Independent is a word that surfaces time and time again in the world of consultants.   It is commonly used to indicate the hosts’ impartiality between the choices of suppliers that their potential customers may opt for when a contract is agreed through them.  There can be few websites which don’t make use of the word for that very purpose.

Not so long ago a supplier informed us that we needed to increase the level of clients we placed with them.   Our response to them was, “When your prices become competitive we will do so, but until then we can’t”.  As a result, we no longer have an association with them and as we spelled out in a closing email to them, “We are not an extension of your sales force”.

As a parting gift, the supplier sent us a list of preferred brokers whom we could set up a third party agreement should we wish to place any future business.  Needless to say, we have not placed any further business with them direct or through a third party.

I did however go through the websites of the preferred brokers in question and came across the word ‘independent’ on every occasion.  One particular broker was so keen to show their impartiality, their website actually states that they have no direct or indirect contact with suppliers, which is a rare talent in itself considering that they are brokers.  My guess is that they use telekinesis, which would also make them rather unique.

The list provided by the supplier was of companies that placed an acceptable amount of business with them but, as mentioned before, the supplier was not the cheapest at the time.  We knew that and they should have known that, after all they all state on their websites that they have an association will all suppliers, therefore the question arises are they really independent?

I’m not too surprised or even upset by the consultants/brokers in question.  I am however, rather concerned that a supplier desires to associate themselves with organisations who are prepared to short change their own clients knowing that better deals are available elsewhere.   What does that say about the supplier?

Just like green energy or carbon footprint, independent is another word to view with a healthy amount of scepticism.  Saying something doesn’t mean it’s true.