Supplier Approval Definition

Supplier approval is the process of assessing a supplier’s ability to provide products or services that meet the quality standards of the buyer. The goal of supplier approval is to ensure that the supplier can consistently provide products or services that meet the buyer’s requirements.

There are several factors that buyers take into consideration when approving suppliers, such as quality, delivery, price, and customer service. The approval process can vary from buyer to buyer, but typically includes a review of the supplier’s quality management system, documentation, and previous performance. Once a supplier is approved, they may be placed on an approved vendor list (AVL) and given preferred status for future purchases.