Direct Order Suppliers
Finding the right supplier is critical to operating your hotel. Listed below are Best Western endorsed suppliers for Direct Order and Food & Beverage.
What makes a supplier "endorsed"?
Design & Supply determines which suppliers' products will be endorsed. The first questions we ask are, "Would a Best Western member want this product or service? Why? What are its features and benefits?"
Design & Supply determines which suppliers' products will be endorsed. The first questions we ask are, "Would a Best Western member want this product or service? Why? What are its features and benefits?"
- Is the product being manufactured or distributed by the company? If it is distributed, where is the manufacturer? How much inventory is available to distribute the product in a timely and efficient manner? Where are their warehouses? Is this company's product or service nationally distributed, and can they service 2,400+ locations? Does the product meet all the SAFETY AND U.S. CERTIFICATION specs for use in lodging?
- Is this a financially stable company? How long has the company been in business? A D&B report is required, or the current Annual Report if it is a public company.
- How is the company handling their customer service issues? Are they resolved promptly?
- Within the company's structure, who calls on BEST WESTERN Supply? It is usually a national account sales representative who understands the need for nationwide coverage or even global coverage. If not, the Product Managers try to negotiate with the President or owner of the company if it is a smaller firm, or with the local manufacturing sales representative if it is food and beverage equipment.
We request letters of endorsement of the products from some of our Best Western Members who have used the product, or we conduct a test at one of our properties for feedback.
Some questions we ask include:
Price negotiation is an important part of the process, of course. It must be a good value at a fair price, competitive with comparable products on the market.
- How much anticipated business can we forecast with this supplier? Can this be leveraged to a pricing advantage? Protection from increases for at least a year is required. Review of price increases must be negotiated at least 30 - 60 days in advance, to allow the online catalog, bestwesternsupply.com, to be d.
- To what extent will the company participate in our marketing efforts? Will they participate in the Products Showcase at the annual Conventions, with a booth and a Special offered to all Members whether attending or not? Will they offer Specials to our Members four to five other times a year, in our Specials Brochures?
There are many considerations before we give our stamp of approval to a supplier's product or service. We are always working to get the best possible product for you, at the very best price. To get it, simply tell them you're a Best Western!
If you do not find what you are looking for, or if you have any questions regarding this Endorsed Direct Order Supplier list, please call Best Western Supply at (800) 528-3601.