Buying guide
How to choose an abrasives supplier for your wholesale business
The short answer
Choose an abrasives supplier by comparing a defined product list, the information available for each item and the terms for repeat supply.
Purchase price matters, but the comparison also needs to cover pack quantities, delivery costs, opening stock and how the supplier handles product questions and changes.
Step 1
Start with a buying brief
Describe the sectors you supply, the applications your customers need and the product formats you want to source. Include current article references where available.
If you are replacing an existing range, identify which specifications must match and where you are willing to consider a different option. This gives suppliers the same starting point.
Step 2
Compare the product before comparing the price
Create a shortlist with the intended application, dimensions, grade or grit, fixing method and pack contents. Include other relevant product specifications.
Ask for documentation for the exact items rather than accepting a general statement about the whole range. Product similarities in photographs or names do not establish equivalence.
Step 3
Include the costs of the actual order
Compare quotations using the same unit of purchase. A pack price, carton price and price per piece cannot be compared directly.
Add the delivery and other agreed order charges, then calculate the cost per saleable unit. Also check the amount of stock you must purchase to obtain that price.
Step 4
Check how repeat supply will work
Ask how availability is confirmed, what happens when an item is unavailable and whether product references remain stable. Clarify how the supplier communicates a specification or packaging change.
The opening order and future orders may involve different quantities or conditions, particularly for own brand products.
Step 5
Make a decision you can review
Assess the shortlisted products using criteria that matter to your business. If sample evaluation is part of the selection, record the products, conditions and results.
Agree the initial range and review it against actual demand after an appropriate trading period. Keep records of any agreed follow-up actions.
Comparison sheet
A comparison sheet for wholesale buyers
Use these questions to compare proposals from different suppliers side by side.
Product fit
Ask the supplier: Which exact items meet our specification list?
Record: Article references and documented differences
Information
Ask the supplier: Which item-specific documents and pack data are available?
Record: Missing information and who will provide it
Opening order
Ask the supplier: What quantities and charges apply to our proposed order?
Record: Units per pack and total stock commitment
Repeat supply
Ask the supplier: How are availability and changes communicated?
Record: Reorder process and contact route
Evaluation
Ask the supplier: What assessment can we agree before selection?
Record: Products evaluated and recorded findings
Abrasives buying guide
Compare a SADU assortment with your requirements
Send SADU your specification list, quantities and destination market for a wholesale discussion.
Questions from buyers
Frequently asked questions about choosing a supplier
Below you will find answers to questions that buyers often ask us.
Can’t find your question?
Read also
Ask the supplier to respond to a defined list of product requirements and quantities. A broad request for the best price rarely produces directly comparable proposals.
No. Compare the total order cost and the amount of stock committed alongside product suitability and repeat supply. A lower unit price can require a larger purchase than your demand supports.