Archive for the ‘Sourcing Strategy’ Category

Doom and Gloom, nobody is spending MONEY.

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

I went to a mall this past weekend. It’s something I always liked to do during the holidays. Truth be told I used to love it as a kid during the pre-indoor shopping days. The cold of going from store to store made it seem more like the holidays and if I was lucky, it might even snow. All that much better in my mind.

Well, the hustle and bustle are back even if it is indoors. The first indication that consumers are being, well consumers was that there were no parking spots at 11 a.m. So, we circled and finally found a spot. To say the mall was crowed is an understatement. Literally every single store had waiting lines at the checkout. The restaurants were all full as were the coffee shops. I have never seen so many people in a Nordstroms, and their Café had a line out the door. When we finally left, the line to get in the parking garage was dozens of vehicles in length. So, consumers are not listening to the financial pundits and news channels. Much is still ok with the American consumer and prices will continue to go up on everything other than maybe real estate.

In a supporting article in the Wall Street Journal titled, Stocks Fall After Strong Data Raises Rate Fears Crude-oil prices extend declines, Treasury yields tick lower By Will Horner Follow and Jack Pitcher, the quote David Donabedian “The economy continues to show a degree of strength that I think was not expected,” said David Donabedian, chief investment officer at CIBC Private Wealth US. “The consumer is hanging in there quite well, jobs continue to be added, wage growth is significant, and consumers are still spending.”

Based on my observations and the above article, it does not sound as though consumer spending will be going down any time soon. So, you guessed it, prices are going up for everybody, individuals and businesses alike.

So, how do companies make sure they are sourcing products for you economically? Hey should Contact SafeSourcing Inc. We buy it more often than they do and know the levers to pull.

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

For more information, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Associate.

Resources: Wall Street Journal

Talking Turkey!

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

According to a recent article by Thomas Barrabi in the New York Post, Americans will face a record-high cost for a traditional Thanksgiving turkey this fall because of inflation and a shortage caused by bird flu outbreaks.

The cost of turkey hens — the bird that most often appears on Thanksgiving dinner tables — is currently up 57% compared to its five-year average, according to market data from research firm Urner Barry cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Prices have hit their highest level on record. Turkey breast meat has surged to a record of more than $6.50 per pound this year. The same cut cost less than $2 per pound in 2020.

This is another example of prices that do not need to be as high as they are. There are ways to mitigate these costs, but you should have been considering that in February and March. And you should have been engaging SafeSourcing Inc.

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

For more information, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Associate.

References: Thomas Barrabi,  The New York Post

 

 

Based on October results are consumers really being impacted by inflation?

Monday, November 21st, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

According to TRADINGECONOMICS Retail sales in the US surged 1.3% month-over-month in October of 2022, the strongest increase in eight months, after a flat reading in September and beating market forecasts of a 1% gain. Sales at motor vehicle dealers were up 1.3% as supply chain constraints have been easing while rising gasoline costs pushed sales at gasoline stations 4.1% higher. Excluding gasoline and autos, retail sales were up 0.9%. Other increases were also seen for sales at food services and drinking places (1.6%), food and beverages stores (1.4%).

When results for this quarter are reported, we believe margins will also rise when looking at the cost savings we are seeing for our retail customers. If you want better margins and better earnings, maybe it’s time to talk to SafeSourcing about our risk-free trial. Sales up and costs down is a perfect formula

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

To learn more, please contact a SafeSourcing customer services associate.

References:

  1. TRADINGECONOMICS

 

Your prices will keep rising!

Thursday, November 17th, 2022

 

Today’s post is from Dave Wenig is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Services at SafeSourcing Inc

There is always something. We have been watching as costs for everything continue to rise every month. There seems to be no end to the scary stories we are being told that seem to keep the prices rising and our wallets lighter.

One that has me particularly disappointed is the news coverage about a potential diesel shortage. The facts are minimal, and the stats are carefully selected. Comparisons are not offered nor are typical averages. The headline just tells us we are only have a 25-day supply of diesel. Of course, that is not really true. If you just look past the click bait and breathless recounting of the story, you will see it is nothing to be worried about.

What is worrisome is the effect that could have on already high prices. We all know that everything runs on diesel. America runs on diesel. That means that even a perceived shortage can spike prices (or just justify the already high prices to hold them there).

Regardless of the story and the excuse, when faced with increasing costs we must push back. Our customers have been doing that already and it is more important than ever.

For more information, please contact SafeSourcing.

 

 

 

Powerball is at Two Billion Dollars WOW. Did you buy a ticket?

Monday, November 7th, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

If you took the risk of buying a ticket or many tickets in the recent Power Ball. Join the losers club. That includes yours truly. According to sources, your chance of winning Powerball is 1 in 292 million. You have a better chance of being struck by lightning. Oh, and guess what? You cannot get your money back.

So, if you were silly enough to make this bet as I was and will do on Monday, why not try a sure thing. SafeSourcing guarantees our results. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. Our risk-free trial just might be the best thing to happen to your company. How many jobs would be saved or delayed, or new initiatives started if you had a billion dollars.

Here’s An Example:

Assume a $5B Retail Company. Assume cost of goods for this company is 70 percent or $3.5B. Let’s also assume this company were to only source thirty percent of their for-resale COGS. or $1.5B. With SafeSourcing’ s average annual savings of 24%, savings generated would be $840M. Now let’s assume that we also source the indirect or expense category. That would be $1.5B minus average payroll and benefits expense of 20%, so $1.2B. If we also average 24% savings here, that would be an additional savings of $288M. Therefor total savings would be $1.128B. From here we’d have to manage award of business and contract begin and end dates.

If you don’t have $5B in sales, the numbers would still be dramatic. When’s the last time Powerball guaranteed a $1M winner.

Can you find thirty percent of your COGS or Not for Resale spend to source? That’s up to you! Can you test me, if you’d like, this link will come directly to me. Your team will tell you this is not possible. I guarantee that your odds are better than 1 in 292 million.

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

Best of Luck!

For more information, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Associate.

 

 

 

What happens when no one believes you?

Friday, November 4th, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

Over and over and over again. So, just what are you missing?

SafeSourcing is a a Spend Management Company. We consistently reduce costs greater than 24% of what companies can negotiate on their own, across their entire spend improving net earnings significantly. We also GUARENTEE it. So, test me if you dare. All you have to lose is the best total year business results your company has ever achieved. Insert here the sound of a clucking Chicken!

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

For more information, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Associate.

 

 

How can Companies and Individuals save money when fuel prices are constantly rising?”

Wednesday, October 19th, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

If you drive, then you may have noticed that the fuel prices are starting to rise again.  Over the summer the price of fuel did start to come down because of a variety of price stabilization efforts that seems to have brought us some temporary relief.  One of these efforts was a historic release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the world’s largest supply of emergency crude oil and was established primarily to reduce the impact of disruptions in the supply of petroleum products and to help carry out the obligation of the United States under the international energy program.  But now, after three months of fuel prices declining, they are now starting to creep up again.  Part of the reason for this rise in prices is because OPEC recently announced that they are cutting its oil production by two million barrels a day.  According to the Saudi foreign ministry the decision was adopted through a consensus, considered the balance of supply and demand, and was aimed at curbing market volatility.  No matter what the reason is for the cut in production we will see higher prices at the pump.  Below are some actions you can take to try and save some money with the rising fuel prices.

  • Fill Up on the Cheapest Days of the Week
  • Use Fuel Reward Cards
  • Join a Grocery Store Reward Program
  • Use a Fuel App to Find Cheapest Locations
  • Check Your Fuel Cap and Replace if Broken or Cracked
  • Accelerate Slowly when Taking Off
  • Do not Speed
  • Spend Less Time Idling
  • Plan your Routes
  • Use Cruise Control on Long Uninterrupted Trips
  • Reduce AC Use
  • Remove Excess Cargo Weight
  • Maintain Correct Tire Pressure

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

For more information, please contact SafeSourcing.

 

 

What tools do you use as your source of supply chain and procurement information?

Tuesday, October 11th, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

During the last few months, I have tried to hi-lite many of the tools available on the SafeSourcing Website. Many of which do not cost anything to use. The SafeSourcing™ Wiki is one of those tools where you can find information on many supply chain and procurement related topics. While we do not try to be Wikipedia or more expansive tools of that nature, we are a particularly useful source of need-to-know information in a brief format. You can rate us on our page, and that will only make us better as we update our information daily.

Wikis are used in businesses to provide affordable and effective intranets for knowledge management and transfer. Registered members may search for, edit, or add commonly used terms in the procurement area. We look forward to your input.

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers.

To learn more, please contact a SafeSourcing customer services associate.

 

How does your company ensure contract compliance?

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

SafeCatalog™ is a one tool that allows companies to reinforce rules that supports contract compliance, thus ensuring that hard earned discounts, terms, and conditions achieved by their procurement knowledge workers are maintained for the length of the contract.

SafeCatalog™ is a tool that allows companies to consolidate the products and services they order into one online view for employees. This tool is easily customizable and allows users to create different catalogs for multiple departments within their organization. It also provides control over ordering by listing only approved vendors at negotiated rates.

When integrated with the SafePO™ module, users can have their catalog orders automatically processed and entered to an online purchase order system that allows suppliers to be notified of the order once it has been approved.

Catalogs can be populated with items from one or multiple suppliers and are presented in a way that includes descriptions and provides prices in one location.

SafeCatalog™ provides users the leverage to monitor and control spending through spending thresholds that ensure that users are receiving the correct price for all items.

SafeSourcing is a Procure to Pay SaaS based provider of a number of e-Procurement solutions and associated white glove services that are part of our SaaS offered SafeSourceIt™ eSourcing suite. These include but are not limited to SafeContract™, SafePO™, SafeDocument™ and our SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vendor/suppliers. To learn more, please contact a SafeSourcing customer services associate.

 

How to you choose your Suppliers/Vendors?

Friday, September 16th, 2022

 

Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR, and Administration at SafeSourcing

Having the right vendor selection process can help your organization in the long run.

When it is time to select a vendor for whatever project you have underway, it is important to choose one that fits your needs the best, but first you will need to determine what your needs are and what your wants are.

Determining needs – First you will need to find a vendor that can provide the good or service you are looking for. This can be as easy as making a list of exactly what you need from your project. For a simple project, which can be fairly easy, but for more complex projects you may need to dive into capabilities. For example, if you need a plumber for a leaky faucet, you will find a number that can complete your project. However, if you need your water line under the ground replaced, you may need someone who specializes in that. The same concept applies to goods as well. If you are looking for the perfect cheese for your pizzas, you may want someone who specializes in cheddar shreds as opposed to one who sells a lot of aged charcuterie style blocks.

Determining your wants – after you find out what you need, next you will dive into what you want. Perhaps you want a plumber that offers flexible pricing options or may be someone who sells cheddar cheeses and nacho cheeses. Determining what you want can help narrow down the field. A list of wants can help steer your vendor selection down. A wonderful way to help with not only determining wants and needs, but also vendor selection, is having a procurement partner. A procurement partner, like SafeSourcing, can help you determine which vendors fit your needs and wants, and on top of that we can also collect valuable information and pricing for your next project.

For more information on what the SafeSourcing team can offer you, or on our Risk-Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.