#procurementtips

Digital transformation is revolutionizing traditional vendor sourcing methods. This exploration covers emerging technologies like cloud-based procurement platforms, digital supplier networks, and data analytics tools that make vendor selection faster and more accurate. See how technology enables better vendor visibility, automated performance tracking, and smarter sourcing decisions that drive competitive advantage in modern supply chains.

Okay, let’s be real for a second. Finding a new supplier sometimes feels like dating. At first, everything seems perfect. They say the right things, they respond quickly, they promise the world (and at a “special” price just for you). But a few weeks in… the cracks show. And just like in relationships, ignoring red flags can cost you way more than you think.

So here’s my confessional-style list of 5 supplier red flags — with the business version of “dump him” (or at least, “have the hard conversation”).

🚩 1. They Oversell Themselves

You know that person who claims they’ve totally climbed Mount Everest, speak six languages, and make perfect sourdough bread? Suppliers do that too. If every answer to “Can you handle this?” is a shiny yes, with no detail, that’s a problem.

What to do: Ask for evidence. Certifications, client references, factory photos, quality audit reports. If their claims have zero backup, you’re dealing with someone who’s all talk.

🚩 2. Communication Feels… Off

In the early stages, communication should be smooth. But if you’re already chasing replies, getting vague answers, or feeling like your emails are disappearing into the void? That’s not just bad manners — it’s a preview of bigger problems down the line.

What to do: Test their responsiveness before signing contracts. Set clear expectations for communication frequency and format. If they can’t commit now, they won’t magically improve later.

🚩 3. They’re Too Cheap

Listen, everyone loves a good deal. But if a supplier’s quote is suspiciously lower than others, that’s not them being generous. That’s them cutting corners. Maybe it’s in material quality, maybe it’s in compliance, maybe it’s in labor conditions. None of those will end well for your business.

What to do: Compare quotes, but weigh them against capabilities and track record. If the price feels “too good to be true,” it probably is.

🚩 4. No Transparency in Operations

You ask for details about their production line, labor standards, or quality checks… and they dance around the answer. Big yikes. Transparency is non-negotiable. If they’re hiding something now, imagine what happens when an order goes wrong.

What to do: Push for transparency. Site visits, third-party audits, or at the very least, detailed documentation. If they refuse? Time to swipe left.

🚩 5. Overpromising on Lead Times

“We can ship in two weeks!” they say, with stars in their eyes. Except every factory you’ve ever talked to said six weeks minimum. Overpromising timelines is like someone promising they’ll “totally change” after three dates. It rarely happens.

What to do: Double-check industry norms. Ask about production capacity. If their promises don’t align with reality, expect disappointment — or worse, a completely missed delivery.

Final Thought

Red flags are easier to ignore when you’re desperate to close a deal (or find “the one”). But in procurement, ignoring them can bleed your budget, wreck your timelines, and cause sleepless nights. The good news? Once you learn to spot the signs, you’ll waste less time on the wrong suppliers and focus on the ones who actually deserve your trust.

Want to cut costs without cutting corners? Strategic sourcing is the answer. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about creating long-term value.

Procurement Tip of the Day: Build supplier relationships before you need them. Strategic partnerships always outperform short-term contracts.

Let’s get real for a second. You’re not in the business of making videos just to check a box. You’re doing it because you need to say something that matters—whether it’s to your employees, your stakeholders, or the public.

And if you're serious about that message, then you better be serious about who you work with. Because the wrong video partner isn’t just a waste of time and money. It’s a missed opportunity to connect, to lead, and to influence.

So let’s talk about how to find someone who actually gets what you're trying to do—and can help you do it right.

Know What You’re Trying to Say

Before you even think about sending out an RFP or jumping on a call with a production company, you need clarity. Real clarity.

What are you trying to achieve? Who is this for? Why should they care?

If you don’t have clear answers to those questions, no amount of fancy editing or cinematic shots will save you. The best video teams in the world can’t fix a muddy brief.

Take the time to sit down with your team and ask the hard questions. What problem are we solving? What action do we want people to take after watching? How do we want them to feel?

You’d be surprised how many big organisations skip this step and wonder why their video doesn’t land.

Your RFP Isn’t Just Paperwork

A lot of people treat the RFP like a chore. Like it’s just another hoop to jump through before they can get started.

Wrong.

Your RFP is your first chance to set the tone. To show that you know what you want. And to separate the pros from the posers.

Write it like you mean it. Be specific. Don’t just list deliverables—tell a story. Explain your mission. Show that you care.

Because the people reading it aren’t just looking for work. They’re deciding whether they want to work with you. And if your RFP feels lazy, guess what? You’ll get lazy responses.

Evaluation Is About More Than Numbers

Yes, scoring proposals is important. Yes, you should have criteria. But don’t get so caught up in ticking boxes that you miss the bigger picture.

Look for partners who get it. Who understand your audience. Who challenge your thinking. Who bring something to the table beyond “we’ve done this before.”

Experience matters. So does creativity. So does budget. But none of those things matter more than alignment. Do they see the world the way you do? Will they push back when you’re off track? Will they fight for your message?

That’s what separates a vendor from a true partner.

Talking Matters More Than Paper

Once you’ve read the proposals, it’s time to talk. And I mean really talk.

This is where you find out who’s just reading off a script and who actually wants to build something with you.

Invite shortlisted teams in. Ask them how they’d approach your project. Ask them what they’d do differently. Ask them what they’ve learned from past mistakes.

Pay attention to how they listen. Do they hear what you’re saying—or are they already planning their next pitch?

The best partners aren’t afraid to ask questions. They want to understand your goals, your challenges, your culture. They know that great work starts with trust.

Do Your Homework Before Signing Anything

Before you commit, dig deeper.

Talk to their past clients. Watch their previous work. Understand how they operate.

Who will be working on your project? What happens when things go sideways? How do they handle feedback?

This isn’t about distrust—it’s about due diligence. You wouldn’t hire someone without checking references. You shouldn’t choose a video partner without doing the same.

And don’t ignore red flags. If something feels off during the process, it probably is.

This Isn’t Just About Video

Choosing the right video production partner isn’t just about finding someone who can shoot and edit. It’s about finding someone who believes in what you’re trying to say.

Because when you get that right, something shifts. Your message lands harder. People pay attention. Things move.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about impact.

And in a world full of noise, that’s what makes the difference.

Great Work Starts With the Right Mindset

At the end of the day, this isn’t just procurement. It’s storytelling. It’s communication. It’s leadership.

So stop treating it like a transaction and start treating it like a partnership.

Be clear. Be bold. Be honest.