One of our longest-serving suppliers has been hit by strike action among its staff a number of times over the past few years. The last time it caused much disruption to our business. We are considerin
Talk to your current supplier and explain that you can't continue to use them with so much uncertainty. What assurances can they give you that these matters are at an end? Try using the new supplier as well as the existing one so you have a Plan B if problems arise again with your current supplier.
David Heys, Lawson West Solicitors, Leicester
I would consider in-house production as it will save costs and improve on customer confidence.
Jaffer Kapasi, Kapasi & Co, Oadby
Bissell's 8910E Aroma Pro is the ultimate in home cleaning giving you a machine that provides outstanding results when not just cleaning carpets but stairs and upholstery too.
Terms: Limited Stock Offer . FREE Delivery to most UK postcodes.
Contact: 01664 491439
Valid until: Tuesday, May 28 2013
I find it hard to understand why customers would be more upset and annoyed by you dropping an unreliable supplier than they are when you let them down due to the poor performance of that supplier. This is a situation that has to be fixed one way or the other and soon.
Steve Goodman, ChangeWorld, Houghton-on-the-Hill
Your customers want you to supply them on time, on budget and provide consistent quality. They don't mind who the supplier is. Like most of us, they don't like change so communicate with them carefully and show them it is in their best interests to make the change.
Phil Atherton, Precept Optimum Performance, Quorn
I would start another supplier on a trial basis to ensure that the quality, service and price you are getting is compatible. Once proved, I should ditch the original supplier. There's no point in being loyal if they cannot serve you to suit you and your customers.
Pankaj Pancholi, Just Egg, Hamilton
Be careful how you do this. Why not start using an additional supplier for part of your requirements, keeping your options open and ensuring that you are not totally dependent on one source. This is good business sense regardless of the strike history.
Jeffrey C Rosenthal, Jeffrey Rosenthal, Leicester
Comments