Burning all my vendor bridges 6

[Plasmech]

Does anybody else ever have this problem: you get put on a project that's got a fire lit under it. Draw everything up, get the off-the-shelf parts quoted from your vendors. Some of this quote work involves engineering consultation itself or even people flying in to see the application. You finally get all your quotes, you calculate the cost of the machine, ready to order everything and then...someone puts out the fire. No real market for this thing all of a sudden. Something else more important. Oh well, project over (for now).

Now imagine this happening several times over the course of a few years. Imagine what the vendors think at this point. Now a project comes through that really is going to become a reality. But uh oh...burnt all my bridges.

Anyone deal with this?

-Plasmech

Mechanical Engineer, Plastics Industry

 

[Pressed]

Vendor visits and a little of their work effort is something they are willing to give, in many cases, it is needed on both sides.

Now that you have experienced the drop and know that it can happen again, find a way to keep your eye on the budget and the things that can influence it. Probably easier said then done. Is there someone to explain how projects get pulled and what to look for?

Maybe create a preliminary budget/contract for work not guaranteed so vendors will get paid regardless. When appropriate, say that these vendors require payment because of previous dealings with the company pulling out.

It sure does suck when the wind leaves the sails.


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