Buyers appear to select PRPs who can contribute to production and process efficiency. Noticeably absent among the 10 key supplier characteristics are such factors as local presence, leading-edge research and development capability, innovation, and expertise regarding either a buyer's products or customers. Key supplier characteristics appear to endure over the various stages of the relationship life cycle. The salience of key supplier characteristics appears to be related to market conditions. Buyers report, for example, that the supply market from which they purchase is somewhat stable, fairly mature, and very price- competitive.
Buyers have fewer expectations regarding their PRPs' technical or market-related expertise.
The market conditions also explain, in part, buyers ability to move easily among other suitable suppliers.