Used to spec out all my cabinets from one supplier until a timeline disaster changed my mind

I always went with one cabinet company for every job because it was easier, but last March a 6 week lead time turned into 14 weeks and held up my whole project. Now I split cabinet orders between two suppliers so if one drops the ball I'm not stuck waiting. Has anyone else started splitting their material orders to avoid delays?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbara2781mo ago

Split my lumber orders between two yards after a similar mess. Never going back to one source again.

patriciam221mo ago

I hear what you're saying @barbara278, and I get why you'd split orders after a disaster like that. But honestly, I see it differently. I think juggling two suppliers just doubles the headache of tracking lead times, quality, and availability. I'd rather put that energy into building a real relationship with one trusted supplier, where they actually know my name and my deadlines. That way, when something goes wrong, they're more willing to squeeze me in or find a workaround, instead of me being just another split order. I had a 4 week delay once, but because I stuck with my guy, he let me borrow extra stock from his showroom to get through. Doesn't that kind of loyalty matter more than having a backup?