Brand Owners
1.Status in Society
Brand owners hold an important position in the market. They are the face of the product, responsible for creating brand awareness, building brand loyalty, and setting industry trends. Their reputation is directly tied to the quality and performance of the products they provide.
2.Nature and Characteristics
Brand owners are often focused on product innovation, brand image building, and maintaining a consistent customer experience. They invest heavily in research and development to bring unique features to their products. They also have a wide – reaching marketing and distribution network, which allows them to target a diverse customer base.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
①Quality control: Brand owners should give priority to suppliers with strict quality control systems. The reason is that any quality problems with electric hair clippers can seriously damage the brand’s reputation. High quality products not only ensure customer satisfaction, but also help retain old customers and attract new ones. For example, if a brand’s electric hair clippers break down frequently, customers will lose trust in the brand, leading to a decline in sales and brand value.
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②Customization capabilities: Vendors that can offer customization options are highly desirable. Brand owners often want to add their own unique style to a product, whether in terms of design, packaging, or other features. This allows them to differentiate their products from their competitors. For example, a brand may want to create a limited edition electric hair clipper with a special color scheme or a unique handle design to appeal to a specific target market.
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③Reliable production capabilities: In order to meet the needs of their large-scale marketing campaigns and broad customer base, brand owners need suppliers with reliable production capabilities. A supplier that can scale up production during peak seasons or sudden surges in demand is crucial. If a brand launches a new marketing campaign and the supplier doesn’t produce enough, it can lead to lost sales opportunities and customer disappointment.
Middlemen
1.Status in Society
Middlemen play a vital role in the supply chain as they act as the middleman between the manufacturer and the end user. They bridge the gap between producers and different commercial entities and facilitate the movement of goods.
2.Nature and Characteristics
Middlemen are well connected in the market. They have a good understanding of the needs of both suppliers and buyers. Their main function is to source products from various suppliers and sell them to different customers. They typically deal with a wide variety of products and have flexible business models.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
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①Competitive prices: Middlemen rely on profit margins, so they need to source products at competitive prices. A supplier that can offer reasonable prices allows middlemen to make a profit while offering competitive prices to customers. For example, if a middleman can buy electric hair clippers from a supplier at a lower cost, they can sell them to retailers at a more attractive price than other middlemen in the market.
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②Wide range of products: Suppliers that can provide multiple models of electric hair clippers and related beauty products are preferred. Middlemen can then provide a one-stop solution for their customers. This saves time for their customers, who can buy different types of beauty kits from a single source. For example, a middleman who deals with suppliers that offer electric hair clippers in different sizes, as well as beard trimmers and nose hair trimmers, can better meet the needs of beauty salons and individual consumers.
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③Good communication and logistics support: Since middlemen are the coordinators between suppliers and buyers, suppliers with good communication channels and efficient logistics support are essential. Timely communication helps to resolve any issues regarding product availability, delivery schedule, etc. Efficient logistics ensures that products reach middlemen and their customers in a timely manner. If the supplier is delayed in communicating the product delay, or the logistics are poor, it will disrupt the business operation of the middleman.
Wholesalers
1.Status in Society
Wholesalers are an important link in the distribution chain. They buy products in large quantities from manufacturers or suppliers and sell them in small quantities to retailers, distributors or other business customers.
2.Nature and Characteristics
Wholesalers are characterized by their mass purchasing power. They have the ability to store large amounts of inventory and are often cost-efficient. They play a role in aggregating products from different sources and making them available to a wider range of buyers.Key Points in 3.Selecting a Supplier
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①Cost-effective bulk purchasing: Wholesalers need to ensure the best price when buying in bulk. Preferably a supplier that can offer attractive discounts for bulk purchases. This allows wholesalers to maintain a competitive edge in the market by offering lower prices to customers. For example, if a wholesaler can buy a large number of electric hair clippers at a discounted price per unit, they can sell them to a retailer at a more affordable price than other wholesalers.
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②Consistency in product quality: While cost is important, wholesalers also need to ensure that the quality of the products they buy is consistent. Inconsistent quality can lead to returns from retailers and damage the reputation of wholesalers. For example, if a batch of electric hair clippers has a high rate of defective products, retailers will be reluctant to buy from wholesalers in the future.
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③Effective inventory management support: Suppliers who can help wholesalers with inventory management are highly valued. This includes providing accurate information about product availability, lead times for new orders, and helping to forecast demand. For example, suppliers that can provide historical sales data and market trends related to electric hair clippers can help wholesalers make better inventory decisions.
Distributors
1.Status in Society
The distributor is responsible for getting the product from the manufacturer or supplier to the end retailer or consumer. They are an important part of the supply chain, ensuring the smooth flow of goods.
2.Nature and Characteristics
The dealer has a mature sales network. They are experts in logistics and have relationships with various retailers and commercial clients. They often assume responsibility for marketing and promoting products in their distribution area.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
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①Exclusive distribution rights: Distributors may look for suppliers who are willing to grant them exclusive distribution rights in a particular region. This gives distributors a competitive advantage as they can be the sole supplier of electric hair clippers in the region. For example, if a dealer owns the exclusive rights to distribute a popular brand of electric hair clippers in a city, they can prevent competitors from selling the same product in that area, thereby increasing sales and market share.
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②Marketing and promotional support: Distributors benefit from suppliers who can provide marketing and promotional materials and support. This can include product brochures, point-of-sale displays, and joint marketing campaigns. For example, if a supplier offers attractive product brochures and display racks of electric hair clippers, distributors can use them to more effectively promote products in retail stores
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③After-sales service backup: Since the dealer has a direct contact with the end user, it requires the supplier to provide after-sales service backup. This includes handling product warranties, repairs and customer inquiries. If customers experience problems using electric hair clippers, dealers can rely on suppliers to provide solutions, which helps keep customers satisfied.5.
Chain Supermarkets
1.Status in Society
Supermarket chains are large retail organizations that have a significant impact on consumer purchasing behavior. They offer a wide variety of products under one roof and are a popular shopping destination for consumers.
2.Nature and Characteristics
The supermarket chain is known for its high sales volume, strict quality standards and strong brand recognition. They have a large customer base and are generally focused on providing value for money to their customers.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
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①High-volume supply capacity: Supermarket chains need suppliers that can consistently meet their high-volume needs. Even in the peak shopping season, suppliers must be able to guarantee a stable supply of electric hair clippers. For example, during the holiday season, when demand for beauty products increases, suppliers should be able to supply a large number of units to supermarket chains.
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②Compliance with retail standards: Suppliers must adhere to the chain’s strict retail standards. This includes aspects such as product packaging, labelling and quality control. Supermarket chains have specific requirements for product packaging to ensure ease of shelving and appeal to consumers. For example, the packaging of electric hair clippers should have a certain size and design to fit the shelf space of supermarkets and be visually appealing.
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③Competitive pricing and promotional support: Supermarket chains are always looking for ways to offer customers competitive prices. Suppliers that can offer competitive prices and support promotions, such as buy one get one free offers or discounts, are preferred. This helps supermarket chains attract more customers and increase sales.
Large Enterprises
1.Status in Society
Big business is a major player in the business world. They have extensive resources, extensive market coverage, and often set industry standards. In terms of beauty products, they can use electric hair clippers in in-house beauty salons or as part of employee benefits.
2.Nature and Characteristics
Large enterprises are characterized by their complex organizational structure, high-level decision-making processes, and focus on long-term strategic goals. They have strict procurement policies that often focus on long-term cost-effectiveness and quality.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
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①Long-term partner potential: Large enterprises prefer suppliers with whom they have a long-term partnership. The ideal supplier is one who can provide consistent product quality, continuous supply, and is willing to collaborate on product development and improvement. For example, if a large business has an in-house beauty salon, they may want the supplier to constantly update the features of electric hair clippers to meet the changing needs of employees and customers.•
②Integrated Service package: Suppliers that can provide integrated service packages including installation, training, maintenance and after-sales support are more likely to be selected. For example, if a large business uses electric hair clippers in multiple locations, the supplier should be able to provide on-site training for employees on how to use and maintain hair clippers.
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③Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance: Large enterprises are increasingly paying attention to the CSR practices of their suppliers. Suppliers that adhere to ethical manufacturing processes, environmental sustainability and fair labor practices are more attractive. This helps large companies maintain a positive corporate image.
Medium – sized Enterprises
1.Status in Society
Medium-sized enterprises are an important part of the economy. They have a growing market share and tend to be more flexible than larger companies, while having more resources than smaller companies.
2.Nature and Characteristics
Medium-sized enterprises are characterized by a balance between growth and stability. They are often looking for ways to expand their market share and improve their products or services. Their decision-making process is relatively small, but more flexible, compared to larger enterprises.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
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①Flexible order sizes: Mid-sized businesses may not have the bulk purchasing power of large businesses or supermarket chains. Suppliers that can offer flexible order quantities, allowing them to order according to market demand and inventory levels, are preferred. For example, if a medium-sized business operates a beauty salon and the demand for electric hair clippers changes with the seasons, the supplier should be able to adapt to their changing order requirements.
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②Quality-price balance: Medium-sized enterprises need to strike a balance between product quality and price. They can’t compromise on quality, but also need to make sure the cost of the product is reasonable. Suppliers that can offer electric hair clippers at a good price are more likely to be selected. For example, one supplier offers a mid-priced electric hair clipper with high-quality performance characteristics that can meet the needs of medium-sized beauty salons.•
Responsive Customer Service: Because mid-sized businesses may have specific requirements or face unique challenges, vendors with responsive customer service are highly valued. A vendor that can respond quickly to queries, resolve issues, and provide personalized support can help midsize businesses run smoothly.
Small Companies
1.Status in Society
Small firms are the backbone of many economies. They often bring innovation and personal style to the market. In the beauty industry, small companies may include independent beauty salons, barber shops, or online retailers that specialize in beauty products.
2.Nature and Characteristics
Small companies are typically characterized by limited resources, a more hands-on focus, and a focus on niche markets. They rely on building strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
3.Key Points in Selecting a Supplier
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①Reasonable Price: Small companies are often on tight budgets. Suppliers that can offer affordable prices for electric hair clippers are crucial. That way, small businesses like Independent barbershops can buy products without straining their finances. For example, a small barber shop may not be able to afford high-end, expensive electric hair clippers, but needs a reliable and affordable option.
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②Personalized services: Suppliers that can provide personalized services, such as customized product orders, providing personalized attention, providing product selection advice, etc., are highly valued by small companies. Since small companies may not have a large purchasing department, they appreciate the additional support from suppliers. For example, a small online retailer selling beauty products may need help from a supplier to select the right combination of electric hair clippers based on their target customer base.
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Quick delivery and small order options: Small companies may need to restock quickly, or may not have the space to store large quantities of product. Suppliers that can provide fast delivery times and accept small orders are more suitable. For example, if a small beauty salon suddenly runs out of electric hair clippers, they need a supplier who can deliver a small number of orders on short notice.
To sum up, different business entities in the market have different needs and priorities when choosing an electric hair clipper supplier. By understanding their own characteristics and needs and carefully evaluating potential suppliers based on the key points mentioned above, each entity can make an informed decision that will help them succeed commercially in the highly competitive personal beauty market.
