Many things go wrong when it comes to ordering food. You might not find the food you want, deal with delays, or find that your food is not fresh. With all these uncertainties, it’s more important than ever to work with the right food distributor.
If you’re planning to open a restaurant, you need to find a good food distributor. Here are some tips for finding the right one:
1. Determine the Products You Need
The first step is to determine the products you need. This will help you find a food distributor that specializes in the products you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for seafood, you’ll want to find a seafood distributor.
If you’re looking for specific brands, you’ll want to find a good Montreal food distributor that specializes in those brands.
2. Do Some Research
Once you’ve determined the products you need, it’s time to do some research. You’ll want to find a food distributor that has a good reputation.
You can read online reviews or ask people you know for recommendations. You’ll also want to make sure the distributor is insured and licensed.
It’s also a good idea to visit the distributor’s facility before you commit. This will give you a chance to see how they operate and to ask any questions you might have.
3. Compare Prices and Services
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to compare prices and services. Make sure you understand what’s included in the price and what isn’t. Also, find out if there are any discounts available.
For example, some distributors offer volume discounts if you order a certain amount of food at once.
Remember not to dwell so much on getting cheap food. In the long run, it’s more important to find a distributor that provides quality products and good customer service.
4. Order a Sample
After you’ve done your research and found a few potential distributors, it’s time to order a sample. This will give you a chance to see the quality of their products for yourself. It’s also a good opportunity to gauge their customer service.
When ordering a sample, specify what type of product you’re interested in and how much you need. For example, if you’re looking for canned vegetables, you might want to order a case of 24 cans.
5. Negotiate the Contract
After you’ve selected a distributor, you need to ensure you can comfortably afford to pay for their services. Of course, both of you must be comfortable with the terms of the contract. You must both set expectations and ensure it’s a win-win.
Ensure your rep is committed to a long-term relationship and will not put you on hold once you sign the contract. If not, keep searching until you find a better option.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Make sure you get everything in writing before you sign on the dotted line. This includes the price, what’s included, and the length of the contract.
Once you have a signed contract, keep it in a safe place. This way, if there are any issues down the road, you have something to refer back to.