Summer is almost upon us, which means it’s time for procurement professionals to start planning for the holiday season. With global tariffs continuing to shift, it’s smart to get a head start on end-of-year planning and know what your options are when it comes to sourcing and shipping. Here are three tips for making sure this holiday season runs smoothly.
Stay Up to Date on Tariff and Supply Chain News
Knowing what tariffs are in effect and how they affect your supply chain is essential to procurement planning. Increased taxes on imported goods could take a serious bite out of your bottom line, and shifting global supply chains could cause shipping delays around the holiday season.
To get the latest supply chain updates and other news affecting the industrial manufacturing sector in your inbox every weekday, subscribe to the Thomas Industry Update newsletter. You can also browse Thomas Insights for tariff information, such as:
Find Suppliers That Fit Your Needs
As tariffs cause the cost of some imported goods to increase, many U.S.-based companies are looking for ways to shift their supply chains closer to home. If you’re looking to make sourcing changes, doing so sooner rather than later can help you find suppliers that work for your business and avoid an end-of-year scramble.
Thomas has been helping industrial buyers with supplier discovery for more than 125 years, forging connections that drive U.S. manufacturing forward. With just a few clicks, buyers can search, evaluate, and connect with Thomasnet®’s network of more than 500,000 suppliers across more than 78,000 industrial categories. Thomasnet’s platform allows you to search for products and suppliers by geographical location to find options in your area, as well as filter results to make sure suppliers have the certifications you need.
Learn more about finding U.S.-based suppliers on Thomas.
Communicate with Your Customers
As you’re keeping an eye on shipping schedules and making your holiday procurement plan, don’t forget to keep your customers in the loop with the information they need for end-of-year planning. Let customers know when they need to place orders in time for holiday delivery, and be transparent about pricing so they know if price increases may be coming in the future.
The holidays are a perfect time to show your appreciation for loyal customers. Even a small token of your gratitude can make a big impression, and sending something with your company logo adds a personal touch.
Search for gifts and promotional items on Thomas.
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