Why You Should Always Have More Than One Supplier: Lessons from a Maker’s Supply Chain Shake-Up

If you’ve ever had a key component vanish from your usual supplier’s catalogue, you’ll know the sinking feeling that follows. Recently, I hit that exact snag — a major part I rely on for one of my bestselling products was suddenly discontinued. No warning, no alternatives offered. Just gone.

Luckily, I managed to source a new supplier in time to keep production rolling. But it was a wake-up call: relying on a single supplier is like building a bridge with one support beam. It might hold… until it doesn’t.

🧩 How Many Suppliers Should You Have?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a good rule of thumb:

• Critical Components: Aim for at least two reliable suppliers.
• High-volume or seasonal items: Consider three or more to handle demand spikes.
• Speciality or niche parts: Keep a backup, even if it’s more expensive or slower — it’s better than nothing.

Think of it as supply chain insurance. You don’t want to scramble when a supplier goes out of stock, changes their pricing, or disappears altogether.

💡 Benefits of Shopping Around

Having multiple suppliers isn’t just about risk mitigation — it’s a strategic advantage. Here’s why:

• Price Comparison: You can negotiate better deals when you know the market rate.
• Quality Control: Testing parts from different sources helps you find the best fit for your product.
• Lead Time Flexibility: Some suppliers ship faster than others — useful when you’re up against a deadline.
• Innovation Opportunities: New suppliers might offer upgraded versions, alternative materials, or bundled services you hadn’t considered.
• Resilience: If one supplier falters, your business doesn’t have to.

🛠️ Tips for Managing Multiple Suppliers

• Keep a supplier log: Track pricing, lead times, communication quality, and reliability.
• Test before you commit: Order small batches to verify quality and consistency.
• Build relationships: A good rapport can lead to priority service, insider deals, or early access to new products.
• Automate comparisons: Use price tracking tools or spreadsheets to stay on top of changes.

🧭 Final Thoughts

As makers, we’re often juggling creativity, logistics, and customer expectations. Having multiple suppliers isn’t just smart — it’s essential. It gives you breathing room, bargaining power, and peace of mind.

So if you’ve been relying on a single source for that one crucial component, now’s the time to diversify. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you.