{"id":1487,"date":"2018-06-06T15:45:00","date_gmt":"2018-06-06T19:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.ironmarkusa.com\/vendors-blaming-each-other\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:02:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T19:02:10","slug":"vendors-blaming-each-other","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/vendors-blaming-each-other\/","title":{"rendered":"WARNING: Your vendors are blaming each other | Who\u2019s accountable?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Production isn\u2019t always perfect in the world of manufacturing. When your vendors are missing deadlines, producing sub-par work or not communicating well, the finger-pointing tends to go horizontal, with each vendor claiming the others did not live up to their promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is neither productive nor helpful since everyone has the same goal of creating a superior product. This is especially important in manufacturing, where your reputation is staked on your latest finished product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re building houses, fabricating machine parts or producing textiles, vendors are your lifeblood — how do you ensure that everyone gets along?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose the right vendors and focus on relationships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is an easy first step that mitigates potential relationship issues down the road. Don\u2019t ever include feuding vendors<\/a> in the mix. Even if this means forgoing your top picks, it’s worth it in the long run since you\u2019ll have a smoother workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you assemble a good team, make sure to establish a strong working relationship with each vendor individually. You’ll have more relationship capital going into the project. Treat all vendors as valued team members (within reason and adhering to confidentialities), with a vested interest in the same end goal.  Motivate them accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related:\u00a05 Questions for Evaluating Website Development Vendors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get everyone together to kickoff the project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When everyone feels like they\u2019re on the same team, finger-pointing tends to disappear — it\u2019s a lot harder to blame other vendors once they\u2019ve established personal connections. Assemble all team members for a face-to-face planning\/project kickoff meeting so all vendors hear the objectives \u201cfrom the horse\u2019s mouth\u201d.  To eliminate confusion document the results as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the general project manager, you\u2019ll handle all decisions. Make this meeting\u2019s attendance mandatory to get the job, and be ready to compensate them for their time. It will pay off in the end, as you\u2019ll get kinks worked out early and ensure that everyone\u2019s personalities mesh. You can discuss: <\/p>\n\n\n\n