The wood market is a fertile market with huge growth and profit potential, which leads to an increase in the number of fraudsters. In this article, we will provide criteria for evaluating Angola wood supplier – one of the leading countries in the wood export industry based on experience gained from 30 years in the industry.
Table of Contents
Type of Supplier
After many efforts to find suppliers, now is the time to classify the types of suppliers to consider the time and resources spent on them. We will divide wood suppliers into 3 categories:
Type 1: Real Supplier
They are people who have standard, reliable sources of wood and complete documents. This is the type of supplier we should spend the most time with
These people are
– Direct wood harvester
– Trading company
In addition to the two main forms, buyers can also connect through sales staff, collaborators,…
Type 2: Broker
It’s the type where there’s a unit that needs to buy goods, but they’re busy, so they assign a few intermediaries, collectively called brokers, to find a supplier for them.
Usually, brokers will not be paid, but will receive commissions from the seller and buyer after the transaction is completed, so a certain order (especially a large order) will have many brokers participating.
Orders from Brokers are often quite large, and Brokers are often not too sure about the orders (because they only take orders from others), and the transmission of information also takes longer because it has to go through them. But if we meet long-standing, experienced brokers, we can access good, quality wood at cheap prices.
Type 3: Scammer
This is the type of supplier that we need to avoid, there are so many of them and their scams are increasingly sophisticated. They often attract the attention of buyers in a number of common ways such as: cheap wood (much lower than the market), very beautiful wood images (online photos, color correction), selling different types of rare/unexploited wood.
5 Factors to consider when choosing an Angola wood supplier
Social Network
In the 4.0 era, where all information can be searched online, owning social networking sites representing the brand has become a must. A good social network must demonstrate the following criteria:
- Company image: office, warehouse, workshop, wood exploitation place, wood quality, machinery, staff, etc.
- Photos of old orders: invoices, documents, related documents, wood, etc.
- Images of the company’s activities.
- …
Website
In today’s digital age, a company’s website serves as its online storefront. A high-quality website should effectively communicate the following aspects to visitors:
- Ease of Navigation: The website should be user-friendly, allowing visitors to easily find information about the company’s products, services, and contact details.
- Comprehensive Product Information: Detailed descriptions of the Angola wood types available, including their origins, characteristics, and applications, should be readily accessible. High-resolution images and possibly videos of the products can enhance this further.
- Sustainability and Certifications: The website should clearly display any sustainability practices and certifications the company holds, such as FSC certification, showcasing their commitment to environmentally responsible sourcing.
- Customer Support: Provision of clear and multiple contact options (such as email, phone, and live chat) for customer inquiries and support illustrates a commitment to customer service.
Certificates & Awards
Certificates and awards are not just decorations, they are the endorsement to a company’s commitment to quality and excellence:
- Quality Certifications: Look for certifications like the FSC, which indicate the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests. Other quality management certifications, such as ISO 9001, can also indicate a supplier’s commitment to maintaining high standards.
- Environmental and Sustainability Awards: Awards from environmental organizations or industry associations for sustainability practices highlight a company’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
- Recognition for Innovation: Awards for innovation in product development, supply chain management, or customer service can indicate a forward-thinking and adaptable supplier.
Company Activities
The activities a company engages in can provide insights into its values and its role in the wider community:
- Environmental Initiatives: Participation in or sponsorship of reforestation projects, wildlife conservation efforts, and other environmental sustainability programs shows a commitment to giving back to the planet.
- Community Engagement: Look for evidence of the company’s involvement in local community projects, which can range from educational programs to local infrastructure improvements.
- Industry Engagement: Active participation in industry conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions demonstrates a supplier’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and standards.
Feedback
Genuine feedback from past clients can be one of the most telling indicators of a supplier’s reliability and quality:
- Customer Testimonials: Direct quotes or video testimonials from previous customers sharing their experiences with the supplier can provide a realistic expectation of the service and product quality.
- Online Reviews: Look for reviews on independent platforms or the supplier’s website. A pattern of positive feedback is a good sign, but also pay attention to how the company responds to any negative reviews.
- Case Studies: Detailed case studies that outline specific projects the supplier has been involved in, including challenges faced and solutions provided, can offer deep insights into the supplier’s capabilities and approach to customer service.
In conclusion, selecting the right Angola wood supplier involves a multifaceted approach that goes beyond just the price and product. By carefully evaluating a supplier’s social media presence, the quality and informativeness of their website, their certifications and awards, the nature of their company activities, and the authenticity of feedback and testimonials, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of their business practices, commitment to quality, and customer service. These insights will empower you to make a choice that aligns with your values, ensures the sustainability and quality of the wood you’re purchasing, and fosters a reliable and beneficial partnership for your projects. At K-Timber, we have all the images and evidence available to verify our reputation. Please contact us now to buy quality African wood at the best price. Besides, if you need any more information in the field of wood in general, we have a team of experts with more than 10 years of experience ready to support and answer your questions for FREE
