Overs

The nature of a multi-step custom manufacturing process like printing is that it's generally impossible to guarantee the exact number of finished pieces that will emerge. Fortunately, this reality matches with the fact that when the client orders 10,000 they do not necessary need that exact number. Thus, the practice is to bill for the amount actually delivered (within an agreed range). In the event that the client wishes to receive an exact number, provisions must be made for this in advance to avoid possible shortages.

To deal with this, your Terms and Conditions of Sale should include this language from the PIA Best Business Practices:

Over-runs or Under-runs: Over-runs or under- runs will not exceed the percentage specified in the contract. The supplier will bill for actual quantity delivered within this tolerance. If the client require a guaranteed quantity, the percentage of tolerance must be stated at the time of quotation.

Of course, your Terms and Conditions of Sale are not much good unless communicated to your customer. Make sure to incorporate them into your sales correspondence, website, etc. For a copy of the PIA Best Business Practice Guidelines for Terms and Conditions of Sale

Contact Tim Freeman at [email protected]    Put "Best Business Practices" on the subject line of the email.