Food distributors supply wholesale food and restaurant supplies to restaurants and other commercial dining facilities. Some distributors specialize and sell only one type of product such as dairy or bakery items. Food distributors typically deliver the product directly to the customer. You can place orders by phone, online or by fax.
Instructions
1. Contact the food distributors that service your area, and ask for a current product and pricing list. You will want to compare prices and see which vendor offers the items you need.
2. Discuss the terms for lines of credit with each vendor. Some vendors offer lines of credit; others may require prepayment, payment on delivery or delayed payment. You will want to know how and when you will pay before ordering.
3. Arrange a scheduled delivery date and time. Food distributors typically have regular delivery routes. While they cannot guarantee the exact time of the delivery, they can estimate. You want to arrange this in advance so it does not conflict with your business schedule. For example, if you are ordering for a café that specializes in lunches, you don't want the delivery at noon.
4. Request samples of products you intend to use on your menu. Before committing to a large order, arrange to order a small delivery or ask for samples. If the quality is poor, you may want to investigate another vendor.
5. Ask about the availability of the products. Before adding a specialty item on the menu, ask the sales representative if the distributor intends to keep carrying the item.
6. Compare products before changing food distributors. If another food distributor gives you a better price than your regular distributor, make sure the products are similar (or superior) to the products your customers have become used to receiving.
7. Request samples of new products from your sales representative, and inquire about current specials. Food distributors often run specials and offer samples on new products.
8. Arrange a schedule to place your orders. Each food distributor will have a specific order deadline for each delivery. To avoid missing a deadline, keep a schedule to remind you to place your order.
