Updated 7 October 2026
Reliable supplier relationships depend on clear information and realistic expectations. Good communication reduces avoidable revisions and missed deadlines.
Provide a useful brief
State the purpose, quantity, specifications, delivery date and who approves the work. Share final copy and suitable files rather than scattered messages. Ask which information the supplier needs before they can give a reliable quote.
Agree on the process
Confirm proofing, revisions, payment terms and how changes affect cost or timing. Keep decisions in writing. If a deadline depends on your approval, schedule time to review the proof instead of treating the supplier’s lead time as the whole timeline.
Review the relationship fairly
Raise problems early with specific examples. Compare quality, reliability, communication and total cost rather than price alone. Tell the supplier when a process worked well, and ask how the next order could run more smoothly.
Your next move
For the next job, create one approved brief and one person responsible for decisions. ITG can help organise the design and production steps around that process.
About the Author
Tina Kempling, the Lean Green Team Leader at Imagine That with over 35 years of experience in the print industry, newspaper and magazine advertising.
As an industry-certified designer since 1991, Tina knows her stuff when it comes to marketing vision. But what sets her apart is her understanding of advertising and marketing in today’s digital and print market. She can help companies tap into the incredible marketing power in new and creative ways. Ready to take your marketing game to the next level? Give Tina a shout!