Finding a supplier that will consistently meet your needs is a lot like the game, “Where’s Waldo”. It can be a daunting task when there are so many that offer the same service or product.
Going through what makes each business different is a job in itself. You then have to decide if you can trust the supplier to follow through.
Here we will discuss the main differences between branded tablecloth suppliers and how to determine which is best for you.
Not All are Created Equal
There are many suppliers offering branded tablecloths. While the product may be the same; the quality, service, production time, pricing, and more can differ.
These differences will add value to the supplier and it is this value that should stand out to you.
“Value is not determined by those who set the price. It is determined by those who choose to pay it”.
– Simon Sinek.
High Quality Printed Tablecloths
“Quality is the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.” -English Oxford Living Dictionaries
The fabric used to make a tablecloth can differ depending on where you order it from. Inks and the machines used to print on it will also be different.
Attention to detail when manufacturing your branded table cover will vary too. These things will affect the quality of your branded tablecloth.
A high quality branded tablecloth will be made from 100% polyester and made in the United States. It will also have a high thread count. The higher the thread count, the thicker the fabric will be.
Methods of printing also affect the quality of a branded tablecloth. Dye sublimation is quickly becoming the standard method for printing tablecloths.
Ink is fused into the fabric during this printing process which makes for a long-lasting and durable item. You can machine wash a dye sublimated table cover and not have to worry about the ink washing away.
Other methods of printing are achieved by applying ink or vinyl to the surface of an object. Screen printing and heat transfers do not hold up as well over time and tend to wash away and crack.
Customer Service: It’s Kind of a Big Deal
“Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game. Service wins the game.”
~ Tony Allesandra
Have you complimented anyone for their customer service recently? The service you receive from your branded tablecloth supplier can go a long way.
You want a supplier who consistently meets your deadlines, one you can trust. A supplier that has your back and looks out for your interest will feel like family. Do you trust anyone more than your family? Okay, that may not be the best of examples.
Some suppliers do not review artwork and print exactly what they receive, even if it prints poorly. Good customer service follows up and takes on more than is expected of them.
What Services Should You Expect from your Branded Tablecloth Supplier?
A good supplier will be in constant communication with you through your order process and will be easily accessible.
They will constantly meet your deadlines and even contact you regarding any issues. They should be able to answer all of your questions and truly understand their industry.
Good suppliers will provide free proofs and check your artwork thoroughly, to ensure it will print clearly.
Suppliers that use online web portals for you to upload your image and provide instant proofs, be wary, they are not checking your files.
Lastly, a good branded tablecloth supplier will provide products at market value.
Branded Tablecloth Production Times
Another thing to consider when looking for your branded tablecloth supplier is proofing and production times. Time can be everything these days.
Some companies ask for two business days to receive a proof while others ask for a 10 day production time.
Many times a 10 day production time will indicate that the item(s) are being shipped from over seas.
Proofs will be emailed within the same day from a good supplier and a production time of 3 business days is standard.
Branded Tablecloth Supplier Pricing
Here is where we swing full circle and get back to that thing we mentioned earlier value. “Fair market value (FMV) is an estimate of the market value of a property, based on what a knowledgeable, willing, and unpressed buyer would probably pay to a knowledgeable, willing, and unpressed seller in the market.” –Wikipedia
Branded tablecloths should be priced according to its fair market value. Suppliers raise their prices according to their perceived value. The perceived value is made from the suppliers quality of service, production time, product, and reliability.
Integrity is Not Dead
Additional value is added through the beliefs and actions of a supplier or company. How a company treats its customers, resolves issues, and treats employees can add or decrease its value.
Consumers buy from suppliers that believe in the same ideas as they do. People who share similar ideas tend to gather and form groups. A company that donates to charity will appeal to consumers who care about similar things.
Value is perceived in many other ways than just price.
They Lived Happily Ever After
In conclusion, there are many tablecloth suppliers offering the same printed tablecloths and at different prices. A supplier’s quality of product and services, production time, and attention to detail will add to its value.
This value should be considered above all else before looking at pricing. While the pricing may be less expensive, you may be getting a far less quality product or service.
The end.