Effective vendor evaluation hinges on objective data. Tracking seller response speedissue resolution reliability
Consistent, timely communication is a leading indicator of a vendor's overall professionalism and reliability. Slow or unclear responses can lead to project delays, inventory issues, and increased operational costs. By monitoring these metrics, the ACBUY team can: Create a dedicated spreadsheet (e.g., in Google Sheets or Excel) for systematic tracking. Key columns should include: Transform raw data into actionable insights by calculating these core metrics for each vendor: Measures how quickly a vendor acknowledges an inquiry. Formula: Sum of all response times / Number of inquiries.
Tracks the percentage of issues resolved in the first reply without escalation. Formula: (Issues resolved on first contact / Total issues) * 100.
The total time from initial report to final solution. This is the ultimate measure of reliability and operational effectiveness. By diligently tracking communication performance in your ACBUY spreadsheet, you build a robust framework for vendor evaluation. This process not only mitigates risk but also strengthens partnerships through transparency and a shared commitment to excellence.Why Track Communication Metrics?
Setting Up Your Vendor Performance Spreadsheet
Vendor Name
Contact Date/Time
Initial Response Time
Issue Type
Resolution Status
Time to Resolution
Notes/Quality Score
Sample Data: TechParts Inc.
2023-10-26 09:15
2.5 hours
Shipping Delay
Resolved
1 business day
Provided tracking update promptly.
Key Metrics to Calculate and Monitor
1. Average Initial Response Time
2. First-Contact Resolution Rate
3. Overall Time to Resolution (TTR)
Best Practices for Consistent Tracking
ACBUY Vendor Management: Monitoring Seller Communication & Reliability
2025-12-19