We all love loyal vendor relationships. You’ve worked with the same supplier for years, they’ve come through in a pinch, and there’s a mutual trust. That’s important.

But here’s the question most contractors don’t ask:
Is this loyalty making me money — or costing me money?

You might be surprised how many long-standing vendor relationships become invisible profit drains over time. Pricing creeps up slowly. Terms tighten. Service slips. And you keep writing checks because it’s “easier.”

But easy isn’t always profitable.

I worked with a contractor who had used the same materials supplier for over 10 years. They were friendly, local, and “trusted.” But when we benchmarked pricing, we discovered he was paying 8–12% more than his competitors on common materials. He renegotiated pricing and started shopping large purchases. Just that change saved him over $58K in one year — without changing vendors.

It doesn’t have to be confrontational. Just schedule a sit-down and ask:

• Can we review current pricing?
• Are there volume discounts we’re not using?
• Are there better payment terms available?

Great vendors want you to succeed. But they also need reminders that you’re paying attention.

Want to tighten up your vendor pricing without burning bridges?

Pick up your free copy of my new book, “The 7 Minute Conversation-How to Hear the Story Your Small Business Financial Statements Are Telling You-CONTRACTOR EDITION”.  Go to www.7MinuteConversationBook.com

Ready to find out where your cash and profits are really going? Book your free 15-minute Profit and Cash Flow Call with me. No pressure. Just real clarity. I’ll help you see where your money’s hiding — and what to do about it. Schedule at www.CashFlowCallWithLarry.com