Sharan Gaba

2 months ago, a buyer from Delhi came to our factory. He walked through the entire setup, criticized whatever he could, and spoke like he was going to do big business with us. He liked our product, asked for samples and full specs, and we shared everything without delay. We quoted INR 410 for 10,000 pieces, payment in cash. Then the calls started. Not with clear decisions, but with small complaints about things that did not really matter. While we responded properly and took in whatever feedback we could, we also made it clear what we could change and what we could not. Then came the haggling. He countered at INR 390. After some back and forth, he finally confirmed at INR 400. He said “done,” asked for the PI, we sent it, and then he went completely silent for a week. No calls, no messages. During that same time, all material costs went up. Then suddenly, he called again and said he was ready to confirm, but now he wanted only 3,000 pieces and also asked for a 4% cash discount (even though the quotation was already based on cash), as if he was doing us a favor. Work was slow and we had some stock, so after thinking it through, we agreed to a 1% discount and sent a revised PI. Once again, silence. After a few days, he said he was in China and claimed prices there were cheaper. I knew that was not true, so I simply wished him well and told him to buy from China. But he came back again, saying he still wanted to buy from us. This time, he asked for a full cost breakdown including plastic, electronics, labor, packing, and our profit. We work transparently, so we shared it. Then he said our profit was too high and demanded that we reduce it. We told him cost is a fact, profit is our principle, and flatly refused. He kept pushing. He asked for detailed molding costs like plastic rates, cycle time, burn loss, and labor. That was the point where it was no longer about business. It was about control. So instead of arguing, we calmly told him the goods were sold out. He got livid, started shouting, and said we had no right to sell the goods since he had already “confirmed the order.” I stayed calm, said sorry, and ended the conversation. Now, even if he comes back ready to pay more, I will not supply to him. I have seen how these deals end. They always bring stress, delays, and problems. Some business gives you money but takes away your peace. Over time, you learn it is better to do less business with the right people than chase more business with the wrong ones. I would rather have fewer orders, better sleep, and a clear mind than deal with this kind of harassment.