5 Questions to Ask Your Steel Distributor

Before you select a steel distributor for enameled steel – ask these 5 questions

When it’s time to find a new steel distributor to obtain your enameled steel for your manufacturing processes, It can be hard to try to determine which steel distributor is going to serve your needs best. Keeping that in mind here are the 5 key questions to ask a potential cold rolled steel distributor before signing the dotted line. Each item will help you to pinpoint which steel distributor is going to be able to serve your needs.

1. What Types of Steel Do You Stock?

One of the first questions you should speak to a prospective distributor about is what types of steel do they carry. Of course, you want to find out if they deal with the enameled steel that you’ll need, but it can be helpful to learn if they deal in other types of steel. You never know when your needs may change, so it’s always a good idea to know if they will be able to keep up your future demands. Find out the steel chemistry specifications, they should be able to provide this type of detailed information. If they can’t you may want to continue your search.

2. Ask: “How Do You Provide Competitive Pricing without Affecting Quality / What’s Your Cost Model?”

The quality of the steel that you’re using to manufacture your goods is going to have a significant impact on the quality of your product. That being said, no one wants to pay more than they have to for good quality steel. Talking with the steel distributor upfront about how they can save you money without cutting corners on quality can give you an idea of what you can expect when you select your supplier. Many distributors (like SRJ) work with long-established relationships, use strategically located providers in various regions and implement JIT (Just in Time) inventory practices to reduce costs.

3. 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 enough time to have created their own network. 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.

4. What Types of Customers Do You Usually Work With?

This fundamental question can help you to determine if they are familiar with the type of projects you’re currently manufacturing so they can best serve your sourcing needs. If the majority of their customers are in other niches or have lower quantity needs than you, it may mean that this steel distributor might not be the best fit for your company.

5. What Types of Services Can You Offer?

A steel distributor that offers other services that you can take advantage of is an excellent partner to have. Check to see if your new potential distributor offers steel slitting services, cut to length sheets, and inventory stocking services that allow you to get the steel you need, the way you need it, when you need it.

Starting your conversation with new potential cold rolled/enameled steel distributors is a great way to ensure you’re on your way to selecting a reliable manufacturing partner that can support your production needs, growth, and product quality standards. SRJ Steel would love to discuss these questions and any other you may have about procuring cold rolled / enameling steel. Just complete our contact form and we’ll contact you by email or phone within one business day.