Warning: My biggest supplier ghosted me right before a huge order

I was in my office in Phoenix when the email came through saying they were closing up shop, leaving me with 500 units to source in 48 hours. I called every contact I had and ended up paying 15% more to a local guy, but we shipped on time. Has anyone else had to completely pivot a supply chain in under two days?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_coleman413mo ago

Man, that's brutal, but like burns.ruby said, getting it done is a total win.

the_dakota2mo ago

Ray, you said 'getting it done is a total win,' and I get the spirit of that, but lemme push back a little. Finding that many units that fast is less of a 'win' and more of a survival move, seriously. Paying 15% extra on top of already paying for the rush order, that's not 'total win' territory, that's breaking even with a bloody nose. I'd call it a win if they somehow didn't lose their shirt on the whole deal, not just finished the job.

burns.ruby3mo ago

Holy crap, 48 hours?! That's insane. I can't even imagine the panic of finding that many units that fast. Paying 15% extra must have hurt, but honestly getting it done at all is a huge win. Major props for pulling that off.