It’s a good question, but is it one that has a statistically backed up answer? I have to admit, I don’t know, but I’d like to.
Recently, I came across this article over on the Get Satisfaction blog on the fastest way to lose customers. According to the article, the top three reasons that customers leave a company are because:
- they move to the competition
- they are dissatisfied with the products and service
- they don’t like the treatment they received
However, most of the time, it’s because they don’t like the treatment they received. In fact, that’s the case seven (7) out of ten (10) times.
But how often does a supplier leave when they don’t like the treatment they receive? My guess is not very often. As long as the bills get paid, suppliers will put up with a lot more than customers, even if they shouldn’t. However, go long enough without paying your bills, and your suppliers will probably bolt faster than lightening after serving you with a summons. However, depending on order size and frequency, it could take a while before the amount owed is enough for the supplier to drop you.
So what is the fastest way to lose a supplier? And how do you prevent it from ever happening?