“Let ‘em tell you to pound sand. They are likely to do worse elsewhere, as they’ll be behind the curve as prices rise.”
I would not have any customers then.
As a lumber trader I am only as good as my word.
My word is a contractual bond.
As is my customers.
My industry does not use recorded lines.
We do send Purchase Orders and Order Confirmations.
Many privately owned business only use a verbal PO.
Typically the owner or GM of the business is responsible
for purchasing.
You misunderstand: I would advise my customers of my price including delivery cost - best projection I can make, and let them know that is the case. Then stick with it. If they don’t like it, they can hunt around elsewhere, and in this environment, they’ll be behind the curve & likely pay more to someone else. They’ll learn. ;-)
I would never suggest going back on your (or my) word.
If your projection is too low, that’s on you, and yes, I’ve been in (basically) that position (I bid too low on labor to get projects, and ended up working for under minimum wage, but I did get a great reputation of going above and beyond and putting in whatever hours were needed to make it all work — on time.)