Sit down and read this

Procurement "professionals" are often asked, either seriously or in jest, for retail buying help from friends and family. While there is obviously some overlap in skills and approach, it's a bit akin to asking your friend the Finance Director for help selecting a life insurance policy. Over at the consumerist, they've posted an article aimed at the consumer buyer, that has a lot a valid points for the professionals. The topic is buying on-line furniture, but just as it makes sense for a professional, it also makes sense for categories beyone furniture. Here are a few of the tips, and a link to the full article.

#7. Ask them about the shipping procedure and how long it takes for
the order to be processed.
# 12. Confirm everything. Hold them to their word, and WRITE DOWN THEIR
NAMES. Get their last name if possible.
#6. Ask them what the furniture is made of, and if it can be configured in
a number of different ways.
# 3. If they have a warehouse, ask for a tour. Take a look at the way they
warehouse employees act and handle the packages. What the retailer expects of
its employees is what they expect from their manufacturers.

Cheers,

David Rotor