Charles Muhlbauer’s Post

The formal buying process can be tricky, especially when the rules seem stacked against you. In these situations, playing by the book might not be the best strategy. If you find the process rigged to favour another vendor, it's time to either disrupt it or walk away. The key is to assess whether you can influence the process to level the playing field. Can you build stronger relationships, offer unique value, or challenge the criteria? If not, sometimes the smartest move is to step back and refocus your efforts where the odds aren’t so skewed. Don’t waste resources on a losing game - know when to break the rules or when to leave the table. #SalesStrategy #Negotiation #BusinessSuccess #KnowWhenToWalkAway #DisruptTheProcess

🤝 If you work in the retail industry, you know how important it is to negotiate with suppliers effectively. ✅ But what if I told you that your negotiation process may not be optimized? That's where our solution comes in - quick and easy to implement, it can help you streamline your supplier negotiation process. 💡 Don't miss out on the benefits - check out our solution today! #retail #retailindustry #retailbusiness #negotiation

If you thought you were being paid to be a jerk to suppliers, well, you couldn’t be more wrong. It might feel good to throw your weight around and make demands, but ultimately, the results generated by that attitude are 'only okay’. You aren’t satisfied with ‘only okay,’ though, are you? You need to improve COLLABORATION with your suppliers! Keep the lines of communication open even when a purchase isn’t imminent. You’ll build relationships that will result in: → Better responsiveness from vendors → More information about the product field → Faster responses to your requests → More effort spent keeping you happy! When you work with a vendor, you create circumstances where you are both on the same team. Sure, your ultimate goal is to serve your employer and get the best price, and the vendor's goal is to get the most sales dollars out of you, but MOST of the high-impact success factors are things BOTH the buyer and seller are interested in. As a buyer, you WILL find yourself in a position to make: → Better deals → Faster deals → Fewer change orders Your vendors will appreciate not having to deal with a buyer with an ax to grind, and your boss will appreciate clean, affordable, reduced-risk purchases! Keep your relationships COLLABORATIVE and not COMBATIVE! You’ll thank me later! _________________________________________ Follow Jim Tracy for daily posts on personal development, business team building and leadership!

As an Elite Buyer, remember this: Nobody has to work with you. Being easy to work with is a value in itself. If you: → Create unreasonable requirements → Change the design target → Constantly complain about everything → Fail to take joint responsibility for the process → Demand free changes → Alter the scope after pricing is set → Pay invoices late ...you’ll find vendors wary of how you do business. Wary vendors might not sell to you at all, or they might see you as a risk they need to pad for. Trust me, you do not want to be a buyer paying for a padded product or project. What was a $700,000 purchase could easily become $1.1M before the vendor feels like their risks are covered. Oh, and here’s the best part: unless you are an Elite Buyer, you won’t even know it’s been padded. So, being easy to work with is a value to your employer. → You’ll bring in cheaper projects. → Your vendors will be more responsive. → Your purchases will have shorter implementation cycles. → You’ll have access to more pre-sale resources to make smarter purchases. It’s a no-brainer, in my opinion. Look at the big picture and ask yourself: “If I dig my heels in at every opportunity just because I can, will my needs ultimately be better served?” I’m guessing that the honest answer is ‘NO,’ even if it feels good to flex every now and then. Be easy to work with, and CASH IN.  _________________________________________ Follow Jim Tracy for daily posts on Elite Buying, technology team building and leadership!

Unlocking Success in Supplier Negotiations Ever wondered how to gauge if you've struck the best deal with your supplier? It's not just about the percentage off; it's about ensuring a win-win for both sides. Here's a perspective that has guided my approach: 🛍️ Beyond the Discount: While securing a favorable discount is crucial, it's equally important to consider your retail strategy. The true measure of a good deal lies in your ability to retail the product profitably. 💡 Multiplier Magic: Instead of fixating solely on the percentage off, focus on your multiplier effect. Whether it's x3, x6, or x10, the key is to maximize your profits. A higher multiplier transforms a good deal into a juicy one. 🔄 Know Your Numbers: Assess how well the product aligns with your retail goals. Can you command a higher price in the market? The multiplier effect becomes your compass, guiding you towards a more lucrative deal. 🚀 Strategic Partnerships: Remember, it's not just about what you save but what you can potentially earn. A thriving partnership with your supplier sets the stage for mutual success. 🛑 Don't Settle: If the numbers don't align with your retail ambitions, don't hesitate to explore other options. A good deal is one where everyone in the chain—from supplier to retailer—prospers. 🔄 Iterate and Elevate: Continuously refine your approach based on market dynamics. The goal is not just to secure a deal but to establish a sustainable and prosperous business relationship. Let's create a business ecosystem where everyone involved thrives. What's your multiplier strategy? Share your insights! 💼✨ #BusinessSuccess #NegotiationStrategies #RetailRevolution

Excited to share some insights from my recent conversation with 🚘 Christian Ferrer 🚘 about the importance of vendor management in the automotive industry. Christian emphasized the complexity of the ecosystem and the challenges that arise when dealerships work with multiple vendors for sales and/or service. It's crucial for all vendors to be in contact with each other, understand the dealership's operations, goals, and objectives, and know their role in the overall strategy. Lack of communication and coordination between vendors can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Building strong relationships and bridges between vendors is key to success. Collaboration, transparency, and alignment are essential for dealerships to achieve their objectives and maximize their potential. #AutomotiveIndustry #VendorManagement #Success

🤝 Mastering Negotiation in Sourcing: How to Land Great Deals! 🛒 1) Do Your Homework: Research the market, understand the supplier’s situation, and identify your leverage points. 🔍 2) Set Clear Goals: Know what you absolutely need from the deal—and where you can be flexible. 🎯 3)Build Real Connections: Approach negotiations as partners working toward mutual success. 🤝 4) Listen Carefully: Understanding the supplier’s needs helps you find middle ground and creates a better deal. 👂 5) Stay Patient: Don’t rush. Take the time needed to reach terms that work for both sides. ⏳ 6) Write It All Down: Document the agreement clearly to avoid any misunderstandings later. 📝 Good negotiation is all about finding value and strengthening relationships! 🚀 #NegotiationSkills #SourcingSuccess #SupplierRelationships#RetailBuying#RetailMerchandising#Starleadershub

Mastering Annual Negotiations 📊 Annual Negotiations: Negotiating on Equal Terms – With Precise KPIs and Tailored Preparation Annual negotiations are often a balancing act between hard facts and strategic negotiation skills. 94% of retail buyers state that clear data and strategic arguments significantly influence their decisions. 💼 Our success factors that make the difference: 1️⃣ KPI Optimization and Benchmarking: We prepare your data to clearly demonstrate the value you bring to the table, such as increased shelf efficiency or sales growth. Did you know? Brands that support their market share with relevant benchmarks achieve, on average, 20% better shelf positioning. 2️⃣ Strategic Preparation: We simulate various negotiation scenarios and develop alternative strategies to ensure flexibility when counterarguments arise. Example: One client improved their terms with a major retailer by 15% through a “counter-proposal after pushback” tactic. 3️⃣ Emotional Intelligence: Beyond numbers, personal relationships are key. Our training focuses on negotiation techniques that build trust and defuse potential conflicts. 🎯 With our expertise, you won’t just negotiate on equal terms—you’ll set new standards. Are you ready to take your annual negotiations to the next level? #AnnualNegotiations #RetailStrategy #RetailExperts

Join our upcoming webinar with Enable to explore strategies that transform vendor partnerships into revenue boosts. Mark Gilham, FCCA & Brennan Hall will utilise their wealth of experience to help you learn how to unlock high value deals and build strong partnerships, all while boosting your negotiation power. Register below so you don't miss out. #Webinar #SupplyChain #Vendor

Fueling negotiations with savvy responses! 🚗💬 When the buyer hits the brakes with 'The price is too high,' shift gears and showcase the value upgrade. Turn objections into opportunities by emphasizing the perks. 💡💰 #SalesStrategies #NegotiationNinja