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Last updated on Apr 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. Sales
  3. Merchandising

Your vendor keeps missing delivery deadlines. How do you handle this recurring issue?

Recurring late deliveries can disrupt your operations and affect customer satisfaction. Here’s how you can effectively manage this problem:

  • Assess the root cause: Identify if the issue stems from communication, logistics, or vendor capacity.

  • Set clear expectations: Ensure the vendor understands your deadlines and the consequences of missing them.

  • Build a contingency plan: Have backup suppliers ready to step in if your primary vendor fails to deliver.

How have you handled vendor delays in your business?

Merchandising Merchandising

Merchandising

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Last updated on Apr 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. Sales
  3. Merchandising

Your vendor keeps missing delivery deadlines. How do you handle this recurring issue?

Recurring late deliveries can disrupt your operations and affect customer satisfaction. Here’s how you can effectively manage this problem:

  • Assess the root cause: Identify if the issue stems from communication, logistics, or vendor capacity.

  • Set clear expectations: Ensure the vendor understands your deadlines and the consequences of missing them.

  • Build a contingency plan: Have backup suppliers ready to step in if your primary vendor fails to deliver.

How have you handled vendor delays in your business?

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Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
13 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Rituraj Utsav

    Manager Merchandising @ Neeman's|Buying|Planning & Merchandising | Demand Planning| Merchendise Planning | Assortment Planning | P&L Management | Startup-enthusiast

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    To avoid missed vendor deadlines, 1Conduct regular capacity audits to ensure suppliers can meet requirements. 2.Set clear deadlines with consequences to promote accountability. 3.Track On-Time In-Full (OTIF) scores monthly to evaluate reliability. Maintain visibility at all production stages for early issue detection. 4,Use a 70/30 order split between primary and backup suppliers to reduce risk and ensure continuity. These steps enhance vendor performance and ensure timely deliveries.

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    1
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    Aditya Sugiarto

    Management Student at Soegijapranata Catholic University|Soegijapranata University Echo Life SCU Student Activity Unit|Environmental Activist|Human Resource Management (HRM)|Human Resource (HR) Enthusiast

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    if a vendor is consistently late in delivering goods, i will handle the issue with an approach that emphasizes open communication and long-term cooperation. i will discuss directly with the vendor to understand the root cause of the problem and find a solution together, rather than immediately changing the vendor. in the long run, this builds a relationship of mutual respect and support. this approach is in line with the value of human resources as it focuses on developing relationships and trust. this is a more efficient way than constantly changing partners, because building a solid cooperation is more beneficial for the sustainability of the organization.

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    1
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    Contributor profile photo
    Mohammad A.

    Marketing Strategist | Dedicated To Delivering Creative Brand Marketing Solutions | B2B | B2C

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    Having a issues like missing deadlines by vendors is common and expected in the business. But what’s differentiate the good from the pro salesman is not having the knowledge to deal with such as having contingency plans. That’s why I would prefer personally, To have great communication with any vendors small or big because one day you might need them. And when you need them you might throw favors out in order to fulfill your orders.

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    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Navid Nateghi

    auto engineering | Bachelor of Automotive Mechanical Engineering

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    Gather Data: Document all instances of missed deadlines, including the reasons provided, communication records, and the impact on your operations. Ask the Vendor: Schedule a candid meeting to understand their challenges (e.g., supply chain bottlenecks, staffing shortages, unrealistic timelines).

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    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Azmol Hossen Bappi

    Senior Merchandiser at Bettex (Hong Kong) Limited

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    I would immediately conduct a root cause analysis with the vendor to identify bottlenecks and set clear corrective actions. If the issue persists, I’d escalate to alternative sourcing options to protect timelines and client trust.

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Merchandising

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