You’ve had a business plan for years, and you finally have enough money from savings and investments to put it into action. As you find premises, hire employees, create your marketing strategy, and acquire permits, you also need to figure out who your vendors are for these items.

Raw Materials

Whether you’re starting a pizza restaurant or a paper supply company, you need a vendor to provide you with raw materials. Preferably, this vendor offers deals such as discounts or free delivery on bulk purchases. Keep in mind ways to incorporate your mission statement and core values in this business relationship. For example, if you produce hiking equipment, you should source your raw materials from a vendor who uses recycled materials, since people who love hiking are usually passionate about conservation.

Packaging

Once you’ve purchased raw materials and your employees have converted them into your signature products, you need to package them before your customers can buy them. Look into vendors such as plastic bottle packaging suppliers who can meet all of your packaging needs. This technique creates a uniform appearance across your entire brand. Don’t forget to request labels with your logo and all the product information.

In-Store Items

The odds and ends are the easiest parts of your business to forget. Set yourself up for success on your opening day by finding vendors for your shopping bags, cash registers, and business cards well in advance. These products may seem unimportant, but they make your business seem legitimate to your new customers.

Finding vendors can be a tedious process, but if you approach it with the same enthusiasm you display in other parts of your business plan, you’ll enjoy it. As you talk to each potential partner, remember to stay true to your brand in whatever business agreements you make.