How Smart Companies Choose Suppliers Today

#1: Reliability and trustworthiness: non-negotiable factors to consider when choosing a supplier 

Reliability and trust are foundational factors – especially when it comes to logistics providers. In fact, 27% of European survey participants cited reliability and trustworthiness as “very important”. Why? Because dependable suppliers ensure safe handling and efficient, timely delivery ౼ all essential to maintaining smooth operations and customer satisfaction. 

Spotlight: Trust and efficiency rank high in these countries 

In countries like France, Germany, and Spain, reputations carry substantial weight. A negative experience with a supplier can be a decisive reason not to engage with them again. At the same time, in the Netherlands and Germany, 77% of respondents expect a supplier to quickly and efficiently resolve delivery problems – well above the 69% European average. This type of feedback shows that a trustworthy supplier isn’t just expected to meet expectations, but companies are looking for a supplier that can also resolve issues effectively when things go wrong. 

Trust, once earned, becomes a strategic advantage – especially in an industry where service disruptions can ripple across an entire supply chain. 

#2: Delivery predictability and availability: essential to business continuity 

Another critical factor to consider when choosing a supplier is delivery predictability – and for good reason! Predictable delivery timelines help when managing internal workflows, production schedules, and staffing. 

Among SMEs, 59% prioritise on-time delivery above all else. For larger businesses, predictability even outranks speed as the top aspect of the delivery experience. When parcels don’t arrive as scheduled, the impact is immediate. As one business put it: “If the parcel arrives out of schedule, more than likely the space for that parcel will not be prepared – nor the person to receive it.” 

Spotlight: Predictability ranks high in these countries 

Availability and delivery predictability also emerged as common pain points in Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. Meanwhile, in France, 71% of respondents see "always being delivered on time" as a must-have – exceeding the 59% European average.  

#3: How flexible invoicing factors into choosing a supplier 

As companies navigate evolving markets and ever tighter margins, flexible billing has become a valuable asset when choosing a supplier. For 26% of SMEs, extended payment terms – spanning 30, 60, or even 90 days – are seen as essential or at the very least complementary. 

Flexible invoicing offers companies a buffer for cash flow management and can serve as a deciding factor, especially for smaller businesses that operate on tighter margins. When a supplier supports smarter financial planning, they’re not just offering a service – they enable companies to grow. 

Spotlight: Flexibility ranks high in these countries 

This need is particularly evident in Italy, where 36% of SMEs consider longer invoicing terms “very important”. In markets like Poland, Czech Republic, Spain, Hungary, and Romania, inflexible billing terms are among the top obstacles to choosing a supplier. 

#4: Operates in a fair and ethical way: the importance of sustainability  

More and more businesses are prioritising suppliers that align with their ethical and environmental values. While 14% of SMEs currently cite fair and ethical practices as a complementary criterion, this number is set to grow – particularly as new regulations come into effect. 

Evolving industry regulations   

In Europe, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) as well as EU taxonomy regulations are requiring companies to be more precise and transparent when it comes to tracking and reporting their carbon footprint.  

Digital tools such as Geopost’s Carbon Calculator addresses this evolving need by giving customers access to detailed emissions data – helping them comply with regulation and live up to their sustainability commitments.