Trust, communication, and loyalty are how we manage vendor relationships. Since starting our company in 2001, we have replaced only three or four suppliers. We share annual projections, set clear expectations, and stay open with vendors, even when we lose an account.
That honesty builds trust. In today’s world, it is easy to price-shop every order, but brands that do this too often usually weaken the relationship and train vendors not to bring them overstock deals or first-call opportunities.
We still follow the standard practice of requesting quotes on new orders, but we are willing to pay a little more for a long-term relationship rather than chase a one-time discount.
That approach paid dividends during the COVID-19 pandemic supply crisis. Whilst many competitors struggled to get raw materials, our vendors often called us first to make sure we were supplied.
That kind of loyalty is not created during a crisis – it is built years before the crisis arrives.
Andy LaPointe
Co-Founder, Traverse Bay Farms
About Andy LaPointe
Andy LaPointe is co-founder of Traverse Bay Farms, a Northern Michigan gourmet food and wellness brand launched in 2001. With 15 years in financial services, he brings a relationship-first, long-term growth mindset to building award-winning superfruit products and customer loyalty.
About Traverse Bay Farms
Winner of 38+ national food awards at the Scovie Awards and America’s Best National Food Competition. Online, offline, B2B and B2C distribution. Our products are available in grocery and specialty stores in 42+ states. Established 2001
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