Hello, Pinoy business owner! We know that running a business is a lot like a family gathering—everyone has a part to play, and if one person doesn’t show up, the whole event feels a little off. Your paper supplier is a crucial member of your business family. They provide the very foundation for your receipts, flyers, menus, and all the other important documents that keep your operations humming.
But what happens when that ‘kasosyo’ is no longer a partner you can count on? We’re here to help you spot the red flags. These are the seven signs that it might be time to find a new paper supplier who truly understands the Pinoy way of doing business: with professionalism, honesty, and reliable service.
Your Prices Keep Creeping Up Without Warning (Dumaan sa ‘palusot’ ang presyo)
We’ve all been there. You get the monthly invoice, and the numbers are a little higher than last time. You check again, and yes, the price per ream has gone up. It’s a small increase, maybe just a few pesos. The next month, it happens again. Individually, these changes might seem insignificant, but they add up and quietly eat into your profit margin.
For many small businesses, like a sari-sari store or a printing shop, this lack of transparency is a big problem. We operate on tight budgets, and we need predictable costs to set our own prices. A good supplier should be a partner who communicates openly about any changes, not someone who uses a ‘palusot’ to justify an increase. Business is built on trust and a good ‘diskarte,’ and that includes fair and honest pricing.
What to Do: Keep a close eye on your invoices. Don’t be afraid to ask for a price breakdown. If your supplier can’t give you a straight answer or offers vague excuses, it’s a clear sign that they don’t value your business enough to be transparent.
You’re Constantly Getting the Wrong or Inconsistent Paper Quality
Nothing is more frustrating than receiving a delivery only to find the paper is too thin, too thick, or just not what you ordered. The quality of your final product is on the line. Imagine a restaurant whose take-out bags are so flimsy they tear, or a printing business that has to deal with inconsistent paper thickness that clogs their machines. This wastes not just materials, but also your precious time and effort. Ultimately, it affects the reputation of your business.
For us Pinoys, the quality of our work is a matter of pride. We want to be known for a ‘tatak-Pinoy’ quality that our customers can rely on. When your supplier can’t deliver the right material, it’s a sign that they don’t understand that your reputation is at stake.
What to Do: Set clear expectations for paper specifications. Take a few minutes to inspect new deliveries. If there’s an issue, document it and contact your supplier immediately. A good supplier will take these issues seriously and work to fix them.
Delivery is Always Late or Unreliable (Palaging “traffic,” “biglaang sakit,” o “nasira ang sasakyan” ang rason)
Time is money, and late deliveries are a problem that can create a domino effect. We know how Metro Manila traffic can be, but when a supplier consistently gives excuses like “traffic,” “biglaang sakit,” or “nasira ang sasakyan,” it shows a lack of professionalism and a lack of respect for your business schedule. A late delivery of paper can mean a delayed project, which in turn can lead to a missed deadline and a frustrated customer.
We believe that successful businesses operate with an ‘on-time’ mentality. Your supplier should too. They are a part of your logistical chain, and their unreliability can bring your entire operation to a halt.
What to Do: Track your delivery times. If you notice a pattern of delays, it’s time to have a serious conversation with your supplier. If things don’t improve, it’s a sign that their logistics aren’t up to par and they might not be the right partner for your growing business.
Their Customer Service is Non-existent or Unresponsive
When something goes wrong—a billing question, a damaged item, or a wrong order—you need to be able to reach your supplier easily. It’s incredibly frustrating to be put on hold for a long time or to have your calls and emails ignored. This shows that the supplier doesn’t value your business enough to provide proper support.
In the Philippines, we value ‘pakikisama’ and professional courtesy in our business relationships. A supplier who is difficult to reach and unresponsive is not a good ‘kasosyo’ for the long haul.
What to Do: Test their customer service. If you have an issue, see how long it takes for them to respond and if they are genuinely helpful. A supplier who treats you with respect and urgency is a keeper.
They Can’t Keep Up with Your Growing Business Needs
Congratulations, your business is growing! This is a great sign of success. However, your supplier might not be able to keep up. You may start needing larger quantities of paper, different types of products, or more frequent deliveries. A supplier who can’t scale with you can become a bottleneck, holding back your progress.
This is a sign of progress, and you deserve a partner who can celebrate and support that growth. A good supplier will have the inventory and logistics to meet your changing demands, not hold you back.
What to Do: Look for a supplier that offers a wide range of products and has the capacity to handle increased orders. Ask them about their ability to grow with your business and what kind of support they offer for expanding needs.
Their Billing and Invoicing are a Mess (Maling utang, maling resibo)
Inaccurate invoices, billing errors, and a confusing payment process can cause administrative headaches and waste a lot of your time. This is especially critical for businesses that rely on accurate accounting for taxes and budgeting. When it comes to finances, we need clarity and trust.
In a business relationship, especially concerning ‘utang’ and payments, clear and correct receipts (‘resibo’) are crucial. A supplier with a messy billing system shows a lack of attention to detail and can lead to financial discrepancies down the road.
What to Do: Go over your invoices with a fine-tooth comb. If you find consistent errors, bring it to your supplier’s attention. If the problem persists, it may be time to find a supplier with a more professional and reliable billing system.
You’re Constantly Being Offered Better Deals by Competitors
While loyalty is a good thing, being ‘wais’ is better. If other suppliers are consistently offering you better prices, higher quality products, or more attractive terms, it’s a strong indicator that your current supplier is no longer giving you the best value for your money. Being loyal shouldn’t come at the expense of your business’s health.
It’s a matter of good ‘diskarte’ to explore other options and find the most ‘sulit’ deal for your business. A healthy business is a competitive business, and that means making sure you’re getting the best possible value from your partners.
What to Do: Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask for quotes from other suppliers. If you find a better deal, you can either negotiate with your current supplier or make the switch.
Conclusion: Why Mostaco Marketing?
It can be difficult to part ways with a long-time supplier, but we believe that your business deserves a partner who is transparent, reliable, and committed to your success. At Mostaco Marketing, we’re dedicated to being that partner. We understand the pain points of Pinoy businesses and offer solutions that just make sense.
One of our biggest commitments is free delivery to our partners in Metro Manila. This saves you time, money, and the logistical headaches of managing your own transportation. Whether you’re a small home-based business or a growing corporation, we can provide you with a wide range of high-quality office supplies at competitive wholesale prices. We believe in being a true ‘kasosyo’ for your business. For any inquiries, you may reach us through our contact page on our website.