Comments on: Purchase Orders – How I do it

By: Vicente

Vicente — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:28:23 +0000

AbbeyK: The client that sued was a pig. The judge was a schmuck and the client was looking to get the designer. There’s always one of those in the crowd. I certainly know places where an inch would matter, but in a sofa, I don’t think so.

By: AbbeyK

AbbeyK — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:21:15 +0000

I tried going digital, but I couldn’t make it work. I went back to all paper. Would love to hear if others have made it work.

I know of a designer who recently was ordered by a judge to pay when upholstery came in 1″ off what was spec’d on the proposal. It fit in the house, but the client said it was not what was ordered. One of my vendors told me about this. Stuffing varies, so I now write “all dimensions are approximate” on my customer proposals for upholstery and explain that dimensions are close but if they take a tape measure out, they may find it’s not exact due to differences in stuffing.

My sister who is a litigator says there is a lot of gray area esp if you don’t catch an error from a vendor confirmation when it differs from your PO. If you order it correctly, but the vendor enters it incorectly and sends you paperwork with the wrong specs on it on the confirmation…. Which is the controlling document? We all know the good vendors will work with you, but legally do they have to? That’s a good question.

Perhaps this varies state to state but it’s another thing to consider.

Like you, I’ve become obsessed with checking re-checking. Ultimately it’s about 2 things: getting the client what they wanted without losing money.

By: Laura Bohn

Laura Bohn — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:03 +0000

Hi Vincente,
We write our purchase orders in a similar method in terms of gathering information. We find that filing the orders numerically in a client’s designated binder is easy for follow up. We use spreadsheets to track and comment on Purchase Orders so it gives the ability for all employees to check on status. We have a consolidation facility that gives us updates as soon as items are received. Thanks for sharing your ideas. We enjoy your blog

By: daniel hale

daniel hale — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:26:33 +0000

I cannot encourage designers enough to spend the time up front on PO’s. When we work with other designers on a custom piece it is best that the PO accompanies the sketch and refers to it. Also the Po should restate the dimensions and describe the piece in as much detail as possible. Have the samples with it and or make reference to it. Have any cost info on there too. Allowance for specified hardware in case changes are made it will be clear how much to deduct or add. Lastly spend the time to look at the sketch and check the dimensions. Those extra few minutes up front can prevent a world of pain that can occur when it turns out that something was not thought through. Thanks, daniel

By: Vicente

Vicente — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:59:37 +0000

Dana – thanks for the compliment. You can contact Trudi at VW Home (212-244-5008) to talk about the tables. Often my tables are custom designed for clients, but we do have some great pieces in the showroom.

By: dana kaplan

dana kaplan — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:19:39 +0000

Vincente, do you sell you DR tables in your store? Each one is more beautiful than the next……

By: The Designer Insider

The Designer Insider — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:59:37 +0000

Vicente,
I was glad to read that I am not the only one that still needs some “hands on” with the paperwork. I would not know how to digitize everything without losing control! I love your books and blog. Thanks for all the great advice!
Tina