Steel industry is one of the essential industries for the development of any community. It provides necessary inputs mainly for the construction of infrastructures, power generation and distribution, transportation facilities and vehicles, manufacturing machinery and equipment – all of which are vital for a community to achieve growth.
The industry’s outputs are utilized by both commercial and industrial enterprises, such as electronics, steel sections manufacturing, and shipbuilding, among others. Hence, the industry’s demand for steel production has extremely increased throughout the years.
The high demand on steel products also paved the way for many business owners to venture in manufacturing and trading different steel products that will cater various requirements from different industries.
Currently, there is a great competition in the market on steel manufacturing and supply and here are essential questions to ask a steel supplier to consider before buying a steel product for a specific project or requirement:
I. How many years have you been in the industry?
Experience always plays a big role when it comes to making partnerships. It’s helpful to have a steel supplier on your side that has been in the industry for a good number of years and has established a good reputation and relationship with its customers and business partners. A newer supplier may not have access to relationships that can get you the high-quality steel you want at a price that’s reasonable.
Besides their years of service, it is of greater importance to also know which scale of operations has your steel provider handled in the past. You can request for a portfolio of their past clients, their company profile, or even certifications (if applicable). These are good indicators that the supplier is institutionally recognized in providing high-quality materials. Furthermore, asking about their experience also ensures that they have a mature business model honed and perfected through years and years of innovation and experimentation.
II. Do you have the production capability?
As a customer, you should expect your steel provider to give information about their production capacity as well as the necessary tools and equipment they have in their manufacturing plant to be able to meet customer requirements. You should overlook the types of tools and equipment which your steel provider utilizes and through it, you can easily see which one has superior capabilities due to its infrastructure.
Manufacturers/suppliers having innovative tools and equipment are likely to finish the production projects without any delays, increasing efficiency and quality for low costs.
III. Can you deliver on time?
Ask your steel supplier if they can also deliver on time. Whatever venture you’re working on — be it a small-scale residential renovation or a large commercial building — meeting deadlines is always the target. Since construction materials are some of the basic fundamentals of any building project management plan, knowing that you are dependent on a supplier that prioritizes on-time deliveries is a must.
Commitment to eliminate delivery delays is a sign that your chosen supplier values you as a client and also their word. This means that you can rely on them to supply you with the right materials, no matter where you’re located, with minimal issues encountered along the way.
IV. Do you offer competitive prices and discounts?
Even if manufactured steel materials are readily available and typically inexpensive, the price may still vary from supplier to supplier. As much as possible, you’ll want to get the best value out of the products. Sure, you might be able to find steel parts at an affordable price, but the quality might not pay off in the long run. In much the same way, you don’t want to misconstrue that expensive parts are generally higher in quality
To help you with this dilemma, ask the manufacturer or supplier if they offer discounts or if their prices are negotiable. A flexible company will go out of its way to negotiate and come up with a price arrangement that benefits both parties.
These are just some of the essential questions to ask a steel supplier to ensure that you choose the best one for your project. Remember that at any point you’ll need to find a reliable supplier, it’s safe to ask everything on your mind. Doing this allows you to find the right partnership, no matter the complexity and scope of your project.
Luckily, ESC Group has got you covered!
ESC Group has been in the industry for over 30 years and has expanded its reach globally. At present, it has its manufacturing and offices strategically located across the globe to be able to serve its client’s needs. ESC offers a wide array of steel products specialized in providing sheet piling solutions, marine systems and customized steel structures.
ESC has also partnered with Japan-based Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc. (MISI), one of the largest steel trading companies not only in Japan but globally. ESC offers not only quality products, but also quality services with its roster of expert engineering and technical personnel providing effective customer services.
ESC also has a wide network of logistics partners that can handle local and international shipments, thus strengthening its ability to cover and establish a greater strength in the global market.