It’s not exactly the most comforting topic to ponder, but it’s a conversation that needs to be discussed: there are people in this world who don’t have any qualms about making a quick buck from an unsuspecting small business owner. Scammers and shysters can pop up anywhere, and they don’t always have their sights set on the elderly and infirm.
Disreputable vendors can do more than just walk away with your hard-earned cash. They can damage your business’s reputation as well as gain access to confidential information that could harm your clients and customers, too.
While it’s not my intention to lead anyone astray with fear mongering, I do strongly urge small business owners to use their common sense when selecting vendors. There are several things you can do to protect your business.
Read the Contracts
If your relationship with a particular vendor requires signing a contract, read it thoroughly. Be on the lookout for contracts that stipulate you can’t leave at anytime and for contracts that require you to pay additional fees if you ever want to leave. If you’re not familiar with the vendor or its people, never take their word for what’s in the contract. Take it back to the office for a thorough reading or have a legal professional look it over before you sign.
Screen Vendors
You can learn a lot from a few minutes of internet searching. Using the company name with terms like “scam” or “complaints” in a web search can give you some pretty solid information about the company you’re considering. A brief scan of complaints and reviews should be enough to tell you whether a couple of clients just had bad experiences or whether the company has systemic problems you should avoid.
Get Referrals
Using your networks to get recommendations is a great way to avoid scammers. If your business partners and colleagues make a recommendation, your chances of dealing with a company that’s on the up-and-up improve substantially. Remember, however, that even with a referral it’s important to read and understand contracts and continue with the screening process. Always err on the side of caution.
Ask for References
If you don’t have any referrals to work from, ask the vendor to provide you with a list of references. Then follow through and contact the references and ask specific questions about their experiences with the company. Prepare the questions ahead of time if your not good interviewing on the fly.
Go with Your Gut
If at any time you feel uncomfortable about a vendor, walk away. Never feel obligated to do business with a person or company that you don’t feel good about. The reputation of your own business is too important to overlook any misgivings you may have. We get that queasy feeling in our stomachs for a reason. Learn to respect it.
With a little common sense, it’s not so hard to avoid scam vendors. What tips or methods do you use to vet the businesses that supply your company?
