Crossing the line

The most important component in any business relationship is the question of trust.

The ultimate demonstration of trust and good faith is when a Supplier delivers goods to a Customer on Credit terms.

It therefore is incumbent on the Buyer that they acknowledge this act of trust and observe the agreed payment terms.

With the current pressures it is easy to understand the temptation of “pinching” a few days extra credit but this type of behaviour soon begins to pall. Once a Supplier feels that their Buyer is taking undue advantage the relationship is damaged sometimes irreparably.

For any relationship to be sustained there has to be mutual benefit. When a Buyer gains a reputation for persistently crossing the line the merit in maintaining the account is questionable.