New to purchasing. Any tips or Tricks?

Question

Recently took over purchasing for the compnay i work for, were an engineering company and most of the purchasing involves steel plate.

Any tips of the trade would be appreciated :)

Answer 1

get with the company and look for the companys that you have delt with in the past and also look for some newer companies that you might be wanting to deal with. You may have a contract with the company you are working with now. but inform the company you are working with now that you are new to the position and you are required to find a cheaper price somewhere else. This might make them lower their prices to keep you. Aslo tell these other companies the prices you are currently getting and tell them they need to come in lower and you might get some great deals. You have the abilitly to mix things up since you are new to the position and you dont really have any ties to any of the other companies.