One of the biggest challenges that operators face is finishing the hotel renovation or construction project within a budget. Everything from labor, construction materials, equipment, coverings, furniture and décor can cost excessive amounts of money. It is why many of them turn to overseas sourcing so they could obtain good quality products lower-cost products.
Sourcing goods and material from international suppliers definitely offers many benefits, but it also comes with its own set of headaches. Finding vendors and products, communicating and coordinating with suppliers based hundreds of miles away, is a time-consuming process that requires great effort. It takes you away from the day-to-day running of your property or planning and execution of your dream project.
This is where the Sourcing Company comes in handy when you prepare for your hotel renovation project
Sourcing companies, also called procurement specialists, are adept at dealing with overseas suppliers on behalf of their clients. They will free up your valuable time and take on the responsibility of dealing with vendors.
Step 1 – Understanding Your Requirements
Representatives from the sourcing company work hand-in-hand with you to understand what you need in order to complete your hotel/motel renovation or construction project. Whether you want the latest in decorative lighting, contemporary furniture, sculpture or framed art for the walls and rooms, they will make note of your preferences and requirements. This allows them to locate suppliers who can deliver what you need.
Step 2 – Sourcing Process
A sourcing company will look for manufacturers and vendors who offer the products you need, conducting quality, background and reputation checks to ensure that suppliers are reliable. They will also help you procure samples if needed. Many sourcing companies also have a database of experienced sellers that offer quality goods and services, and can make suggestions based on what you wish to buy. This saves a lot of time, especially if you’re already clear about what you need.
Step 3 – Supplier Visit
If you are planing a trip to check out different suppliers and their offerings in person, an overseas sourcing company can help you make the necessary arrangements. They can assist you with everything from booking your tickets and hotel reservations to suggestions to make your trip efficient.
Step 4 – Quality Control
Once you’ve decided which suppliers to buy from (or shortlisted potential ones), the sourcing company can help you ensure that quality requirements are adhered to. They can also help you with drafting and signing a sales agreement with the supplier. This stage covers everything from audits during manufacturing, checking equipment and material on-site, random sample checks from production batches, etc. If you need to conduct lab tests for materials or any special quality checks, they can help you locate independent third-party auditors for the task.
Step 5 – Product Consolidation & Planning for Export
Once the production of your order is complete, the sourcing company can ensure that goods are consolidated and prepared for export. Consolidation of materials allows them to pick the most cost-effective and safest shipping method. At this stage, the company also checks to ensure that high-quality export packaging is used, and any applicable labeling, shipping or packaging regulations are taken into consideration.
Step 6 – Loading of Materials
Once the shipment is ready for export, the sourcing company checks to ensure that goods are loaded properly in shipping containers and that export and customs documentation is all in place. Depending on whether your order is being shipped by air, land or sea, they will make certain that loading is done in a manner that ensures the greatest safety and efficient use of space. Proper packaging and securing of your products in containers plays a huge role in reducing damage caused during transit.
Step 7 – Delivery
The sourcing company will provide you with the shipping documents, container number and other codes of reference along with the details of shipping line. In case of any discrepancies, delays or other issues, the sourcing company will interact with the supplier and shipping company on your behalf.
A sourcing company can also get you extensive access to local contacts, supplier references and more – practically everything you need to successfully source materials for your big project!
