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The importance of maintaining vendor relationships in student housing
The importance of maintaining vendor relationships in student housing
Successful student turnover seasons rely heavily on the strength of partnerships with vendors. From maintenance crews to cleaning services, vendor relationship management plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition between outgoing and incoming residents.
In an ideal world, there would be an endless supply of top-notch painting, cleaning, carpet, and flooring specialists available in every market. However, the reality is the vendor pool is not as vast as we might hope. It's not just about finding vendors but finding the right ones. Quality vendors not only save time and resources but also enhance the overall resident experience.
In the current labor market, finding quality vendors can be challenging. The shortage of skilled tradespeople is not a new problem, but a recent Angi Skilled Trades Report revealed around 77 percent of tradespeople acknowledge the insufficient availability of skilled hands. Therefore, fostering strong vendor relationships is paramount.
How do you build and maintain strong partnerships with your vendors?
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU GET (AND KEEP) THE BEST OF THE BEST VENDORS FOR YOUR TURNS?
In an ideal world, there would be an endless supply of top-notch painting, cleaning, carpet, and flooring specialists available in every market. However, the reality is the vendor pool is not as vast as we might hope. It's not just about finding vendors but finding the right ones. Quality vendors not only save time and resources but also enhance the overall resident experience.
In the current labor market, finding quality vendors can be challenging. The shortage of skilled tradespeople is not a new problem, but a recent Angi Skilled Trades Report revealed around 77 percent of tradespeople acknowledge the insufficient availability of skilled hands. Therefore, fostering strong vendor relationships is paramount.
How do you build and maintain strong partnerships with your vendors?
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU GET (AND KEEP) THE BEST OF THE BEST VENDORS FOR YOUR TURNS?
Clearly Communicate Your Needs and Expectations – Establish open and transparent communication channels with vendors from the outset. Clearly outline expectations, timelines, and deliverables to ensure alignment and minimize misunderstandings. Furthermore provide details on the number of units, type of work required in each unit, deadlines and a budget in a timely manner.
Build a Partnership – Invest in building strong relationships with vendors based on trust, respect, and mutual support. Engage in regular communication, express appreciation for their contributions, and recognize their efforts to foster a positive working relationship.
Flexibility and Adaptability – Remain flexible and adaptable in your approach to vendor management, especially in situations such as student turnover. Be responsive to changing circumstances and willing to adjust plans as needed to ensure success.
Oversee and Inspect their Work – Even with a trusted vendor, closely oversee any work being done on your properties. Conduct regular inspections to make sure work doesn't have to be done twice and meets your company standards.
SOFTWARE DESIGNED TO HELP MAKE VENDOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT EASIER
Build a Partnership – Invest in building strong relationships with vendors based on trust, respect, and mutual support. Engage in regular communication, express appreciation for their contributions, and recognize their efforts to foster a positive working relationship.
Flexibility and Adaptability – Remain flexible and adaptable in your approach to vendor management, especially in situations such as student turnover. Be responsive to changing circumstances and willing to adjust plans as needed to ensure success.
Oversee and Inspect their Work – Even with a trusted vendor, closely oversee any work being done on your properties. Conduct regular inspections to make sure work doesn't have to be done twice and meets your company standards.
SOFTWARE DESIGNED TO HELP MAKE VENDOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT EASIER
Partnering with maintenance vendors can make your student housing turns run smoother. Building relationships with vendors, understanding their process, and communicating clear expectations set everyone up for success. Ultimately it's about working together to provide the best housing experience for students – they're counting on you. Staying organized, flexible and proactive are keys to keeping projects on track and costs reasonable. And don't forget to show vendors some appreciation when it's a job well done. With some planning and collaboration, you can partner with maintenance crews to deliver quality units, on time that students will be happy to move into.
