Ask the Experts: Vendor/Client Relationships

(As an aside, this organization’s policy is to pay its vendors in 90 to 120 days.)

The donation was met with the following response from the chief development officer/vice president of marketing: “The president of the Foundation is very disappointed in your level of commitment. It reflects poorly on me personally and my relationship with her and the Foundation. Your company was the Foundation’s largest vendor last year in terms of dollars spent. I know times are tight, but the success of the Foundation is dependent on the generosity of its friends and associates. Please re-look at your level of commitment. Thanks in advance for re-considering.” (I have condensed the remarks for time and space).