Is your supply chain as reliable as you think it is?

We often assume our vendors will deliver like clockwork, until they don't. Once missed shipment or a sudden shortage can disrupt your entire workflow, delay orders, and damage customer trust. These kinds of disruptions are happening more frequently as global trade tensions and logistics bottlenecks continue to impact even the most well-established vendors. For small businesses without deep pockets or large inventories, the margin for error is razor-thin. Now is the time to test your supply chain and identify any weak spots before they become costly problems.

"Resilience is built in the small decisions, not just in the big ones."

Resilience in business operations isn't about eliminating risk; it's about preparing for it and adapting when the unexpected happens. True stability comes from the consistent habits you build, such as checking in with vendors regularly, asking "what if?" and creating SOPs for potential disruptions. Strengthening your operational foundation means building in flexibility, having backup vendors, simplifying product lines, and improving your forecasting. These behind-the-scenes efforts may seem small, but they're often the reason your business can keep moving while others stall. It's worth investing time in the little things now to avoid big headaches later.

Tip: What to do when a vendor falls through (and how to find another one)

When a key vendor suddenly drops the ball, the worst thing you can do is scramble without a plan. Whether you're facing a short-term delay or a complete supplier breakdown, acting quick, but strategically, is key.

Here's how to handle it:

Step 1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Start by auditing your current vendors. Identify which ones are critical to your operations and assess their risk level based on location, delivery history, and communication.

Step 2. Start the Search

Check directories like Thomasnet and Maker's Row for U.S. manufacturers. Check with your industry association, economic development organizations, or small business resource centers. And don't underestimate the power of community. Industry forums and LinkedIn groups can be a goldmine for referrals.

Step 3. Vet Carefully and Efficiently

Before moving forward, ask for samples, references, and pricing sheets. Evaluate their communication, are they responsive, professional, and clear? These traits are critical when time is tight. And remember, cheaper isn't always better. You need a vendor who can deliver consistently, not just affordably.

Step 4. Build Redundancy Into Your Supply Chain

Don't stop at one new vendor, create a backup plan. Build a tiered list of primary, secondary, and emergency suppliers. Even if a secondary vendor is more expensive or slower to onboard, having that relationship in place can save you when things go sideways. If you don't use a CRM, a simple spreadsheet to track vendor contacts, lead times, pricing, and reliability can go a long way.

Step 5. Stay Ahead of Global Disruptions

Stay informed about global events that might affect your supply chain. Sources like Supply Chain Dive may be helpful. When you know what's coming, you can adapt fast.

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Personal Update:

I'm currently helping a client navigate this challenge. We've been researching alternative suppliers, comparing leads times, and picking up the phone to verify capabilities firsthand. It's a necessary step to keep things running smoothly.

If you're starting to feel the cracks in your own vendor relationships, or want a second opinion on your current setup, I'd be happy to help. Whether it's auditing your existing supply chain, or building a vendor backup plan, I can support you in staying one step ahead.

Need help? Hit reply and let's talk!

What specific operational challenges are you currently facing that you'd love to see covered in future newsletters? Reply to this email with your questions.