Don’t depend on one supplier. Always have alternatives for important products.
What to do
- Identify at least one alternative source for your most important products.
- Test backup suppliers before an emergency so you already understand quality and lead time.
- Avoid shifting everything to a backup supplier without comparing total cost and consistency.
Watch out for
Keeping a supplier’s phone number is not the same as having a backup. A real alternative has already been evaluated and can deliver when needed.
Example
A restaurant that depends on one packaging vendor can lose sales during a supply delay even if food ingredients are available.
Inventory visibility helps merchants identify which items would hurt the business most if a supplier suddenly failed.
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