Everyone runs into problems in the workplace. Whether your staff isn't up to par, a package doesn't go out on time or you don't get the approval for funding you worked so hard for. But what happens when you're having problems with a vendor and/or service provider partnered with your company? There are many times where we ask ourselves what to do in a situation like this. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are many solutions to these problems. In the case where your current service provider is not living up to their promises, they aren't fast enough for your liking, or they are too expensive, you must make the decision to look elsewhere. So how do you know when it's time to "break up" with a bad vendor? Let's take a look...
1. Communication:
When communication is slacking, it can be hard to maintain a steady relationship with your vendors and partners. If communication with them creates tension or anxiety for you or your staff members, it may be time to show them the door. No one likes to feel stressed in an already possible stressful environment. Having vendors that create this mayhem makes it more difficult to get things accomplished. If your vendors are communicating to you in a rude or offensive way, this too may lead you to end terms with them. They have no right to make things more difficult then needed.
2. Trustworthiness:
Despite clear instructions, if your vendor is continuously trying to operate outside the scope of work outlined at the onset of the project, you may want to rethink your relationship. Managing expectations is key to a smooth B2B relationship. Call it scope creep but the miscommunication of time deadlines and pricing structures usually have little tolerance. You have to be able to trust your vendor to make the make the best decisions for your project and business.
3. Working Styles:
We've all been there, one person has one thought in their head and the rest of the team has another. So now what? If this happens once or twice, you may be able to mediate and use a hybrid of the two ideas in whatever you're working on. However, if this becomes a reoccurring trend and your vendor is at the root of the issue, it may eventually start to cause problems and put strains on your relationship. Having two different mindsets for one common subject can be difficult to maneuver. If you can't get past these mindsets and come to agreements easily, you may need to look elsewhere.
If you're questioning the relationship between either a vendor or partner, it is likely that there is a problem. No matter what the source of the problem is, if you are paying someone to supplement your workforce, they need to participate as a member of your team. If they aren't pulling their weight, you may need to make that difficult decision to look elsewhere.
