Dear Potential Vendor

Today’s column is going to be a little different than most.  Instead of discussing best practices for a CRM system or waxing poetic about the newest gadget I’ve installed on my Blackberry, I am going to show you the letter I’d like to send to every potential vendor that I have to deal with. 

Dear Potential Vendor,

Thank you for bringing your product or service to me for consideration by my employer.  I genuinely enjoy investigating new technologies and as a stockholder in my company, it is in my fiduciary interest to locate the best value possible.

As a prospect and perhaps a customer, I promise you the following:

1.  I will treat you with respect.  Just because you are selling me something, I will not be verbally abusive or condescending toward you.
2.  I will be truthful with you.  I will not lie to gain an advantage nor will I exaggerate my authority.
3.  I will be considerate of your time, remembering that if I waste your day, I am taking food out your children’s mouths.
4.  While I will attempt to get the best, honest deal for my company, when negotiating, I will not attempt to deny you your livelihood.

In return, I expect—demand—the following from you:

1.  Treat me with respect.  My name is not, “Bub”, “Dude”, “Buddy”, or “Pauly”.  It is Paul.
2.  Do not lie.  Do not lie if you think I won’t find out; I will.  Do not lie to get the deal; karma is a harsh mistress and we have lawyers that are more vicious than rabid pit bulls. Do not promise what you cannot deliver.
3.  Do not waste my time.  Every superfluous PowerPoint slide you show me about your company’s founding, after I have asked you to proceed to the product demo, prevents me from doing my real job.
4.  Do not try to screw me over.  I only look stupid, but I’m not.  I don’t begrudge you a living, so don’t endanger mine by trying to make my company overpay.

Treat me as you would treat your own family; I’ll do the same by you and we’ll all get through this just fine.

Sincerely,
Paul Young