The Delivery is Delayed! How Do I Tell My Client?
- Lumen Exp
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
The German Client vs. The Spanish Client: Managing Delivery Date Changes
⏳
If you work with German clients, you know that planning is key. While last-minute changes are often part of daily business in Spain, in Germany, they can seriously damage trust in your company.
Why?
🔹 German clients value foresight and precise planning. An unexpected change in delivery dates can be seen as a lack of professionalism.
🔹 In Spain, deadlines are more flexible. Clients are often used to adapting to unforeseen circumstances as they arise.
⚠️ But when selling to Germany, you can’t improvise. Here are two key tips to earn their trust:
✅ 1. Anticipate Problems
If a potential delay arises, inform the client as soon as possible and offer solutions. Don’t wait for them to ask. Transparency strengthens business relationships.
And while this may sound obvious, calling them as soon as you detect a potential issue helps them adjust their own structure. Contrary to what many believe, if you call early, you gain their trust. They understand that unexpected issues can occur, but if you detect them early, they will see it as a sign that you are in constant control of the situation.
✅ 2. Commit to the Deadline, Not Just the Expectation
In Germany, promises must be kept. Don’t give optimistic dates just to please the client if you can’t guarantee them. It’s better to set a longer deadline and meet it 100%.
Once you commit to a date, you "sign it" with the most valuable thing you have: your brand and your reputation. If something goes wrong once, how you handle it will determine whether you get a second chance. Think, analyze, and calculate carefully. If you're in a meeting and don’t have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to say: "I will calculate it with my team."
This is highly appreciated.
📢 Have you experienced this cultural difference in business? How did you handle it?
🛑 Want to avoid these mistakes and successfully export to Germany? 🛑
Join me for a free session, where I’ll teach you how to adapt your product and strategy to conquer the German market. You’ll learn about certifications, packaging, consumer expectations, and much more. Language: Spanish
📅 Date: 22-05-25
⏰ Time: 16:30
📍 Format: Online
🔗 Reserve your spot here: https://lnkd.in/drcx_yWK
Don’t let a lack of adaptation slow down your sales. See you in the session! 🚀
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