Supplier Selection Criteria used by Craft Retailers in South Africa: Influence of the Years of Buying Experience

Abstract

The development of the craft industry is a key strategy of the South African (SA) government for sustainable development and the creation of employment opportunities. The industry also contributes to economic growth and environmental stewardship as evidenced by government initiatives, research, projects and entities that have been initiated in support of the industry. However, craft producers lack understanding of what the craft retailers’ needs are, which leads to an inability to formulate appropriate and competitive product and marketing strategies. An understanding of supplier selection criteria used by craft retailers would enable craft producers to formulate an effective marketing strategy targeted at craft retailers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the supplier selection criteria craft retailers use when evaluating craft producers as their suppliers. A survey was conducted among 233 craft retailers in SA. The research also purported to determine if the supplier selection criteria differ for craft retailers with different years of buying experience. The findings indicated that craft retailers consider quality as the most important supplier selection criteria. However, craft retailers with different years of buying experience did not differ on the importance attached to various supplier selection criteria.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1660