Where to Source Cleaning / Sanitation Products
If you have a business that has been designated essential by the government, or an office / call center / facility that must stay open during the pandemic, you also have a problem: keeping your facilities sanitized and safe for workers. Hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and disinfectant have be difficult — or even downright impossible — to find during the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. Alliance Cost Containment’s expert team was asked to help source some of these products. Here are some ways the pro’s were able to help keep an essential business running and clean.
1. Certification letter(s)
Secure certification letter(s) stating that your business qualifies as “essential”.
Sources include:
– Governmental agencies
– Trade associations
– Internal letters from CEO, HR, etc., stating why your company qualifies as essential
2. Check Different Suppliers
Look at alternate sources of supply if your regular suppliers cannot help (big-box hardware stores, pool supply stores, local chemical suppliers, etc.)
3. Try B2C Sources
Many large national suppliers like Grainger are focusing solely on government, healthcare and first responders — instead try suppliers like Lowes or Home Depot.
4. Quantity Counts
Purchase in larger size containers than usual — for example, purchase gallon containers and fill 32 oz. spray bottles
5. Keep Asking
Don’t stop the conversation when a supplier says they do not have anything in stock. Inquire as to their next expected shipment and pre-order to guarantee your product.
6. DIY Products
Consider formulating your own sanitation / cleaning products to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Hand sanitizer using alcohol and aloe
- Cleaning / disinfecting product using household bleach and water. Alternatively, liquid pool chlorine is approx. two times stronger than household bleach. The bleach solution recommended by the CDC can be formulated by substituting the recommended amount of bleach with half the amount of liquid chlorine.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – simply pour it undiluted into a spray bottle and spray it on the surface to be cleaned. Let it sit on the surface for at least 1 minute. Hydrogen peroxide is not corrosive, so it’s okay to use on metal surfaces, but avoid fabrics.
DISCLAIMER: DIY disinfectant may not be the right course for everyone or every company. Please research if it makes sense for your company’s individual needs. Follow recommended manufacturer and governmental guidelines and seek approval from the appropriate channels in your organization.
Let us know if we can help
Alliance Cost Containment is actively monitoring indirect supply chain issues across 30+ expense categories to provide insights into how these issues may impact your business which you can view below.
Our team stands ready to assist with procurement challenges you’re facing. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or would like input on indirect expense matters.
