If the material you use in the manufacturing of your products is mainly aluminum you likely have high expectations for your Aluminum supplier. Manufacturers who frequently uses aluminum in the machining or fabrication of their component parts are knowledgeable about the benefits Aluminum offers and expect the same from their Aluminum supplier. Aluminum suppliers are not created equally, and it’s important to look for qualities such as experience, fair rates, and timeliness. Whether you’re looking to purchase aluminum products for developing a new product or improving on an existing design, your project is important to you and you want nothing less than quality and dependability for your money.
Aluminum Expertise
One of the most important qualities an aluminum distributor should possess is in-depth knowledge of aluminum itself. Many companies store and ship aluminum, but aren’t fully familiar with its properties, which can lead to damage to products and customer dissatisfaction. Aluminum is a soft metal, and can easily become scratched and damaged if it’s stored or shipped next to harder metals, such as steel. A knowledgeable aluminum distributor will know the ins and outs of aluminum, including how to handle it properly. Choosing an experienced company will ensure your order is completed and shipped with the utmost care.
Complies with Your Budget
In addition, fair pricing is a factor you should consider when in the market for reliable aluminum distributors. Reasonable rates are always a plus, especially if you’re looking to buy aluminum in large quantities. Many aluminum suppliers offer a comprehensive selection of products, but if their prices are too steep and they offer few discounts, it can be problematic buying the quantities you need. It’s essential to choose a company whose focus is on providing high quality products at competitive prices. This way, you’ll have the room on your budget to buy a suitable number of the products you require.
Aluminum Market
Now if you put Aluminum expertise together with fair pricing, you should expect your Aluminum supplier to understand and be able to explain the pricing volatility of the Aluminum market. An Aluminum distributor that is transparent and willing to explain the details of how pricing is established on the LME (London Metals Exchange) will earn your trust and save you money.
Price is not the same as cost
As a purchasing professional, I am sure you have heard this many times: A good supplier doesn’t just understand their business, they understand yours as well. When purchasing Aluminum there are many ways to take out cost. Buying material precision saw cut to size can eliminate potential downstream machining processes in your operation. Buying a custom extruded section can take weight out of the raw material part as well as reducing machining operations. Both situations may cost more on the front end, but actually cost less when considering the overall picture. If you are not dealing with a supplier that is talking about these options, you should be.
Speedy & Professional
Good suppliers can be relied upon for prompt service. As a customer, you expect to receive your order within a reasonable time-frame, but more importantly, you expect to get it on the day it was promised. A professional supplier follows through with their commitment. The last thing you need is a supplier that doesn’t understand your business, or what it is costing you to have a piece of equipment sitting idle waiting for material to arrive that never did. Worthwhile distributors have the inventory, information tools, and customer service people to complete even the most complex orders quickly, efficiently and accurately. With the right supplier, you will feel confident that your parts will be ordered and filled to the correct specifications, packaged appropriately, and be delivered on time.
Offers Delivery Service
It can be difficult locating transportation services for your aluminum items. It is important to find an aluminum distributor that can deliver to your location. This can save you from having to find transportation services for your aluminum orders. Be sure to ask about a supplier’s delivery services and any additional costs for those services. If possible, find a vendor that includes delivery in your price eliminating any unknowns.
Registered and Licensed
Suppliers should have proper insurance, registration and licensing. You can have confidence an aluminum distributor is operating within the law when it is licensed and insured. This helps ensure you are receiving quality products. Ask who is the producing mill and request to see documentation if there is a concern. In the Aluminum industry, the producing mills select who will distribute their metal for them and represent their product downstream. In order to earn a franchise to sell Aluminum from a quality producer, you must be reputable and stock their product. Believe me, earning a franchise is not easy. If a metal supplier simply buys the material from another distributor but does not have the franchise with the producing mill, they will have a difficult time resolving any material claims.
Sufficient Experience
The supplier’s experience is another factor to consider. Inquire about the distributor’s length of time in the industry supplying aluminum products. The distributor’s level of experience can determine how the company interacts with and services its customers. It can also determine the distributor’s reliability in supplying the right aluminum items on-time.
Offers a Variety of Aluminum Products
Vendors differ on the selection and types of aluminum products they sell. Along with various sizes and shapes, quality can differ as well. Ask about the types of aluminum the distributor offers. The supplier should have a working knowledge of its products and be able to explain their characteristics and benefits. This is important in order to help you choose the best aluminum alloy, sizes, and shapes for your applications.
When you are looking for the best aluminum distributor, it is important to ensure you review the above factors before using the services of a particular provider. This will help ensure you get the quality aluminum products you need at the right price.
