10 tips for keeping suppliers honest

01Communicate regularly with suppliers. Good business-to-business relationships rely on strong, two-way communication. Where possible, face-to-face contact with suppliers is preferable.

02Develop standardised ordering processes that both parties can easily understand and follow.

03Bring any problems or concerns immediately to the supplier’s attention.

04Pay accounts on time. If a payment is expected to be delayed, advise the supplier before the due date.

05Avoid making unrealistic demands for products or services. Constantly changing or rushing orders will frustrate suppliers.

06Return defective goods promptly to your suppliers.

07Monitor and review suppliers’ performance and benchmark it against competing companies.

08Be prepared to negotiate the terms of trade from time to time with your suppliers.

09Examine the reasons for problems before cutting ties with a supplier. Introducing new products, changes in freight and updating ordering process can cause temporary disruptions.

10Be prepared to give and take. Agreeing to compromise occasionally will build trust and loyalty and may be reciprocated in the future.

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