards and ethics. If your customers see you as an environmentally conscious company, you definitely want your suppliers to be doing everything they can in the way of sustainability. Take a look at how Capital Steel is creating green steel with renewable energy.
When your ethics align with a supplier’s, it makes the entire relationship smoother. Neither side has to worry about the other, both having the confidence that each side shares similar values in business and in life.
Customer Support & Client Communications
We’ve talked about partnerships a fair amount here and the importance of a true partnership leading with customer support and communications. You need to be able to communicate with your steel supplier, and it needs to be efficient and valuable.
When considering potential suppliers, determine how responsive the customer-support team is. Is it easy to get in touch with them? Are they knowledgeable about your business and their products? Having readily available, informed customer-support teams who can expertly discuss your current projects as well as advise on future projects and quickly address any issues that come up is invaluable.
Choose Capital Steel for a Reliable Steel Supplier
Would you like to explore how Capital Steel can help meet your company’s goals? Contact us today to connect with our team of steel experts and start the conversation.
