In the field of Certified Healthy Interior Designers and the education that is taking place, this is a valuable topic of discussion. Every Interior Designer takes a high level of responsibility in a project. When things go wrong we reach into our own pockets to fix these problems. When it involves new technology and new certifications, it becomes an expensive responsibility.
If a supplier lets you down with either production of promised product, or keeping their business afloat long enough to supply you, it becomes expensive for the responsible designer. That is one reason why it is imperative that the Certified Healthy Interior Designer knows what they are doing during the specification phase. Only then do you have a leg to stand on to insure that the losses are ones that your company can bear.
I personally feel that any supplier contracted by you that fails to perform is the designers problem. Usually designers have clauses in their contracts placing the cost (and the problem)
on the clients shoulders. This is usually met with an unhappy client, but by that point, that is the least of the designers concern. This is not ethical or feasible for a client relationship to withstand the trauma of a non performing supplier in the process.
We are protected by State laws governing contracts being fulfilled. Litigation is a possibility.
But as we all know, litigation is expensive. The non performing supplier has probably used all of its resources already and is probably not in a position to give you anything, except an apology.
My approach is a bit unorthodox, but usually garners good results. I try to sit down face to face
with those that owe me money. I politely ask how I can help them pay me. I ask for collateral. I take something in exchange for non performance to have them vested in the idea that they need to pay me. It may sound harsh. But the business of not fulfilling contracts is not a pretty one. I try to get their emotions involved in the solution of following through. Once that is done, I usually get paid, or at least get moved to the top of their list!
Working with smaller niche market suppliers and contractors does bring you into the danger zone of non performance. Everyone feeds their children first. That fact alone puts us at risk when we are filling orders in a project and must buy these non toxic materials locally for best result. We all want a win win situation, and erring on the side of communication with your supplier early on during non performance seems to work best. Collateral is your ace in the hole. Don't be afraid to ask for it. Don't be afraid to accept it. Make it personal and get it resolved.
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