Once a product is selected using a product audit, administrators should choose larger quantities and possibly take advantage of volume discounts or rebates from the manufacturer.
The Role of Technology
Administrators need to view purchasing as a journey. To help them on that journey, software programs and online dashboards systems can compare cleaning and other products for cost and effectiveness as well as introduce other new products.
These systems also indicate if a product is, for instance, Green certified and by which certification organization. This is important to know because different Green certification organizations may have different focuses. Some may place more emphasis on indoor air quality while others may put more focus on the sustainability aspects of a products.
However, these software/dashboard systems should be viewed only as an aid. Before making any final purchasing decisions, it’s a good idea to consult with a janitorial distributor for their expertise so they can better explain the advancements of new cleaning solutions and technologies.
Wilson is the vice president of marketing for AFFLINK, a provider of supply chain optimization. Reach him at [email protected].
Cleaning Solution Purchasing Tips
Compare apples to apples. Most cleaning solutions used in commercial kitchens must be mixed and diluted with water. While the cost of two cleaning solutions may be comparable, in reality, one may be far more costly over time than the other. For instance, of two products that cost the same, if Product A requires one part chemical to five parts water, and Product B requires two parts chemical to five parts water, then product A is less expensive.
Ask the experts. It is always advised to work with an astute distributor of cleaning solutions. Many market different brands of kitchen cleaning solutions. Therefore, it often can more objectively identify those products that might work best in a specific type of kitchen.
Buy in bulk. If you have a large facility, always ask the distributor if discounts are available when making large purchases of specific products. Usually there are, but even if there are none, in some cases the distributor can work with the manufacturer to provide a volume discount.
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