The relations of the buyer/supplier couple are complex. Over time, it can happen that the goals diverge, that trust is eroded and that one can no longer expect anything from the other. When the buyer / supplier relationship falters, it is sometimes necessary to put an end to the relationship and focus on brands that align with your morals. While loyalty is good, it is not always rewarded. Acting impulsively can be counterproductive and risky. You might end up missing the supplier! Take the time to make wise decisions because each industry differs greatly.
When the relationship is long-lasting, it is easy to forgive each other for small discrepancies: incomplete delivery, delayed payment, etc. Once the decision to separate is made, you become more demanding; anything can become a source of conflict. It will therefore be necessary to avoid escalation and lengthy and costly legal procedures, with uncertain outcomes. We often manage to resolve a conflict by talking to each other openly. Finally, ending a relationship can lead to the disappearance of the partner and engage the responsibility of the client and affect your entire sales line. If you don’t have the stocks you need, how do you sell to your needy customers? It is impossible. Therefore, you must find suppliers that are open, honest and willing to work with you. For example if you work in the food industry, you will need to find the best barley breeding company to supply you to create cereals. If you work within the construction industry, you will need the very best concrete supply to ensure the work is secure.
If I leave my supplier, can they sue me?
If the business relationship is established, the notice period is approximately one month per year of relationship, but it is very variable of course depending on the company. It considers the dependence of the supplier, the volume of business, the duration of the relationship etc. Give as long a notice as possible, because the chances are that you have probably already seen the cracks within the relationship already, therefore you know what move you want to plot.
In the event of insufficient notice, the supplier will be entitled to claim compensation based on the loss of gross margin on variable costs, moral or image damage etc. Companies that are left in the lurch, so to speak, will be more than willing to go to any lengths to claim costs back from you if you drop them suddenly. Therefore, speak openly to them and tell them that the relationship is no longer working and that it is best to cut ties. It should be noted that all of the above points can be framed by means of a written contract defining the rights and obligations of each of the parties. This contractual framework will allow, both the buyer and the supplier, to know, from the beginning of their commercial relationship, the conditions of execution. It will make life much simpler for you going forward. Be sure to focus solely on what you want to gain.Â
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