We've previously looked at the issue of vendor references from the point of view of the Buyer making the call to gain information. Today, we're going to examine the issue from the point of view of the Buyer who is receiving the call.
If you are asked for a reference or an assessment of a vendor that has been wonderful, there is no problem. However, if you are asked to evaluate one that you has been problematic throughout your relationship, that can be a bit troublesome.
The best thing to do is to approach the task with complete honesty (your own reputation is on the line), but also with a measure of professional restraint. Giving a bad vendor evaluation is not the time to show off your vocabulary skills by providing 14 synonyms for "terrible."
Here are 3 tips:
1) Mention specific categories of issues. Saying, "They were always late with deliveries" is more powerful and professional than saying, "They caused us a lot of grief."
2) If known, mention the source of the problem and how the vendor may be improving in that area. For example, their lack of organization with the account may be solved by their new computer system or the lack of attention your account received may be remedied by the new account manager.
3) If possible, throw something positive too since it is unlikely that the vendor was 100% problematic 100% of the time.
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