Purchasing Agent how-to

How to Expedite a Late Order

Fast follow-up limits the impact of delays.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Fast follow-up limits the impact of delays. In short: confirm; contact; ask, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm the need date and impact.

  2. Contact the supplier for status.

  3. Ask for partial shipments or faster freight.

  4. Look for alternate sources if needed.

  5. Update internal customers.

  6. Document the delay for supplier performance.

Safety reminders for purchasing agents

  • Follow ethics rules on gifts and conflicts of interest
  • Protect confidential pricing data
  • Verify suppliers to prevent fraud
  • Follow procurement laws for public purchasing

RFQ · RFP · Purchase order (PO) · Lead time · Total cost of ownership · Sole source: see the full purchasing agent glossary.

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