Whatever you require a creative supplier for, whether it’s to supply a costume department with theatrical fabrics and crystals, or to assist with the interior design of a new building, it’s important to choose a reliable company. Creative partnerships will only work if both parties understand the project fully and the role they will play in it. If you’re looking for a new creative supplier for your business or a one off project, here are a few tips.
Specialists
Make sure you choose a person or company which is a specialist in your industry or creative niche. For example, Crystal Parade specialises in creative arts, having worked with West End shows and a number of celebrity performers. Some companies claim to be specialists in everything, but it’s recommended to look for a brand which shares your passion for a specific craft.
Versatile Products
A versatile product range is really important, as it will save you precious time and usually reduce the cost too. How much easier is it to work with one supplier rather than five? Get everything you need in one place, and your life will be made so much easier. You’ll probably also receive a bulk buying discount or at least save on shipping and postage.
Portfolio
A strong portfolio is absolutely essential. If previous work isn’t displayed on the supplier’s website then don’t be afraid to contact them and ask who they have worked with in the past. It is very difficult to see what a company can bring to the table if they don’t have a proven track record. Compare the past projects they have worked on and see if they align with yours - if so this is probably the supplier for you.
Trustworthy
Trust is vital in any working partnership or collaboration, but it’s even more important if you have a short lead time or a restricted budget. You need a supplier to be completely trustworthy and reliable - this means keeping promises, delivering on time and offering impartial advice on products. But how can you establish if a supplier should be trusted? Firstly, again you can look at a portfolio and the people who have trusted them previously. But testimonials aren’t everything - look up independent reviews, ask around in the creative community and get a feel for their customer service.
Following these tips should lead you to your ideal creative supplier. Contact Crystal Parade today to see if we could collaborate on your next project.
Craft & diy