{"id":2183,"date":"2025-05-14T14:51:53","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T11:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scale.co.ke\/blog\/?p=2183"},"modified":"2025-05-14T14:52:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T11:52:47","slug":"from-first-contact-to-long-term-success-how-to-identify-the-right-suppliers-at-every-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scale.co.ke\/blog\/from-first-contact-to-long-term-success-how-to-identify-the-right-suppliers-at-every-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"From First Contact to Long-Term Success: How to Identify the Right Suppliers at Every Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"590\">Procurement is no longer about just getting the lowest price \u2014 it\u2019s about building partnerships that add value at every step. At <strong data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"452\">Scale<\/strong>, we\u2019ve helped hundreds of organisations across Africa identify the right suppliers early, and avoid the wrong ones before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"764\">This blog outlines what good and bad suppliers look like at every stage of the procurement journey \u2014 and what actions to take to protect your process and power your growth.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"825\"><strong data-start=\"777\" data-end=\"825\">Stage 1: Sourcing \u2013 First Impressions Matter<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"852\"><strong data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"852\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"853\" data-end=\"1023\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"853\" data-end=\"911\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"911\">Responds promptly and clearly to your call for interest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"974\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"974\">Asks clarifying questions to understand your specific needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1023\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"977\" data-end=\"1023\">Provides relevant case studies and references.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1061\"><strong data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1061\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1211\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1102\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1064\" data-end=\"1102\">Vague, delayed, or no response at all.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1103\" data-end=\"1161\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1161\">Generic proposals with no understanding of your context.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1211\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1211\">Refuses to provide references or past examples.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1236\"><strong data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1236\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1406\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1288\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1288\">Run a small RFx as a test before full onboarding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1289\" data-end=\"1349\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1349\">Use structured supplier scorecards to rate responsiveness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1406\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1352\" data-end=\"1406\">Always request anonymised case studies for validation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1475\"><strong data-start=\"1418\" data-end=\"1475\">Stage 2: Prequalification \u2013 Digging Below the Surface<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1502\"><strong data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1502\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1672\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1561\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1561\">Submits complete, current, and verifiable documentation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1630\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1564\" data-end=\"1630\">Meets regulatory, ESG, tax, and financial compliance requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1672\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1672\">Passes verification without hesitation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"1674\" data-end=\"1710\"><strong data-start=\"1674\" data-end=\"1710\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1858\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1752\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"1752\">Incomplete forms or outdated documents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1814\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1814\">Pushback on compliance, especially ESG or legal frameworks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1815\" data-end=\"1858\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1858\">Unverifiable claims or evasive behaviour.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"1883\"><strong data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"1883\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"2046\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1935\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1935\">Use Scale\u2019s automated prequalification workflows.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1990\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1938\" data-end=\"1990\">Set document expiry alerts to keep profiles current.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2046\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2046\">Disqualify or suspend suppliers with unverifiable records early.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2117\"><strong data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2117\">Stage 3: Onboarding \u2013 Setting the Tone for Partnership<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2144\"><strong data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2144\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2315\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2201\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2201\">Fast, organised submission of onboarding requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2265\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2265\">Shares team structure, escalation matrix, and contact points.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2315\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2268\" data-end=\"2315\">Aligns on expectations, SLAs, and deliverables.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2353\"><strong data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2353\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2509\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2406\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2406\">Missed deadlines, inconsistent data, or confusion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2407\" data-end=\"2460\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2409\" data-end=\"2460\">No formal team structure or unclear accountability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2509\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2463\" data-end=\"2509\">Shifts terms or expectations after onboarding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2534\"><strong data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2534\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"2535\" data-end=\"2707\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2535\" data-end=\"2591\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2591\">Track onboarding KPIs directly on the Scale dashboard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2592\" data-end=\"2643\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2594\" data-end=\"2643\">Require escalation paths and a contact org chart.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2644\" data-end=\"2707\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"2707\">Finalise SLAs and pricing terms before purchase orders begin.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2774\"><strong data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2774\">Stage 4: Contracting \u2013 Terms, Transparency &amp; Trust<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"2776\" data-end=\"2801\"><strong data-start=\"2776\" data-end=\"2801\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"2802\" data-end=\"2968\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2802\" data-end=\"2864\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2864\">Open to fair negotiations on price, delivery, and penalties.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2919\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2867\" data-end=\"2919\">Shares full breakdown of pricing and cost structure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2968\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2922\" data-end=\"2968\">Commits to measurable KPIs and service levels.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3006\"><strong data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3006\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3152\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3060\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3060\">\u201cTake it or leave it\u201d attitude with no flexibility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3061\" data-end=\"3113\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3113\">Hidden fees and charges appearing after agreement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3152\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3116\" data-end=\"3152\">Avoids putting key terms in writing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3177\"><strong data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3177\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3178\" data-end=\"3340\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3178\" data-end=\"3233\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3180\" data-end=\"3233\">Use Scale contract templates that include KPI fields.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3293\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3236\" data-end=\"3293\">Lock pricing terms and TCO models into contract metadata.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3340\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3340\">Require pricing transparency before signing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3404\"><strong data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3404\">Stage 5: Fulfilment \u2013 Delivering on the Promise<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3431\"><strong data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3431\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3593\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3480\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3434\" data-end=\"3480\">Delivers on time and communicates proactively.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3481\" data-end=\"3539\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3539\">Takes ownership of mistakes and resolves issues swiftly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3593\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3593\">Uses SOPs and documented processes for consistency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"3595\" data-end=\"3631\"><strong data-start=\"3595\" data-end=\"3631\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3782\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3683\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3683\">Repeated delays blamed on vague logistics issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3731\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3686\" data-end=\"3731\">Defensive or dismissive when mistakes happen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3782\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3734\" data-end=\"3782\">Lacks internal SOPs; operates with manual chaos.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"3784\" data-end=\"3807\"><strong data-start=\"3784\" data-end=\"3807\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3808\" data-end=\"3974\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3808\" data-end=\"3864\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3810\" data-end=\"3864\">Track fulfilment performance with Scorecards on Scale.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3865\" data-end=\"3922\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3867\" data-end=\"3922\">Investigate 3PL and logistics setups when issues arise.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3974\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"3974\">Ask to see their SOPs and ISO frameworks upfront.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4039\"><strong data-start=\"3987\" data-end=\"4039\">Stage 6: Relationship Management \u2013 The Long Game<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"4041\" data-end=\"4066\"><strong data-start=\"4041\" data-end=\"4066\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4241\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4129\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4129\">Actively seeks feedback and participates in regular reviews.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4130\" data-end=\"4184\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4132\" data-end=\"4184\">Brings forward innovations, new solutions, or ideas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4185\" data-end=\"4241\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4187\" data-end=\"4241\">Understands your growth goals and contributes to them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"4243\" data-end=\"4279\"><strong data-start=\"4243\" data-end=\"4279\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4449\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4331\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4282\" data-end=\"4331\">Avoids meetings or gets defensive during reviews.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4332\" data-end=\"4391\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4334\" data-end=\"4391\">Provides the same service year after year without change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4449\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4394\" data-end=\"4449\">Solely focused on transactional gains, not partnership.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"4451\" data-end=\"4474\"><strong data-start=\"4451\" data-end=\"4474\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"4475\" data-end=\"4655\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4475\" data-end=\"4533\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4477\" data-end=\"4533\">Set quarterly business reviews (QBRs) and KPIs on Scale.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4534\" data-end=\"4596\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4596\">Invite innovation presentations as part of supplier reviews.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4655\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4599\" data-end=\"4655\">Score supplier collaboration in relationship dashboards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"4662\" data-end=\"4708\"><strong data-start=\"4668\" data-end=\"4708\">Stage 7: Strategic and Financial Fit<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"4710\" data-end=\"4735\"><strong data-start=\"4710\" data-end=\"4735\">What Good Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"4736\" data-end=\"4922\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4736\" data-end=\"4799\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4738\" data-end=\"4799\">Financially stable, with strong backing or growth trajectory.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4800\" data-end=\"4863\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4802\" data-end=\"4863\">Has a diversified client base (you\u2019re not their only anchor).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4864\" data-end=\"4922\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4866\" data-end=\"4922\">Provides business continuity plans and risk mitigations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4960\"><strong data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4960\">Warning Signs of a Bad Supplier:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"4961\" data-end=\"5134\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4961\" data-end=\"5024\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4963\" data-end=\"5024\">Financial instability, unpaid vendors, or unclear operations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5025\" data-end=\"5075\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5027\" data-end=\"5075\">Heavily reliant on your contract to stay afloat.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5076\" data-end=\"5134\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"5134\">\u201cWe\u2019ve never had a problem\u201d approach to risk management.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"5136\" data-end=\"5159\"><strong data-start=\"5136\" data-end=\"5159\">What You Should Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"5160\" data-end=\"5330\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5160\" data-end=\"5207\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5162\" data-end=\"5207\">Request audited financials before onboarding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5208\" data-end=\"5270\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5210\" data-end=\"5270\">Track supplier revenue mix using ownership records on Scale.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5271\" data-end=\"5330\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5273\" data-end=\"5330\">Make contingency planning a standard part of contracting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"5337\" data-end=\"5407\">Great Procurement Begins with Great Partnerships<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5409\" data-end=\"5575\">Great suppliers don\u2019t just deliver \u2014 they collaborate, innovate, and help you grow. Bad suppliers erode trust, delay your progress, and cost you more in the long run.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5577\" data-end=\"5621\"><strong data-start=\"5577\" data-end=\"5621\">At Scale, we\u2019ve built tools to help you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5622\" data-end=\"5836\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5622\" data-end=\"5685\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5624\" data-end=\"5685\">Identify strong suppliers early through structured workflows.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5686\" data-end=\"5755\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5688\" data-end=\"5755\">Automate onboarding, contract validation, and performance tracking.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5756\" data-end=\"5836\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5758\" data-end=\"5836\">Monitor compliance, innovation, and financial health across your supply chain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"5838\" data-end=\"5841\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5843\" data-end=\"5897\">Ready to build a high-performing supplier network?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5899\" data-end=\"6009\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start=\"5902\" data-end=\"5965\">Book a demo at <a class=\"cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5919\" data-end=\"5963\">scale.co.ke\/pricing<\/a><\/strong><br data-start=\"5965\" data-end=\"5968\" \/>\ud83d\udce8 Or email us at <strong data-start=\"5986\" data-end=\"6009\"><a class=\"cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5988\" data-end=\"6007\">procure(@)scale.co.ke<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Procurement is no longer about just getting the lowest price \u2014 it\u2019s about building partnerships that add value at every step. At Scale, we\u2019ve helped hundreds of organisations across Africa identify the right suppliers early, and avoid the wrong ones before it\u2019s too late. This blog outlines what good and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2184,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[323,324,215],"tags":[327,326],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>From First Contact to Long-Term Success: How to Identify the Right Suppliers at Every Stage - Scale Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Stay up to date with procurement opportunities in Kenya, business trends and our digital tender application preparation platform\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/scale.co.ke\/blog\/from-first-contact-to-long-term-success-how-to-identify-the-right-suppliers-at-every-stage\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From First Contact to Long-Term Success: How to Identify the Right Suppliers at Every Stage - 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