Topic: What really works when trying to get managers/ companies to switch vendors?

What really works when trying to get managers/ companies to switch vendors? Example what makes you change your flooring vendor, resurfacing vendor etc? From the one you already have? ?? I know goody bags doesn't cutt it. Sending emails doesn't work. Flyers, emails, business cards go to trash. Goody bags just get searched for what's wanted. Any new ideas would help!

Frankly if I’m happy with my vendor, nothing you do will make me switch
It is so hard to find good ones
If I’m UNhappy however? Don’t show up unannounced, call (not on a Monday) and set an appointment
Tell me how your service and responsiveness is better (if it really is)
If you can match or beat pricing, even better

What makes a good one good in your opinion? What do they offer? Help with resident events? Tickets when you need them? Customer service?

Customer service, the ability to work with a schedule that may change and accountability. Checking in to make sure the work that is being completed is quality, or if some changes need to happen.

This!! I don’t want food or sponsored events

I want a vendor who shows up when they’re supposed to, responds in a timely manner, does good work, and makes sure it’s done well

Being involved in the local association is a big one for me. That shows the vendor cares about the industry and not just the money. When we all have a common goal, together we can make such a big difference.

I switch vendors when I get the best service with decreased pricing.

Offer better customer service and timing and you’ve won me over.

2 things - a.) emails do work … BUT must be followed up with a phone call as well. b.) you have to document leads and follow back up on them.

All the office I worked at they throw it in the trash. Or delete the message. Managers have told me to just tell them I can take down their number and they will get back if they want to.

You’ll generally need to contact 100 clients in order to get 1 new account. So yes in essence 99 might go in the trash but 1 won’t and that’ll be a new account. Then repeat the process… you’ll slide in on default and then by providing an exceptional service you’ll gain the whole account and sister properties. Create a network… one client at a time. It’s a numbers game in the beginning. Also, this is HUGE- trust the process.

I agree. If I’m happy, I’m loyal. You may be able to slide in as a backup and start there. Sometimes our back up is equally as busy because we have so much going on.

Exactly and then whenever you are able to slide in as a “backup” … provide a better service than their plan A company. Works every time!

To be honest, my company makes establishing a new vendor so much of a hassle that it simply isn’t worth it unless the current one straight up isn’t getting the job done! And half the time if I try the vendors read the paperwork that is totally one sided in our company’s favor and politely say no thanks.

Honestly? Nothing.
My suggestion ( as a long term supplier partner) is to ask to be their second choice/ back up plan. When something inevitably goes wrong, call me and I will be here for you! If they aren’t able to do what you need, give me an opportunity!
And then work hard to show them that you are the right person to be the FIRST choice.

Nothing really , But I do keep emails Or mailings from companies to use as a back up plan if I need one

Making a connection. Telling them why you are better and showing them. In this industry though, a lot of people are very loyal to their vendors.

Building repoire with the entire on-site team. Network marketing at chamber events ..see if possibly youre able to bid one of their up coming jobs per your industry.

Or just drop by with goodies say hello..wear down the wall..build a business friendly relationship first.

I am very loyal to my vendors. It’s all about relationships. You treat me well, I will treat you well. One thing that is a complete turn off is a new vendor who becomes harassing. I will never use you of you are going to harass me to try to get my business.

Don't just show up unannounced. Nothing shows me that you don't respect my time more than surprise visits taking me away from deadlines and urgent items that constantly sprout up that need my attention more than you do in that moment. If you want to set a good impression, set an appointment, and never during rent collection week.

It's kind of a hassle now to set up a new vendor so if I'm happy with who I've got, I'm not switching. I've got to be really unhappy to consider a change. Plus, some of our suppliers are national vendors and we have little to no say in who we use - carpet/vinyl for example.

Free stuff. But not for me. Value added. Free delivery if you deliver stuff. Free carpet spot cleaning in the hallway when you clean the carpet in an apartment. Free haul-out when you replace carpet. Free dumping of old appliances when you deliver a new appliance. Free extra visit if the dumpster gets overfilled (from time to time). Free inventory checkup for housekeeping supplies and the maintenance shop. Automatically supplying an SDS when you supply a chemical. Free whatever when you do whatever. It all depends on the service you provide. We're all working on a tight budget and can't afford to have that "extra" done.
I have had HD Supply, Lowes Pros, Grainger, Ferguson, and a number of other suppliers ask me how to get their business. I told them all the same thing... Come work with my maintenance tech to inventory my maintenance shop of all the products they carry, set par counts and labels, and I will buy all that stuff from them. Nobody has taken me up on the offer, so until then I'll just be making the hardware store trips as things run low.

A good way to get in the door, let them know you really appreciate their loyalties to vendors. Give them your business card with prices. Tell them if your regular vendor gets backed up and you need someone sooner, give me a call. Be competitive with your pricing. If they do call you when their backed up do a kick ass job. This is how many vendors become regular vendors

You have to build up trust with who you are trying to gain business from. They have a million things going on and don’t want to be pitched out of the blue. I’m a huge advocate in utilizing your local Apartments Association to build these connections. Now, usually your huge players (MAA, Greystar, Lincoln) carry National accounts and may cannot make the switch at the property level. Still, build that relationship to find out how/who makes that decision. Also, take a manager, maint super, regional, whoever out to grab a beer if they are having a crazy day … maybe you can help solve whatever is causing the crazy day.

Once the account is secured Checking the quality of work to keep the standard high throughout the relationship. Don’t make me be the jerk who complains as well as keep the up charges to a minimum. We all know if we have a unit that will require additional attention and we can charge appropriately but hands down there are less of those than the every day normal wear and tear don’t charge me $35 for something silly.

To get my attention show me the review, give me 2-3 people to call that you have pulled through for in a tight situation. We all have those last minute things. Come through on those and then when you are pitching offer you the scenario.

Pricing and reputation.

Host a resident event. This will give the team the chance to get to know you.