I've asked the original seller to ship the missing spare adapter separately, and priced an identified replacement locally. Neither route has confirmed stock yet. How do I keep the comparison honest when one answer is next shipment and the other is a very polished quotation?
Treat both as unconfirmed supply routes until availability is stated. Compare the same complete adapter assembly, delivered cost and support responsibility, and keep the original shortage open while you investigate the alternative.
The local quote uses the confirmed assembly reference. Original seller acknowledges it too, but keeps saying they'll include it with another order. We have no other order.
Ask the seller whether separate supply is actually available and what prevents a dispatch commitment. The local stock enquiry can continue independently; it need not become an excuse for the original seller to stop answering.
That's worth saying to whoever approves the credit. Getting the email closed and getting a usable spare are different outcomes. You might still choose the credit, but somebody needs to own the replacement purchase afterwards.
We nearly treated an offered replacement as received on a handover list once. Keep maintenance's stock status separate from the commercial discussion, so agreeing a credit or a dispatch plan can't make the spare appear available.
Rachel's point matters even if the local option becomes available. Include the buying and checking work in the decision, not only the difference between the two prices.
Future cover, Jane. The installed adapter is present and the current job doesn't need the spare to start. We still want the ordered kit completed, not silently redefined.
Then you have some room to compare without pretending it's an emergency purchase. I'd ask maintenance what event would change that urgency, rather than letting the seller's next promise set the pace.
The local supplier has confirmed one complete assembly available. No order placed. The original seller now offers credit, less than the local delivered price.
Return that difference with the identified local quote and ask whether the seller will complete supply or revise the credit. Do not assume its first offer has to be accepted to keep the discussion moving.
And check how long the local availability statement remains meaningful while you discuss it. I don't mean promise to buy it; just don't carry an old stock answer forward indefinitely.
Credit only in the latest reply. I've asked them to answer separate supply directly too, with the local delivered-cost difference shown. Nothing agreed.
Maintenance has the two options and still lists the spare absent. The local quote is ready if we choose it, but I'm not calling that replacement cover secured yet.
Worth hearing which route you settle on. Especially whether the seller finally answers the supply question instead of treating a credit offer as the end of the shortage.