If you’re looking for a supplier of new or used Gaylord boxes, you may have several options. You need to make an informed decision before making a costly snap decision and end up with either the service or product. While there are several reputable companies out there, some aren’t the right fit for you for a variety of reasons.
Here are some tips to help you select the right Gaylord container supplier:
I. Customer Service
Are you able to get in touch with someone at the other end of the line when you call? Is Live Chat available to help you get answers fast? Can you easily submit a quote from the supplier’s website? Are you treated respectfully?
Does the supplier ask questions to ensure that you get the right box or does it appear as though their sole intention is to sell you something? What happens in situations when you have to reject a load? Do they guarantee that what you order is precisely what you will receive?
The supplier of Gaylord boxes you choose to work with should always be customer-driven. They should have a team of knowledgeable sales and customer service representatives to advise customers on the appropriate boxes. Furthermore, they should have a wide selection of boxes for you to choose from to either meet or exceed your expectations.
The company should also be safety conscious and always make it a top priority. Ideally, they should never sell you a Gaylord box unless they truly believe that it will be safe for your application. The final call is obviously up to you, but they should push hard to ensure that you stay safe.
If a mistake is made and the wrong Gaylord boxes are shipped, a reputable supplier will make sure that it is rectified. Suppliers usually don’t negotiate on rejected loads, but a reputable one should have such a low rejection rate to make it not even worth discussing. They are ideally sent back to the warehouse to find out the reasons for rejection and ensure that this never happens again.
II. Quality
The supplier should be willing to describe the refurbishing process that they use. Do they even have one? Do they know what the box you end up receiving looks like? How clean are the boxes? What were the previous contents? How orderly are the boxes stacked on pallets?
If the supplier has a refurbishing process, they should be willing to tell you what happens to the boxes after arriving at the facility. Ideally, every box should be inspected, as much of the previous content as possible removed, along with all loose tape. The boxes should then be restacked by part number and each stack strapped securely.
If the supplier does not refurbish the boxes, check whether they have a screening process for verifying quality. Have them describe this to you.
If they are a broker-only organization, they will have to rely solely on the supplier to provide information on the boxes, including quality, description, and bundle count. You will have to hope that what’s described is what you actually get. Unless the broker has established a long-lasting relationship with the supplier it can be quite risky for you.
A reputable supplier should randomly test loads, do online visits, and get pictures. If a vendor’s load fails to meet the supplier’s standards, they should be removed from the supplier’s list. Similarly, if a vendor’s quality diminishes over time, they should also be removed from the supplier’s list.
III. Location and Turnaround Time
What is the location of the supplier’s warehouses? Are they located strategically to ensure that your freight costs remain low? What is the average time from order to delivery?
A reputable supplier should have warehouses located strategically throughout the U.S. to keep your freight cost low and ensure timely deliveries. Depending on the location and product, most items should be delivered in 1 to 5 days after leaving the supplier’s warehouse. In-stock items can ship the next day if the order is placed early enough while custom orders should deliver in 2 to 4 weeks.
IV. Longevity and Reputation
How long has the supplier been in business? What do previous customers have to say about them? Do they have negative reviews? Do they get many referrals?
Longevity is king in this industry. A supplier that has been in business for at least 10 years or longer has probably stood the test of time. However, before you jump in, you need to do proper research and find out whether others in your industry have either heard or worked with them. If so, try to find out what kind of experience they had.
A supplier’s reputation is often the secret behind their success and should be clearly evident in referrals. Many of the supplier’s customers will have come through referrals from a colleague or friend if they are reputable.
Ultimately, you should educate yourself and never be afraid to ask questions. Never take for granted that others have your best interests in mind. They might be only concerned about the commission they earn or covering their overhead for the week. The more comfortable you are with the answers provided and the information freely given on the supplier’s website, the higher your chances of having a great buying experience.
