How to create a supply chain & Find suppliers as a startup or SME
Building an efficient supply chain is crucial for the success of any business. The right suppliers can impact your costs, product quality, and overall business performance. This guide will help you define your supply chain strategy, find the right suppliers, and establish long-term partnerships that support your business growth.
1. Define your supply chain needs
Before searching for suppliers, you need to have a clear understanding of your business requirements.
What products or services do you need?
Consider raw materials, packaging, IT services, or logistics—whichever best supports your business operations.
What are your cost, quantity, and delivery expectations?
For example, retail businesses need suppliers who can ensure consistency and scalability.
What quality standards must be met?
Look into certifications like ISO, CE, or HACCP to ensure compliance with industry requirements.
Local or international sourcing?
Local suppliers offer shorter shipping times, potentially lower minimum order quantities (MOQs), and tax benefits, making it easier for startups or SMEs to scale gradually.
International suppliers may offer better pricing but could be subject to customs duties, longer lead times, and higher shipping costs.
2. Research and identify potential suppliers
Finding the right suppliers requires thorough research. Here are some ways to identify potential partners:
Online supplier directories & platforms:
Use resources like Χρυσός Οδηγός, the Athens Chamber of Commerce, and the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises for supplier insights.
Industry trade shows & networking events:
Attend sector-specific expos, such as Food Expo Greece (food & beverage), XENIA (hospitality & tourism), and Metropolitan Expo (manufacturing & industrial trade).
Professional networks & referrals:
Connect with industry peers to get recommendations based on real experiences.
3. Evaluate potential suppliers
Once you identify potential suppliers, evaluate them based on the following criteria:
Reputation & reliability:
Check reviews, testimonials, and industry references.
Product samples:
Always request samples before committing to bulk orders to verify quality.
Long-term sustainability:
Assess whether the supplier can support your business growth over time.
Business-specific criteria:
Consider MOQs, certifications, additional costs, and overall supply chain compatibility.
4. Negotiate supplier terms
Effective negotiation helps secure better terms and minimizes risks. Key aspects to discuss include:
Pricing & payment terms: Clarify costs, payment schedules, and potential discounts.
Delivery & lead times: Agree on delivery schedules, production turnaround times, minimum order quantities, and logistics.
Contracts & agreements: Document all terms in a written contract, including penalties for late deliveries or quality issues. Avoid relying on verbal agreements.
5. Establish logistics & Inventory management
Proper logistics and inventory management keep operations running smoothly and prevent unnecessary delays.
Select transportation & warehousing solutions that best fit your operational needs.
Implement inventory tracking systems to plan and monitor stock levels, anticipate shortages, and prevent supply chain disruptions.
6. Build long-term supplier relationships
Strong supplier relationships offer mutual benefits and long-term stability. To maintain them:
Maintain open communication to prevent misunderstandings and enhance collaboration.
Foster long-term partnerships for better pricing, improved order flexibility, and priority access during peak seasons.
7. Monitor Performance & Adapt
A supply chain is dynamic—it needs continuous monitoring and adjustments to stay efficient.
Regularly review supplier performance based on quality, cost-effectiveness, and consistency.
Use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery times, order accuracy, and inventory turnover to track performance.
Be prepared to switch suppliers if necessary due to changes in pricing, quality, or external factors like rising fuel costs.
Useful Business Templates
A template used to identify the difference between the current and the desired state, identifying improvement actions.
A template for evaluating employees' performance, recording skills, achievements, and areas for improvement.
A structured plan outlining how your business will promote, sell, and deliver its products or services to meet revenue goals.
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