--- title: 5 Tips For Setting Realistic Customer Expectations description: Take a look at five tips for setting proper expectations with customers when it comes to supplier disruptions. Read more. image: https://blog.aiacommunity.com/hubfs/BD-016%20Supply%20Chain%20LP%20Graphic.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-tips-setting-realistic-customer-expectations#main-content) [![AIA_Logo_CMYK_Primary---Blue-Green (1)](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AIA_Logo_CMYK_Primary---Blue-Green%20(1).png?width=100&height=54&name=AIA_Logo_CMYK_Primary---Blue-Green%20(1).png)](https://aiacommunity.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Contact Us](https://aiacommunity.com/contact) [Contact Us](https://aiacommunity.com/contact) May 10, 2021 12:57:00 PM # 5 Tips For Setting Realistic Customer Expectations ![Picture of AIA Corporation](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Facebook-180x180.jpg?width=50&name=Facebook-180x180.jpg) [AIA Corporation](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/author/aia-corporation) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-tips-setting-realistic-customer-expectations) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-tips-setting-realistic-customer-expectations) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-tips-setting-realistic-customer-expectations) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-tips-setting-realistic-customer-expectations) The promo industry is still coping with the lasting effects of the pandemic. So, what can you do? You can stay informed and prepared! Today we’re going to take a look at five tips for setting proper expectations with customers when it comes to supplier disruptions. ## Stay Informed When you are talking to clients or making product recommendations, it’s important to position yourself as an expert. *Expert tip*: ASK! Ask suppliers about their delivery timeline and, as a best practice, build some cushion to that in case unexpected delays occur. Items should arrive early than late. ## Be Honest Upfront Transparency is critical!  Always be clear and as accurate as you can when it comes to details about inventory, shipping delays, and delivery estimates. *Expert tip*: Be cautious about providing an exact delivery date unless you are 100% sure about it. Do your best to give accurate estimates and let your clients know that things could change. *Expert tip*: When providing solutions for your clients, have a plan B, or a 2nd item selected in case the first item has an inventory issue or a production delay!  It can be hard to admit that you don’t have complete control over something, but it’s better, to be honest and set realistic expectations. ## Keep Clients Updated Try to keep clients as updated as possible. Let them know where their order is in the process.  *Expert tip*: Be FIRST! We all hate bad news, but sharing those unfortunate details with your clients BEFORE they come to you and ask, is a better customer experience. Don’t risk losing a client by ghosting them! ## When Things Go Wrong, Make It Right Sometimes things just don’t go as planned...whether it is a shipment that gets delayed, or the wrong product is shipped, things happen! *Expert tip*: Do your best to make it right! Ask your client what would be their ideal resolution, and do what you can to accommodate!  In these situations, compassion and understanding will go a long way. People won’t always remember what went wrong, but they will NEVER FORGET how you made it right!  ## Choose Reliable Suppliers When you are researching products, make sure you are doing your due diligence to see if a supplier is reliable. *Expert tip*: AIA provides our distributors with a vetted list of MVP Suppliers.  If you are thinking about using a supplier you have not worked with before, check out their industry reputation and recent reviews to see if they are a good partner to work with. If you need help staying on top of supplier and supply chain updates, [partner with the promo experts at AIA](https://aiacommunity.com/about). [Join our community today](https://aiacommunity.com/contact)! ## Other Posts You May Like [![](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Online-Shopping-on-iPhone-and-Laptop.jpg?height=200&name=Online-Shopping-on-iPhone-and-Laptop.jpg)](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/company-stores-easily-add-value-your-promo-distributorship) ## [Company Stores: Easily Add Value to Your Promo Distributorship](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/company-stores-easily-add-value-your-promo-distributorship) [![4 Dos and Don’ts of Promo Kitting](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/guy-opening-promo-kit-box.jpg?height=200&name=guy-opening-promo-kit-box.jpg)](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/4-dos-and-donts-promo-kitting) ## [4 Dos and Don’ts of Promo Kitting](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/4-dos-and-donts-promo-kitting) [![](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5-ways-keep-your-tech-safe-while-traveling.jpg?height=200&name=5-ways-keep-your-tech-safe-while-traveling.jpg)](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-ways-keep-your-tech-safe-while-traveling) ## [5 Ways to Keep Your Tech Safe While Traveling](https://blog.aiacommunity.com/aia-perspectives/5-ways-keep-your-tech-safe-while-traveling) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceAIA) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aia-corporation) 222 W. 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