Lara GuevaraSupply Chain expert (Product and Service)

Never Say THIS to Vendors (It’s Hurting You!)

30 Sept 2025

Watch on YouTube

Three phrases kill your negotiating power with suppliers: admitting desperation to launch, saying they're your only option, and confessing you don't know your forecast. Instead, frame urgency as partnership potential, mention you're evaluating other vendors, and show a simple three-month reorder plan.

If you're negotiating with a supplier, please never say these three things. They'll destroy your leverage instantly. Number one, we're desperate to launch. Just give us whatever terms in translation you just told them you'll pay anything. Number two, you're our only option right now. That's like handing over the steering wheel. No backup, no leverage. Number three, we don't know our forecast. We'll just see how it goes. To a factory that screams risk and risky clients always get higher moqs and worse pricing. Instead, flip it. Frame urgency. As a partnership opportunity, casually mention you're evaluating multiple vendors and share even a simple three month reorder plan. That way you stay in control and they see you as a long term partner. Not an easy target.