How to Challenge a Fashion Supplier Without Damaging the Relationship

Supplier relationships are among the most commercially valuable things a fashion buyer builds. But one of the skills buyers are least prepared for is the moment when those relationships come under pressure. In this episode, Elisabeth Mac Hale gives you the practical framework for having the conversation you have been avoiding and coming out of it with the outcome you need and the relationship intact.In this episode:Why buyers avoid difficult supplier conversations — and why the avoidance always costs more than the conversation.The three things you need to be clear on before you pick up the phone.The four-step conversation structure that keeps things collaborative without giving up your commercial position.The difference between a supplier relationship built on avoidance and one built on honest commercial partnership.Links & Resources :Take the free Buyer-Ready Assessment: ⁠https://designdirectiveme.com/buyer-ready-assessment⁠Online Buying Course: ⁠Thrive in Fashion Buying⁠Connect with Elisabeth:Podcast: Thrive in Fashion Buying and Merchandising on ⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or wherever you listenInstagram: ⁠@designdirectivedubai⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Elisabeth Mac Hale⁠Website : ⁠The Design Directive⁠If this episode was useful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share it with a buyer you think would benefit. It makes a genuine difference to how the show grows.