Managing the supplier.

When buying goods or services, leverage is the key to successful negotiation. Placing every piece of business with just one supplier inevitably results in either a drop of service, lack of competitive cost or lessening of product quality – in a word, complacency. To avoid this, seek quotes from at least 3 separate suppliers on each job where it is feasible to do so. It can be the same 3 time and time again if that makes life easer but when a supplier knows that there is competition involved in the quoting process it is amazing how often things improve ...read more

Business is business and anyone involved in industry would do the same if the roles were reversed. In some ways it benefits the supplier as your relationship with them has a professional distance that is healthy. It prevents the buyer feeling obligated and there are no preconceptions from the supplier apart from expecting a fair shot at getting the order. In addition, should the supplied product or service not meet expectation, troubleshooting a solution can be done without fear of losing an essential suppliers service or the loss of an irreplaceable relationship. It is that lack of expectation that keeps a supplier on their toes and working not just for themselves but also for their client.

Ah yes, but what about lunching etc? Well, plenty of companies employ sales staff who's remit is to service the client as well as sell to them. Take it as a sign of gratitude and appreciation. After all you are giving them business. In the creatively led advertising industry, many subjective issues can be resolved in a less formal atmosphere and it builds trust if done right. The simple rule is that a lunch does not get more orders. Quality, service and value do.

Many long and successful business relationships have prospered under the circumstances of respect and professionalism. Business can be ruthless at times and strong supplier relationships can be very rewarding and often help in a tight spot so it's worth giving the dynamic full consideration. ...read less

Does the Rocket Science model have creative and commercial merit?

If you are reading this then you are obviously on the site and curious about Rocket Science. Thanks for visiting us! In the site's 'about us' section we explain the Rocket Science model of operating. As a business we have been going long enough to be convinced of its merit. That does not always mean everyone will see what we see as benefits ...read more

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Fair enough, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, opinions carry most weight when known to be supported by facts. In support of our view that our approach has merit, Rocket Science submit 'Exhibit A'. This is an article written and included in the industry's weekly trade magazine – Campaign. Campaign was launched in 1968 and is subscribed to by almost every major marketing organisation in the UK (circulation is circa 143K). Not only does it support the industry, it also informs on client opinion, market trends and current business activity.

This article appeared in the 13th May 2011 issue and gives an insight into the use of 'freelance resource' to provide services within the marketing sector. What this piece specifically highlights is that there are market driven reasons for short-term resource being brought to bear on client briefs and the talent available is as good as any within fixed long-term employment. In addition, there are considerable financial and creative client benefits to be enjoyed. We happen to think that those not resting on their fixed, long-term employed laurels tend to be a little bit more motivated. That however is a purely personal opinion.

What this article does indicate is that there are others who think the same way as us. All business models have their positive and negative points. What works best is what best suits the client, their product and there culture. As such, more client choice is surely the best way of ensuring this. ...read less

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