| Summary: | 碩士 === 元智大學 === 經營管理碩士班(國際企業學程) === 107 === The global skincare and cosmetics industry is changing. More and more start-ups are breaking into the industry via private label and custom manufacturing. Contacting suppliers or vendors is an integral part of developing a business and requires a careful strategy in order to ensure a healthy buyer-supplier relationship. The initial method used to contact vendors is a key point in the process and is often overlooked. Just as in personal relationships, the first impression has a huge impact on the perception of both parties and the same is true in business. This paper seeks to identify the effects of the vendor contact method on buyer-supplier relationships within the private label skincare and cosmetics industry. The four methods of vendor contact analyzed are: formal networking events, tradeshows or expos, cold e-mailing or cold calling, and word of mouth referrals. These methods of vendor contact were evaluated against their effect on three areas of buyer-supplier relationships: trust, commitment, and non-economic satisfaction. This case study involves four global cosmetics and skincare manufactures and the data was gathered through an in-depth interview process. The findings of this research suggest a link between the initial vendor contact method and the buyer-supplier relationship. The conclusion of this case study reveals that word of mouth referrals are the preferred method of initial contact. The results of this paper will assist future start-ups with creating a purchasing strategy and selecting the most effective vendor contact method.
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