I know there are risks, but it’s hard to turn down a good offer when times are tight
A relationship with a local supplier based on trust, service, and consistency is not something to relinquish lightly. Photo: Getty
Q I’m in the packaging business, a company not dissimilar to the one you once ran. My dilemma is that I have been using a local supplier for years, but I’ve now had an offer from an online bulk supplier which hugely undercuts the price I’ve been paying.
I pointed this out to the local man, but he has no margin to give me a better deal as he’s struggling himself. If I cut him off, it would be bad for the community and might even harm our business reputationally. On the other hand, how can I pass up the great savings that are on offer? Help!
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