6 Questions to Ask Your Scrap Material Supplier Before Ordering
If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur, chances are you don't have the time (or money) to waste on bad suppliers. That's why it's so important to ask the right questions before ordering scrap material from your HDPE blue drum bales scrap supplier, or for any scrap material you are sourcing.
Here are some tips for determining whether or not a potential supplier will be able to meet your needs:
Can they provide me with a sample of their product?
A sample of the scrap material you're looking to buy can help you determine if it's worth purchasing. For example, if your supplier sends a sample that is not consistent with what was described in their catalog or online, then there may be issues with the quality of their product. If the sample is acceptable and meets all of your specifications, then ordering larger quantities will make sense for both parties involved.
Samples also give businesses an opportunity to assess whether or not they want their scrap recycled at all--or if they'd rather sell it instead (for example: some companies have policies against accepting certain types of waste).
Are they registered with the U.S. Department of Commerce?
The U.S. Department of Commerce requires companies that import or export goods to be registered as a "trader" with them, meaning they must provide information about their business and its activities in order to comply with import and export regulations.
- Do they have proper licenses?
If your scrap material supplier imports scrap from overseas, they will need an Import License issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This license gives them permission to bring their goods into the country through customs checkpoints such as airports or seaports.
Do they have any certifications that are important to me?
If you're using your scrap materials for a product with a food, medical or pharmaceutical application, then it's especially important to know whether or not your supplier has proper certifications.
Examples of common certifications include:
USDA Organic (USDA)
Kosher (Kosher Certification Authority)
Halal (Halal Food Authority)
What types of scrap materials does the company accept and what is the specific composition of each type?
What types of scrap materials does the company accept?
How does the company handle different types of materials?
What is the maximum size of material accepted?
What is the minimum size of material accepted?
Do they charge for delivery or pick-up?
Delivery and pick-up fees can vary from supplier to supplier. Some companies charge for delivery, others charge for pick-up, and some charge a combination of both. In addition to these fees, you may also be charged for packaging materials if your scrap is too large or heavy for transport in its current form.
It's important to find out whether or not your chosen supplier charges any sort of fee before ordering anything so that you can budget accordingly--and make sure they're willing to work with your budget!
How long does it take to process an order?
When you place an order, how long does it take to process? How long does it take to ship? What is the lead time on a new order?
These questions will help you understand how quickly your supplier can get materials to you. If they have excess inventory or are able to acquire items more quickly than other suppliers, that's great news for getting your project done on time!
It's worth it to ask some questions before working with a supplier
It's worth it to ask some questions before working with a supplier. Here are a few questions that can help you make sure you're getting what you need:
What is the quality of the product?
How much does it cost?
When will delivery be made (and how quickly)?
What payment terms do they offer (e.g., net 30 days)?
Conclusion:
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what to look for when choosing a HDPE milk bottle scrap supplier, or any other scrap material supplier. We know it's not always easy to find one, but if you follow these six questions, we think you'll be on your way!