What are the criteria for a good supplier? 

Yes, it's true, I have favorite brands of products, accessories, and equipment! And these brands are favored in our training rooms. Why do I favor some and not others? Simply because I personally like these brands. These companies have proven to me to be the best, and they have stood out from the rest in my eyes. So, through this article, I will describe the criteria that are absolutely necessary for me to want to do business with a supplier or manufacturer in the long term.

What are my criteria for finding my favorites?

Most distributors in Quebec distribute quality products, accessories, and equipment. Each one wants to earn more each year in addition to being successful with their customers. But not all of them are as concerned about truly meeting their customers' real needs. A good degreaser, for example, is easy to produce, and each of them is capable of it. But what sets my favorites apart is that they care about the results for the user!

• Ergonomic handling of equipment to avoid workplace accidents.
• A product that is ecological or even organic.
• Clear instructions on how to use the product and even the pH level on the product containers
• First aid and WHMIS 2015 compliance are clearly defined
• Finally, the representatives are professional and knowledgeable about their products. They are happy to answer your questions and will take the time needed.
• Performance is great, but making a customer happy is even better! These suppliers don't have a dollar sign on their foreheads. They have your success in mind!

The collaboration

First and foremost, it's a representative or manager who fully collaborates. I've never had to insist on meeting with them or getting follow-up. They're proactive. They know this collaboration is a win-win situation. They provide me with the necessary documentation so I can further my learning. I do a lot of blogging, and that requires a lot of research. The information received must be precise and clear to be easily disseminated.

Sharing information

These are suppliers who keep me up to date on all their latest developments and ensure I receive all the necessary support. This allows me, in turn, to fully understand and convey even the smallest details to my participants and clients. I receive regular training from them. This is worth it because it allows me to always be at the forefront for the benefit of my clients.

Mutual respect

We respect each other. When I happen to see one of their successes or a good move, I'm happy to point it out to them. They have an interest in knowing my expert opinion. And for my part, I allow myself to share with them the needs or requests that would meet the needs of the customers. I have the privilege of testing their products, their accessories or their equipment. I have always loved testing and finding there best solution to a problem.

Believe me, I'm completely free to say whether I like it or not, or with modifications. Because I believe that when businesses are honest with each other, it guarantees everyone's success!

Who are these preferred suppliers and manufacturers of CF Salubrité?

Vileda

Vileda was the first manufacturer to show interest in our company and want to collaborate with CF Salubrité. But more than that, I had the pleasure of discovering their products in the 1990s through a former business partner. At that time, microfiber wasn't even part of the picture in Quebec. So we imported their products directly since it was impossible to get them locally. As soon as I discovered microfiber, I adopted this material and I no longer wanted other types of textiles to clean and disinfect. It's even a pleasure to clean with real quality microfiber. It's soft, made the right size to fit in the hand. A durable material as well as being effective!

I discovered their various fully modifiable trolleys. These make maintenance easier for employees because their materials are smooth. A good idea, because Vileda is completely user-focused. They take the time to have their products tested by real cleaning employees, and thanks to them, they improve their products to make them a success.

So, as you can see, I adopted Vileda many years ago, by choice. They were the best in their field in 1990. Just as they have no competitor of equal quality joining them now. And above all, I can fully count on the exceptional collaboration of their regional representative. A gem for me!

When you enjoy working with the quality of Vileda products, you don't want anything else.

Nacecare

Again, I met them several years ago. I was presented with a flatbed washing cart that would have been useful for the food industry. I left this company before I could even buy their products. But this memory stayed with me. Their mop heads were thick, without unnecessary loops that could have caught on the screws in the walls of food factories.

Through CF Salubrité, I was lucky enough to come across one of their choice pieces of equipment:  The Turbo Mop! Wow, what an excellent piece of equipment that has no equal among its competitors. They have managed to make small scrubbers for the needs of small spaces or those difficult to reach with a regular scrubber. In addition, this mini scrubber also has the power to wonderfully scrub cement floors, terrazzo, etc. I am amazed every time I test this equipment on a new surface.

Subsequently, I was fortunate to have the support of their regional representative. He truly cares about his customers' needs, and I appreciate his help. Furthermore, their documentation is always comprehensive, and they also offer supplementary videos.

Unger

Unger is also a brand that I have known for a long time of course. I had the privilege of knowing their system of washing with pure water. Ayoye!! What an extraordinary piece of equipment with so many possibilities. Truly, it's safe to say that Unger far surpasses its competitors when it comes to everything related to windows. In addition, their explanatory and training videos are of very high quality.

The equipment you see on your left is still very little known. It is a device that allows you to wash exterior windows more than 3-4 stories high (and more depending on the type chosen) while having both feet on the ground.  This technology has helped keep employees safer. Previously, it was not uncommon to see employees climbing a ladder to wash windows two stories high!

This device also makes exterior window washing accessible to anyone who wants to improve their skills and offer a service that is appreciated by all. For your information, training for this equipment is available during the training in major cleaning and post-construction cleaning.

Did you know? This pure water washing machine can be used to clean signs, building exteriors, vehicles, and even building windows. Here again, I'm fortunate to be able to count on its extremely knowledgeable representative and management to provide all the support I need for my role.

Diversey

Diversey is also a product brand I've had the chance to work with for several years. They offer effective products with excellent support from their representatives. They provide service that's readily available to users of their products. The documentation is clear, illustrated, and readily available. I'm also fortunate to be able to rely on their regional representative. When I have a problem and can't find the answer, they're always there for me. This is invaluable to me. Even though I'm very knowledgeable, I sometimes don't have the solution, and it's essential to be able to refer to a technical representative or chemist who knows their product line well.

I've also tested a good number of their products, so I know them very well. Two products that I like: Slip Stop (a neutral anti-slip cleaner) and the linoleum stripper.

Dissan – Sani-Depot

I've known Dissan since the beginning of CF Salubrité. I met with a few suppliers to enhance my blog in my first year of business. And its president granted me a important interviewI was amazed by their humanity and concern for their customers as much as for their employees. I always thought that a company was nothing without the collaboration of its employees. Well, Mario Lamarche understood that happiness at work was a winner and that it was therefore more pleasant to work in such an atmosphere.

This is reflected in the store employees. Their managers are experts, very knowledgeable about the products in their stores. I never asked for anything particularly special. But I always received A1 service from all their employees. Being treated well is reflected in the attitude of your employees.

It is also a supplier whose stores are present in all regions of Quebec. And what's more, Sani-depot makes sure to choose the best brands for their customers. So for me, this is very important because it allows me to give references to my customers in their own region.

I also have the privilege of having exceptional collaboration with Dissan. This allows me to always receive training from excellent sources. Dissan is always on the lookout for new technology. They are far from resting on their laurels, and this reflects their business intelligence.

Thank you to my wonderful suppliers and excellent manufacturers

• Richer Robitaille of Vileda
• Christian Lessard of Nacecare
• Nina Bélanger And Joe Carpino of Unger
• Yves de Montigny of Diversey
• Mario Lamarche And Alex Trudel of Dissan – Sani-Depot