1. What is the full name and address of the company?

Getting the complete address of the company can be an important factor in determining a company's size and time in business. If a post office box is given, this could be a good indication of a small company that may lack the facilities necessary to complete your project. Try to hire a company that has an office. The likelihood of reliable service is far greater if the company as established themselves with an office.

2. How long has the company been in business?

Needless to say, longer is usually better. Under three years may signal and unstable business or one low on the learning curve. On the other hand, everybody has to start sometime. A newer business may have a great future however, it makes good business sense to use caution when considering the length of time and company has been in business. The failure rate of a small business in the first three years is extremely high.

3. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?

Ask for samples of complete work. Keep in mind that suppliers should be able to produce many samples. Request a list of 10 names and phone number or recent customers (last 12 months). It is not necessary to check all 10, but a random pick from the list will usually suffice.

4. What is the company's track record for solving customer complaints?

Try to find out how your suppliers handle problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the supplier if he has ever lost a job-related court case. If you really want to do your homework, talk to the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against the Supplier whom you have interviewed. Many suppliers in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved to test your Supplier's reputation.

5. What is the company's quoting procedures?

Most quotes for a Promotional Products are simple and straightforward. The larger or more experienced Suppliers may have longer, more detailed quotes. Regardless of the form of agreement, you should read all specific items in the contract carefully. Misunderstandings are most often the cause of quote disagreement rather than actual dishonesty or incompetence. It is in your interest that certain items which are important to you be stated in writing in the quote.

6. What associations are the Promotional Solutions Provider associated with?

Established companies have aligned themselves with organizations such as PPAC (in Canada), ASI (in U.S.) and Team Task Force. These organizations qualify their members and keep them informed of up and coming new projects and govern their business practice in the industry.

7. What is the best route to contact the company?

Smaller companies may have only one or two persons operating and office space. Without stating the obvious, a receptionist, and voice mail capabilities will often indicate that your are dealing with large organization. Also, in such a technological age, faxing, e-mail, and cellular phones allow contact between the company and the client to much simpler.

8. How is the company structured?

It is Obvious that a company with a sales, customer service and perhaps a production department will be able to handle client orders more efficiently than a smaller organization where persons may wear "several hats" in order to fulfill a client's needs.

9. What is the company’s policies with regards to deposits, refunds and samples?

Organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and Dun & Bradstreet offer references on the companies that may have had less than acceptable practices in the past.

Samples, depending on the quantity and value of the product may come with a nominal fee. A reputable company will place samples out on loan to a potential client, only to be charged if not returned.

Solid companies will more than likely request a deposit for first-time customers, and then set up terms (typically net 30 days). The deposit will be applied to the finished goods. In the event that goods are not finished to the customer's satisfaction, any deposits would be returned to the client along with a refund if necessary.

The most serious problems that arise with smaller organizations is the inability to refund deposits or make good on order because of the lack of resources.

10. Does the company have a website, offer online ordering of products or the ability to set up in-house programs?

Your needs may not include any of the above at the present time, but it is prudent to know that as you, and your company’s needs change and grow, your promotional product supplier is capable of getting you there.