When Buyers Go Too Far: Where Supplier Relationships Cross the Line

Toxic buyer behavior has become normalized in our industry. Stories of unpaid invoices, disrespectful communication, and suppliers being set up to fail reveal how far some buyer-supplier relationships have deteriorated.In this episode, I share examples from payment delays used as leverage to junior buyers learning that bullying suppliers is "just business." I explore why this behavior developed, the real costs to our industry, and most importantly, how we can build respectful partnerships that benefit everyone.Whether you're a buyer, supplier, or industry leader, this conversation will challenge you to examine your relationships and consider what needs to change. Because without our suppliers, we wouldn't have products to sell - it's time we started treating them like the essential partners they are.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, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ and You Tube or wherever you listen to your podcastsInstagram: ⁠@designdirectivedubai⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Elisabeth Mac Hale⁠Website : ⁠The Design Directive⁠ If this episode was useful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps the show reach more buyers who need it. And share it with someone who has a review coming up.