Page 29 - AMM-JUL2022-7

4 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN HVENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
By Brittany Benz
aving solid relationships with your For example, a vendor arriving at the job site to find residents and owners is key to your that they need a specialized tool that’s back at the success as a property manager, but did shop will leave them frustrated, slow the work down, you know it is also critical when it comes and create extra work for everyone.
not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be. Why? Because having vendors who respond promptly and resolve maintenance problems efficiently will ensure happy renters and owners.
However, in today’s tight labor market, finding quality vendors who have the staff on hand to respond to your maintenance needs can be challenging.
The labor shortage in skilled tradespeople is still ongoing, with approximately 77% of tradespeople agreeing there are insufficient hands to go around, according to a 2021 Angi Skilled Trades Report. This means building relationships with vendors is more critical now than ever before.
How do you build (and maintain) strong working relationships with your vendors that will save you time, money, and frustration? Read on to find out.
1.) BE AN EXCELLENT COMMUNICATOR
Poor communication causes errors that make you and your vendor lose credibility. Missed deadlines, confusion, and a myriad of issues all stem from a gap in information caused by a lack of clear communication.
to your vendors?
Here are a few strategies that will help you be an When you think of vendors, your relationship might excellent communicator:
• Over-communicate key details regularly. It only takes a few moments to add extra information, but this precaution can help to prevent miscommunication. Get into the habit of being overly detailed.
• Set expectations on how and when you want the work to be completed up front. Include a detailed written statement along with your verbal instructions so the vendor has something to refer to if they forget.
• Offer digital ways to communicate, including text, email, or your very own vendor portal.
• Hold weekly Zoom meetings with your vendors to monitor progress or check-ins to build rapport.
• For new vendors or those you haven’t worked with in a while, schedule a walk- through of your properties and highlight the nuances and needs of each location. Ask for their recommendations and take notes.
Please turn to page 31
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG 29