Keep In Touch With Vendors
Build an active relationship with your vendors.
To get the most from your equipment vendors, it's importantto lay the groundwork and let them know you are a valuablecustomer. One way to do that is to make sure you send in theservice registration card that comes with the product. Contact thevendor before problems arise to ask for all the relevant telephoneand fax numbers so you know what to do if disaster strikes.Maintain contact with the vendor by asking questions as they comeup and giving the vendor any comments or ideas that might improvethe product. This identifies you as an active user and builds yourrelationship with the vendor.
Excerpted from Start Your Own Business, 2nd edition: The OnlyStart-Up Guide You'll Ever Need