In the fastener industry, many businesses are known to play a part in distributing the components around different sectors. Some factors distinguish the capabilities of each organization or company to know the extent of service and products they can provide. In this article, we will get to know the difference between fastener suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.

What’s the difference between fastener manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors?

Most companies aim to commercialize and widen the reach of their products or brand. Yet there’s a difference that consumers and industries should know when it comes to choosing where to source fasteners.

Fastener supplier is a term widely used by many companies that offer wholesale fastening components, products, tools, etc. The supplier company can be a direct source of the products or mainly another business that sources its inventory from a much larger company or a manufacturer. Distributors are sometimes referred to as the smaller companies in the fastener industry yet they play an important role in widening the scope of reach for most products. These companies are resellers in the retail of readily available materials and items that are typical of standard quality. Usually, fastener distributors also offer hardware products such as hand tools, construction essentials, and others.

In contrast, fastener manufacturers are the main source of production of fasteners from raw materials into their final form. Manufacturers carry extensive capabilities, from fabricating metal forms, implementing a quality system, and ensuring the standards of fasteners to market commercialization and more services. There are thousands of fastener manufacturers worldwide who offer more than just produce these valuable devices but also utilize the development in technology to innovate the best and highest quality form of fasteners. Naturally, fastener manufacturers are considered experts and professionals in fastening since they understand a deep knowledge of the elements.

What to look for when partnering with a fastener manufacturer?

As you know, fastener manufacturers are wholesale direct factory sources of fasteners or other related products. Distributors and suppliers are some of the businesses that are in partnership with manufacturers for delivering fasteners through wholesale or retail. Here are some factors to consider or evaluate when looking for a fastener manufacturer:

• Understand your objectives. An effective business starts with an understanding of your objectives and vision. A good fastener company provides excellent management of products and services that will fit your needs. You should primarily learn what you need most (i.e. on-time delivery, vendor-managed inventory, flexibility) for you to discuss with your preferred fastener supplier and discover if they can offer accuracy and efficiency.
• A diverse range of products. Since there are several types of fasteners that function differently according to their use or application, you need to look for suppliers that can offer more than just standard screws or bolts. This allows you to have a one-stop experience when purchasing the right fasteners you will need.
• A superior customer service provider. Even in perfect situations, there will be instances of inaccuracy or problems in fastening or as a distributor. A reliable fastener company should commit to its customers to provide the best service and support.

• Prioritizes long-term relationships. Your fastener supplier should be able to provide a strategic system that understands your needs and allows your business to grow. When there is a continuous exchange of good investments, a strengthened and improved long-term business relationship will be for sure.
• Don’t forget to ask the right questions. When sourcing fasteners from reputable companies you should consider the criteria of questions; Are they certified by ISO? Do they have a quality management system? Do they provide shipments? Do they assess supply chain risks? And so on. If your fastener supplier has issues with your requests then it might be best to seek an alternative company.