It is no secret that none of us look forward to a price increase of any kind whether we are talking about machinery, corrugated, plastics and other necessary products used in manufacturing and/or shipping. Supply/demand and natural disasters such as hurricane Harvey are two ways that we can experience increases that greatly affect the products we sell. I cringe at the e-mail or letter announcing an upcoming increase knowing that it will be “decision time” once again as to how/when/if to pass this on to our customers.
Here is a little known secret. We don’t ALWAYS pass this along. We are as sensitive about this subject as our customers are about receiving increases. I would hate to think that all products are purchased based on pricing alone and I do not believe that. I don’t believe that knowing that I personally am willing to pay higher prices for good service, better quality and convenience. That is worth something.
So, our dilemma lives on as we receive increases. We have to look at the individual customer in terms of our associated freight costs, their accounts payable history, customer loyalty and ease of doing business. You see, it works both ways and we do care deeply about our commitment to the customer. That commitment from both sides to work together and communicate is what can benefit both supplier and customer in the long run.
