Our packaging supplier used to deliver on time with almost no chasing. Recently three orders arrived late and the last shipment had missing items. I don't want to abandon a longstanding relationship over a rough month, but our customers don't care which company caused the delay. I'm planning a direct conversation, clear lead-time confirmation and a backup supplier for critical stock. How long would you give a previously reliable vendor to recover before shifting meaningful volume elsewhere?
Handling a supplier who is usually good but has become unreliable
- small-business
- handling
- supplier
- usually
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2 replies
I would not wait too long if missing items are already happening. Even a good supplier can become a risky one if the damage lands on your cu...
I would not wait too long if missing items are already happening. Even a good supplier can become a risky one if the damage lands on your customer side.
The backup supplier part is what makes the conversation easier. Once you are not dependent on a single source, you can be honest without sounding threatening.
And it protects your nerves a bit too. Nothing like a late box of packaging to teach you patience you never asked for.
1 reply
I'd give them one clear recovery window, not an open-ended chance to improve. If they can confirm the fix and hit the next few orders cleanl...
I'd give them one clear recovery window, not an open-ended chance to improve. If they can confirm the fix and hit the next few orders cleanly, fine; if not, I would start shifting volume.
Agree on the window. The conversation needs to be about the operational impact, not whether you like them personally, because otherwise it becomes vague very fast.