Choose right suppliers:

• When starting a business, you will need to decide whether you are selling products and/or a service. If you are selling products, you may need to find a suppliar, decide on the type of stock you require, map out your ordering process and determine how you will store your raw materials and finished products.
• Finding the right supplier is a common hurdle for start-ups. The success of your business often relies on the quality of the suppliers you choose, so doing it right can help save you time and money in the future.
• Make a shortlist of companies and rate their services against your priorities – quality, reliability, returns policy, price, location, terms.
• Talk with the sales representatives to check out if they're knowledgeable about their products and will keep you updated regularly about new and deleted products.
• Use industry databases and association websites to find lists of local suppliers.
• If you have chosen a one main supplier, be sure you have an agreement/backup in place with another supplier just in case your main supplier can't provide the agreed service in time.