Aizul Mondal – Asst. Purchase Manager, The Resort, Mumbai.

How has the approach to purchasing products and sourcing products for hotels changed over the years? How has the pandemic affected and changed it?

In the past, hotels primarily relied on purchasing products from local vendors and suppliers. However, with the rise of technology and the internet, many hotels are now looking to global sourcing solutions and online marketplaces to find the best products and prices. Hotels are also leveraging new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse data and make smarter purchasing decisions. Additionally, hotels are increasingly turning to subscription-based services to ensure they have access to the right products when they need them.

The pandemic has further accelerated this shift towards a more global approach to purchasing and sourcing. With travel restrictions in place, hotels are unable to physically visit vendors and suppliers. This has made it difficult to build relationships with local suppliers and has forced hotels to look further afield for the necessary products and services. Hotels have had to become more creative in their sourcing strategies in order to stay competitive, and many are now relying heavily on online marketplaces to find the best deals. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a shift towards more sustainable and locally sourced products and services, as hotels look to build relationships with local vendors in order to support their local communities.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted global supply chains, resulting in increased demand for goods and services and a fluctuation in prices. This has been particularly prevalent in the procurement market, where the prices of goods and services have risen in response to the disruption caused by the pandemic.

For example, the prices of raw materials, such as fresh produce and grocery, have increased due to supply chain disruptions, in turn leading to an increase in the cost of transport and procurement. In addition, the global pandemic has caused a shortage of goods and services due to a decrease in demand and supply, resulting in a further increase in prices.

Furthermore, the pandemic has caused disruption to transportation networks, leading to delivery delays and increased costs for transportation. This in turn has caused an increase in the cost of procuring goods and services, due to the increased costs associated with transportation.

Are there any online solutions, portals, or consultants you prefer while making purchases for the hotel?

Yes, there are a variety of online solutions that can be used to make purchases for the hotel. Some of the most popular portals and consultants include Hotel Buyer, Hotel Supply Network, Hotel Solutions, India mart and Hotel Purchasing Solutions.

These services are reliable and have years of experience in the hospitality industry. To use these services, simply create an account and select the product or service you wish to purchase. From there, you will be able to access the vendor’s catalogue and compare prices, get product information, and place orders.

How do you look for new vendors and are you open to changing vendors for the regular requirements?

We look for new vendors by researching potential suppliers, conducting site visits, comparing vendor proposals, reviewing references, and negotiating contracts. We also evaluate vendors based on pricing, quality of service, delivery times, customer service, and other factors. Additionally, hoteliers may use online marketplaces, industry referrals, and networking events to find new vendors.

Yes, we do change vendor if the original vendor is no longer able to meet their needs. In some cases, a purchase manager may also need to change vendors if the original vendor is no longer in business or is not able to keep up with their orders. Finally, a purchase manager may need to change vendors if their current vendor is not able to provide the goods or services they need in a timely manner. But yearly contract gives us upper hand to retain them for that financial year and steady rates in between.

What protocol (method of vendor search, registration etc) do you follow for purchasing?

Our protocol for purchasing includes:

• Developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) – This is used to solicit vendors and clearly outline the scope of the project, timeline, and expectations. 2. Vendor Selection – We evaluate all vendors based on criteria outlined in the RFP.
• Negotiations – We negotiate terms and conditions with the selected vendors.
• Contract Signing – Once agreement is reached, contracts are signed and executed.
• Delivery and Payment – Vendors deliver the product/service, and payment is made according to the contract.
• Government norm – All government norm to be fulfil. Food manufacturer / distributor must register in FSSAI and HCCAP.

—–