A new survey has revealed that UK businesses are being let down by bad supplier practices.
In the last six months nearly half (47%) of businesses have been left frustrated by a supplier failing to provide a quote as promised.   Pushy ‘hard sell’ tactics (44%), and inexperienced suppliers failing to answer their questions (37%), came a close second and third in a catalogue of basic and avoidable errors that are, arguably, in turn hindering the UK’s economic recovery. The survey was carried out by Signs Express, the UK’s largest sign company; which commissioned an independent research company to poll more than 1000 businesses in the UK. Craig Brown, managing director of Signs Express, says: “This survey flags up some quite shocking statistics. Considering that today’s business world is facing so many challenges it is surprising that so many suppliers are behaving in a way that is unprofessional, unhelpful and that clearly alienates the very businesses that they need to attract. Suppliers need to stop letting down businesses if the economy is to get back on its feet. “On a positive note, the survey also revealed that three quarters (75%) of UK businesses believe it is important to ‘buy local’ when it comes to purchasing goods and services. This is excellent news because it clearly shows that businesses want to support their local economy. “We hoped that this research would help us to better understand the priorities and concerns of UK businesses – our customers – and of course to gain insight on their opinions and needs regarding signage and graphics. However we were really surprised by the statistics generated in the area of really poor basic levels of customer service being delivered by suppliers. “As a supplier ourself, one that strives for excellence in all areas of customer interaction across our network of over 75 centres in the UK and Ireland; these results have really been a wake-up call that we all need to continue to pull our weight when it comes to delivering outstanding service. These reports of hard selling, of not delivering quotes a promised and not answering questions have the potential to cause serious damage to businesses’ bottom lines and the economy as a whole,” concludes Craig Brown. For more information about Signs Express visit: www.signsexpress.co.uk