In certain manufacturing businesses, steel tubing is a valuable supply. If you happen to be in the business of manufacturing a product that involves this type of steel, you will need to find the best supplier you can. Here are a few questions to ask any supplier you are considering working with to get the steel tubing you need. 

How does the supplier store their steel tubing?

Steel tubing is best kept indoors in an area where the temperature and humidity levels are controlled. For basic steel, corrosion can be an issue, which is not an issue you will want to deal with when you get a shipment in to use for your own production processes. 

What is the expected turnaround on orders?

Turnaround times can vary depending on the company because every company has a different number of employees, a different amount or type of equipment, and a different number of customers. Turnaround times will be hugely important to know when you are placing orders, and they will be good to anticipate as you are planning for future orders. 

Can your order bent steel tubes if you need them?

Even if you do have your own tube-bending equipment on site, if you have a rather large production job that will require several bent tubes, it can be far better if the supplier you order from has the capability to do the bending for you. Most companies will have the ability and equipment to bend tubes for you. 

What types of coated steel tubes are offered?

You may need something more than regular steel tubing on occasion. For example, if you will be using the steel tubes for conduit, they may need to be coated with ionized metals or even certain polymers. It will be better to know up front what the supplier you are working with will be able to get for you or make for you when you have specific needs as a manufacturing company. 

Will you get discounted rates for bulk orders?

It will be important to know that the more steel tubing you order, the cheaper each piece will be, and that is the case with a lot of steel and metal supply companies. It is best if the supplier you choose to work with is going to offer bulk pricing if you intend to order massive quantities. This one little difference will save you a ton of money that can be better used for your business.