Every effort must be made to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the personnel in these departments. Cooperation, trust, and mutual confidence are essential. The most effective procurement can be achieved through the coordinated effort of Purchasing and Business Services and the user department. Buyers must have an understanding of the requirements of the users. They visit departments on a regular basis.
Continuous communication is essential in meeting faculty and staff needs satisfactorily.
Vendor Relations Purchasing personnel must grant vendor and contractor sales representatives a free and full hearing. They are to allow sales representatives a prompt and courteous interview in a businesslike manner under conditions of privacy and without numerous interruptions and delays. Department staff must be honest in their representations to potential suppliers. Information on expected quantities to be purchased, the likelihood of receiving funds for the purchase, and other department service requirements should be as accurate as possible. Buyers may visit vendor facilities periodically to increase knowledge of products and vendor capability.