In the complex world of sourcing, finding a trustworthy vendor is half the battle. Subjective impressions and one-off successful orders are not enough for long-term business health. The LitBuy Spreadsheet method provides a systematic, data-driven approach to evaluating seller reliability, turning vague feelings into clear, actionable metrics.
The Three Pillars of Seller Reliability
Effective vendor analysis with the LitBuy Spreadsheet rests on consistently tracking three core performance pillars over time. This longitudinal data reveals true patterns, separating consistently good performers from inconsistent or problematic ones.
1. Delivery Speed & Communication
Track Promised vs. Actual Delivery Dates
2. QC Accuracy & Quality Consistency
Record the First-Pass Yield (FPY)—the percentage of units passing quality control on the first inspection without issues. Track defect types (packaging, functionality, cosmetic). A trustworthy vendor will maintain a high and stable FPY, showing control over their production process.
3. Refund & Issue Resolution History
Log every instance requiring a partial/full refund or replacement. Note the reasonvendor's response speed, and the resolution fairness. A reliable vendor addresses problems promptly and fairly, without protracted negotiation.
Building and Maintaining Your Spreadsheet
Create a dedicated sheet per potential or active vendor. Use columns for: Order Date, Order #, Promised Ship Date, Actual Ship Date, QC Pass Rate %, Defects Noted, Refund/Issue (Y/N), Resolution Details, and a final Reliability Score
Over 5-10 orders, clear trends will emerge in your LitBuy Spreadsheet: The LitBuy Spreadsheet transforms vendor management from an art into a science. By maintaining long-term data on delivery speed, QC accuracy, and refund history, you build an evidence-based filter that systematically identifies and rewards truly trustworthy vendors. This disciplined approach minimizes risk, reduces stressful surprises, and creates a solid foundation for sustainable growth.From Data to Decision: Identifying Trustworthy Vendors
Conclusion