PPB August 2020

Q A DISTRIBUTOR ASKS: I recently learned of a scam that involved ordering a high-volume-dollar product and was wondering if anyone had a list of “bewares” when it comes to purchasing requests, and how does your company choose to pass on product requests that seem a little off? I always pass if I get a gut check, but I’ve been doing this for 21 years. If it looks a little legit, I first check LinkedIn to verify the person is real, then if it still leaves me questioning, I check the company website, and if there’s still a question, I email them back with an extensive “new customer” questionnaire that includes asking how they heard of me so I know who to thank. Usually, by that point, there’s crickets. Most don’t get through to step one though. AMANDA DYE HUENEKE Owner and Manager Hello Imprint, LLC Frisco, Texas PPAI 730141, D2 Be aware that the scammers have the means to create very real-looking websites and that is where you can get scammed. Once you email them back, they now know you are an active email, which can be sold for money, which is why some professionals receive more than one scammer email since the door has been opened. The best bet is to hover over the emails and links, and to never click anything until you are sure it’s real. ADRIENNE BARKER, MAS Senior Brand Marketing Manager HALO Daytona Beach, Florida PPAI 758333, D1 Do You Have An Answer? A Distributor Asks: Lately, we have had more frequent issues with suppliers short-shipping, charging our credit card unauthorized amounts, shipping orders to incorrect addresses and missing deadlines. Yes, these are challenging times, but given that we’re partners in what we provide to our end buyers, these actions erode the trust that we’ve worked hard to build. The real stinger is that many suppliers are asking us to prepay orders, which leaves us no recourse in holding them accountable to deliver as guaranteed. I believe 50 percent to new providers or for larger orders is fair, but in many cases, terms don’t seem to be negotiable. How are you handling these issues? What’s Your Answer? Email your answer to Question@ppai.org for the chance to be featured in a future issue of PPB. Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. | AUGUST 2020 | 13 INNOVATE