Buyers increasingly pressuring suppliers for lower costs, says report

Suppliers are under mounting financial pressure from buyers, according to a new report released this week by Better Buying, an organization dedicated to improving purchasing practices in the apparel supply chain. Better Buying surveyed 319 suppliers from 38 countries, who provided anonymous ratings of 67 retailers and brands they’ve worked with. No less than 55 percent of suppliers have been affected by high-pressure cost negotiation strategies such as not paying for samples (61 percent), not paying in time (64.5 percent) or not paying the full price as indicated in a purchase order (27 percent).