Loyalty should pay off.
In relationships. In business. And especially in procurement.
The best vendor relationships save you time, reduce headaches, and make your job easier.
They know your ordering patterns, anticipate your needs, and pick up the phone when you call.
But there’s a hidden side to loyalty that many facilities overlook — a quiet cost that grows over time.
We call it the vendor loyalty tax.
What Is the Vendor Loyalty Tax?
The “loyalty tax” isn’t a line item you’ll see on an invoice.
It’s the extra you pay when long-term vendor relationships go unreviewed for too long.
It can happen slowly:
- Prices creeping up without market comparisons.
- Missing out on promotions or incentives offered to new customers.
- Market rates shifting without your vendor bringing it up.
It’s the same thing you see with cable or insurance companies — the best deals are reserved for new customers, while existing ones quietly pay more.
Why Loyalty Is Still Worth It
Before you start drafting a “We’re leaving” email, understand this:
Vendor loyalty can be a huge advantage when it’s managed well.
Healthy long-term partnerships mean:
- Faster service when you need urgent deliveries.
- Product familiarity — less training, fewer errors.
- Problem-solving shortcuts from people who know your operations.
The key is loyalty with accountability — not blind loyalty.
💥 SUPPLYLINE IS OFFERING AN INCREDIBLE DEAL ON CONCENTRATORS THIS WEEK 💥
Interested in our blowout price? CLICK HERE
How to Keep Loyalty From Becoming a Tax
1. Schedule Regular Price Reviews
Even if you’re happy, benchmark your most-used items against market pricing at least once a quarter.
2. Ask for Market Match
Don’t be shy — ask if your current rate matches what they’d offer a new customer today.
3. Reward Performance, Not Just Tenure
Stay loyal to vendors who actively earn it through pricing transparency, service quality, and proactive communication.
4. Consider Flexible Partnerships
Vendors without long-term contracts are naturally incentivized to keep your business every order, not every renewal.
Bottom Line
Loyalty is a two-way street.
The right vendor will reward your trust — not quietly take advantage of it.
Review your relationships, set clear expectations, and make sure your loyalty is saving you money, not costing you more.
At SupplyLine Medical, loyalty means you get our best pricing every time — no contracts, no surprises.
Let’s benchmark your next order and make sure your loyalty is paying off.
👉 Review our Supplyline Catalog
Would you like to speak to a supplyline rep? Contact us here