In the business world, you have high expectations and accountability. These extend to a host of people, including customers, employees, partners and vendors. In turn, you should require the same treatment from those with whom you work. You invest a lot of time and money into your business relationships. If someone deliberately lets you down, it could have detrimental effects on your company. There may even be times when a lawsuit would be warranted, as a business lawyer in Melbourne, FL, such as from the Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, can explain. It’s important to understand when it would be appropriate to file a suit against a vendor.
What Factors Were at Play?
Companies of all sizes rely on vendors to provide assets. A business would use these items for their own goods and services for customers and prospective customers. In your company, you spend a significant amount of money for vendors to come through for your needs, whether these include telecommunications and other technology, printing services, design and a host of others. When a vendor fails to deliver what you paid for, you need to determine why before you can be justified in filing a lawsuit. Did the vendor simply take your money with no intention of filling an order? Did the vendor skip town without ever communicating with you? In these situations, your business arrangement or contract probably warrants legal action. However, if the vendor failed to deliver because of things beyond its control such as mechanical difficulties, weather problems or an accident, it would be much more difficult for a job to hear your case.
The Intent
The extent to which you should pursue a lawsuit against a vendor may also depend on the other party’s intentions. Your attorney will look at your case to determine whether the vendor purposefully ignored your agreement and deliberately came up short on delivering your supplies and materials. Was this a calculated plan to take payment and then disappear? Or, did the vendor simply produce poor materials? Did the vendor altogether fail to provide you with your order, or was there delivery but the materials were of poor quality or not complete?
A Pattern
A one-time mix-up or setback could warrant severing business ties, but it may not mean you should pursue a lawsuit. However, if this has happened multiple times, you should speak to an attorney. The vendor should be held accountable for dishonest behavior and not delivering what you paid for.
Your lawyer can guide you through the decision of whether to sue a vendor. Make sure you gather all the facts about your case before making any accusations.