10 Questions to Ask Your Rubber Supplier (Before You Place That Order)
Choosing a rubber supplier can be a bit like buying a car. On the surface, everything might look the same, but it’s what’s under the bonnet that really matters.
At Walker Rubber, we’ve been around long enough to know that not all suppliers are created equal, and the right questions can save you a lot of time, money and hassle down the line.
So, whether you’re shopping around or reviewing your current supplier, here are 10 questions worth asking and why they matter.
1. Do you manufacture your products in-house?
Working with a supplier that manufactures on-site (like we do in the UK) means faster turnaround times, better quality control, and more flexibility if your needs change. If your supplier outsources, lead times can stretch and quality can slip.
2. Can you help with custom or bespoke solutions?
Every project is different. Off-the-shelf might work for some, but when you need something made to spec, it’s important to know your supplier has the tools and expertise to deliver. We often help customers fine-tune dimensions, materials and profiles for a perfect fit – such as with our custom rubber extrusions.
3. What materials do you work with, and can you help me choose the right one?
Your application might need something that can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, or harsh weather. A good supplier will guide you through options like EPDM, nitrile, silicone and more, rather than just selling you what they’ve got on the shelf.
Other green flags to look out for are the resources the company has on offer. Do they have specification sheets you can download and check? A well-furnished blog with articles and case studies for you to see their past work?
When it comes to rubber, we know the range of options can be daunting when trying to make an informed decision. That’s why we created our knowledge hub where all customers can find out almost anything they need to know before going ahead with an order.
4. Can I see some examples of your previous work?
It’s always reassuring to see that a supplier has experience with similar industries or applications. Whether you work in marine, transport, construction or agriculture, it’s a good idea to check if the company has any case studies and past customer testimonials relevant to your industry.
5. What’s your minimum order quantity?
Some suppliers have high MOQs that don’t suit smaller operations or prototypes. This can offer cost-efficiencies for large volume orders, but if you are only after a one-off part or a prototype, it might suit your situation better to find a manufacturer without a minimum order quantity.
At Walker Rubber, we believe in being flexible – from one-offs to thousands, we have no MOQ and instead we tailor production to what works for you.
6. How do you handle quality control?
Rubber might not seem glamorous, but poor-quality components can cause big headaches. Ask about inspection processes, testing, and whether they meet any industry standards. Check whether they have relevant ISO certification and other industry assurances for quality.
7. What are your lead times and how do you handle urgent orders?
In manufacturing, time is money. Knowing what to expect and what happens when deadlines are tight helps you plan better.
Some manufacturers may offer a rush fee to push a project through at short notice. Others may offer next day delivery, like we do on standard profiles. It’s important to remember that lead time for bespoke orders, especially if they require the manufacture of a piece of custom rubber tooling, will usually take longer, so ensure to clarify exactly how long your project is likely to take.
As with any bespoke product, it can sometimes take a prototype test or two to get things exactly right – this is precision engineering after all! So be sure to factor the possibility of this into your project timeline.
8. Do you keep tooling on file for repeat orders?
If you’ve invested in a custom profile, you don’t want to start from scratch every time. Manufacturers may keep your tooling on file, in case you come back for more of the product, but it’s wise to make sure if they will so you can take advantage of quicker production and delivery next time.
9. Can you help with design or prototyping?
Sometimes you know what you need, other times, you need a bit (or a lot!) of guidance. A supplier who can help you develop and test a prototype can make all the difference, especially for new product development. Look out for a team that takes their time to understand your requirement in full detail and asks a lot of questions about what the part will be used for, any environmental factors that will inform the material selection, and of course, the option to test with a prototype before you commit to the full order.
10. What happens if something goes wrong?
It’s not a fun question, but it’s a necessary one. Whether it’s a delay, a defect or a change in requirements, how your supplier communicates and responds is key. We believe in clear communication and fixing issues fast, it’s how we’ve built long-term relationships.
At Walker Rubber, we welcome any and all questions you have about rubber, our products and how we can manufacture bespoke components to meet the needs of your application. Whether you’re after a bespoke solution, a reliable ongoing supply, or just want to explore options, we’re here to help.
