How can you proactively prevent conflict with suppliers?

Jamás tendremos conflictos si mantenemos una relación con nuestros proveedores con un caudal significativo de comunicación, debemos conocer con claridad las capacidades y motivación que tienen para atendernos como cliente, tener claro sus objetivos de crecimiento y desarrollo, trabajar para que esto sea alineado con nuestras necesidades y expectativas, por último revisar los intereses y expectativas personales de los colaboradores involucrados para evitar que estas no estén por encima de los de las compa?ías.

Understand your organisation's requests to explain it well to the supplier in the first stage ( all points) to avoid conflicts , understanding if the supplier is going to abide by all the points and commit to delivery comes from talking . After 2 calls you would understand if they will commit or they have issues.

When onboarding new suppliers, assessing their market credibility is key. I start with smaller projects to gauge their reliability and potential for improvement before considering them for larger ventures. Transparency is pivotal—I articulate my terms clearly while respecting theirs. With longstanding suppliers, ethical relationships are vital for trust and fairness. Diversifying my supplier network reduces dependency, motivating suppliers to consistently excel.

Es importante tropicalizar los productos, para que los proveedores y compradores se sientan cómodos e informados de la cultura del país destino, además es importante informar a los proveedores de los requisitos de importación correspondientes en el país destino

é importante entender n?o somente o fornecedor dentro da concorrência, mas também conhecer profundamente o quanto a sua carteira represente nos objetivos daquele fornecedor. Por exemplo: Se o fornecedor tem objetivo de crescer dentro de uma determinada regi?o ou segmento e sua empresa tiver fit com esse objetivo. Entender o tamanho da sua carteira dentro do fornecedor também é importante.

Establishing clear and realistic expectations with suppliers involves a detailed alignment of objectives and capabilities. Analyze the feasibility of the terms being set, considering the supplier's production capacities and logistical constraints. Regularly revisit and update these expectations in response to changes in market conditions or operational capabilities. Ensure that all agreements and expectations are well-documented and communicated, reducing ambiguity and the potential for misunderstandings.

An example of this is, when the incoterms aren’t chosen correctly from the beginning. Set clear expectations regarding to this, it’s the key to prevent confusion.

Supplier evaluations and further tracking of results help not only to keep under control quality of cooperation, but as well give you data to compare suppliers and to use it as a reason for improving your cooperation terms and to understand market situation in general.

Implement a structured approach to monitor supplier performance by establishing clear KPIs that reflect both your requirements and the supplier's capabilities. Utilize data analytics to regularly assess performance against these KPIs. This systematic evaluation helps in identifying areas of improvement and initiating discussions based on performance data rather than perceptions, which can help in resolving issues objectively and constructively.

In negotiations, employ a strategic approach that involves analyzing both your and the supplier's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). This analysis provides a foundation for understanding potential areas of compromise. Approach negotiations with a problem-solving mindset, aiming to find solutions that address both parties' core needs and concerns. This requires balancing assertiveness with empathy and flexibility.

A good deal is good only when it's good for everybody! Remember you are dealing with a partner and that the transaction could be a long term partnership.

Acho que uma dica que vale ouro para n?o se arrepender do que disse ou enviou é nunca se comunicar com quem está lhe estressando, aguarde 10 minutos antes de fazer uma liga??o ou enviar um e-mail. Se for ao vivo, n?o tolere falta de respeitos mas sem faltar com o respeito. Enfim, nada disso é fácil, por isso é preciso desenvolver a inteligência emocional.

I strongly believe that communication in business should be emotions-free. You can't allow emotions to control or affect yor business communications. So if you had a bad day - put aside your emotions or reschedule your meeting at all. As emotions may blur your opinion and may be a reason of wrong decisions.

Post-conflict, conduct an in-depth review to understand the root causes of the conflict and the effectiveness of the resolution strategies used. Involve your team in this review to gather diverse perspectives and insights. Use this analysis to refine your conflict management processes, communication strategies, and negotiation tactics. Sharing these learnings with your suppliers can help in building a more resilient and collaborative relationship.

Aprender com conflitos é essencial. Após resolu??o, reflita, identifique causas, compartilhe aprendizados com fornecedores, agrade?a colabora??o. Implemente melhorias, monitore resultados para evitar recorrências e fortalecer relacionamentos.

A SWOT analysis is a strategic tool that helps you evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your import/export business. By conducting a SWOT analysis, you can identify your competitive advantages, address your challenges, explore new markets, and avoid potential risks. PEST Analysis, an acronym for Political, Economic, Social and Technological, is a useful tool to help businesses to analyze markets in different aspects. It is used to assess a market whether it will be a good fit for you.

Principalmente com prestadores de servi?o, busque desenvolver um pequeno grupo de empresas para lhe atender (proporcional ao tamanho da sua opera??o), de forma que sempre tenha outras op??es, mas que continue sendo capaz de acompanhar o desenvolvimento dos escolhidos.