5 Ways to Know if You Can Trust a PPE Supplier

By John Sutherland

This past Sunday, CBS news program 60 Minutes aired a segment about the uncertainty of the PPE (personable protection equipment) market. It exposed how fraudulent and untrustworthy PPE organizations have been able to take advantage of Government departments and health care workers who are in desperate need of PPE suppliers.

Yes, there is fraud in every industry. But with the demand for PPE supplies at an all-time high, it has created an environment where unethical business practices can easily occur. We cannot afford to let government departments and hospitals spend millions of dollars worth of shipments and be left high and dry. 

When making a large investment on something as important as PPE, you need to have confidence that you are dealing with a reputable seller. Buying a large shipment of PPE supplies should not feel like a wild goose chase. Here are 5 ways to know if you can trust a PPE supplier:

1. Certifications

A PPE supplier should have certifications from trusted institutions, such as the CDC or FDA. If a supplier has third-party verification, they have been approved by reliable sources and can be trusted. Trustworthy organizations are willing to take the time needed to get certifications.

2. Sample Before You Buy

Always ask for a sample of a supplier’s PPE products before purchasing. The reason is simple: you can test out its products and see if the shipping delivers them in a reasonable timeline. Any legitimate organization will not have a problem sending out samples because they trust their product and process. Samples are a win-win for the supplier and consumer.

3. Personable Communication

An ethically sound supplier cares about what their customers need and are willing to help them meet those needs. On the other hand, cash grabs will only care about making a deal. Make sure the salesperson is transparent about the supply chain and shipping.

4. Helpful Website/Social Media Presence

One of the best ways to know if you can trust a supplier is by looking at their website and social media accounts. The website should tell you everything you need to know about a company, from its mission statement to its staff members to what products they offer. More than likely if a PPE supplier does not have a website or any social media, they either have something to hide or do not have the manpower to work on its marketing. The more upfront a company is about themselves, the more you can trust them to be accountable.

5. Long-term Goals

It is perfectly reasonable for a PPE supplier to start up because of the pandemic. A trustworthy supplier will want to exist beyond Covid. The suppliers just trying to make a quick buck during the outbreak will be here today but gone once the dust settles. If an organization has no long-term strategy, it is likely over their heads, to begin with. Any supplier that is looking to stay for years to come will want to make sure they have reliable products and shipments.

The following is a blog post from Global PPE, a national PPE supplier.