Perhaps you have a repeating problem with certain equipment and the vendor seems to take forever to help you solve it. Or, you ordered a replacement part two weeks ago, and the company still has not shipped it. Maybe you filled out the form on the website half a dozen times to no avail, and nobody answers when you call.
Thanks to the problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, this problem is no longer extremely rare. One manufacturer in Georgia has a staffing shortage because it just can’t find enough people to apply for its open positions. Consequently, it lacks the resources to respond to service issues.
Pre-COVID-19, you could overnight a letter to the unresponsive vendor and get its attention. The problem typically was one of disorganization rather than resource depletion. You can still try this technique.
If resource depletion is the problem, your solution does not lie with that vendor. You will have to find a replacement source for that part or system.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.