The Top 10 P,F & F Purchasing Mistakes... and Their Solutions

Compliments of Tioga Pipe

 

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1.   Not knowing the actual finished length requirements per piece.

 

Knowing your finished lengths can save you money because shorter than random lengths ("shorts") will:
a) save money on a per foot basis
b) save money on a cutting charge, and
c) reduce turnaround time (less processing).
Vendors like Tioga Pipe also benefit by using shorts because they reduce waste, reduce the need to warehouse remaining remnants of cut lengths and improves production by having to make fewer cuts. If you don?t know the actual finished lengths, ask your engineers, your shop or your customer.

 

 

2.   Not knowing your real delivery requirement.

 

Since good suppliers are constantly replenishing inventory, metal finished goods prices change rapidly and mill lead times vary considerably, knowing and sharing true delivery information may help save you money. A quick and easy way to calculate the real delivery requirement is to work backwards from the time the materials are needed on-site.

 

3.    Not sharing information upfront concerning all pertinent requirements.

 

Communicating requirements such as all specifications, approved vendors, additional testing, special packaging, special expediting, documents, etc at the time of the inquiry will save time, prevent re-quotes and improve accuracy.

 

4.   Not advising how to best respond to you.

 

Tell Tioga how you like to receive a response to your request for quotation (call back, e-mail, fax, .pdf, etc.).

 

5.   Not consolidating your purchasing.

 

Review your whole bill of goods prior to making that vendor contact; understand or ask the vendor what other products they can provide on your bill of goods. Pipe/tubing is frequently purchased with the connections pieces like fittings and flanges.

 

6.   Not asking about any extra charges?

 

Ask if the vendor charges extra for MTRs (Material Test Reports) or any other hidden costs? Tioga does not charge for MTRs.

 

7.    Not understanding standard quantity variations.

 

Remember when ordering pipe/tubing that the customary quantity variation on random length pipe and tubing is plus or minus 10%.

 

8.   Not getting all the information to be asked of you.

 

When appropriate, inquire about the weight of the materials; your engineers may want to know.

 

9.   Not sharing the information that your bill of goods is for an estimate only.

 

Having the vendor know whether your quote is a bid (for your re-sale), buy or estimate helps you be more informed about availability, knowing when to buy and mill capacities and lead times.

 

10.  Not contacting Tioga Pipe for your pipe, fittings and flanges needs.

 

Nothing helps you do your job better than working with knowledgeable vendors that understand your requirements and deliver the goods right the first time.

 

 

 

© Copyright Tioga Pipe Supply Co., 2010