Apparently the cable on the robot counts as our spare

Did that. They've finally said yes, one spare still owed. Now it's 'next shipment'. We don't have another order with them, which makes that a fairly elastic date.

Ask whether they mean a separate parcel to you or stock arriving at their warehouse. Those are different commitments.

Stock arriving with them. Glad I asked. Our stores sheet had already picked up 'shipping soon' from the email chain.

Have you checked the exact spare identifier with your maintenance team? The quantity question is clearer now. It would be unfortunate to wait for stock and then discover it is the wrong cable version.

Add the required identifier to the outstanding line. Close it only after the received item is checked.

Did they actually give a stock date, or only say stock is coming?

Also ask who will update you if that date slips. One named contact is easier to chase than a shared promise.

No date yet. Maintenance confirmed the spare identifier, and I've sent that with a request for an actual dispatch plan. 'Coming' isn't helping us stock the cupboard.

Then stop calling it shipping soon on your side. That's how a guess ends up in the handover as a fact. Seller owes you a cable, but nobody's shown it's on a van.

Agreed. The stores status should say outstanding, dispatch unconfirmed.

Changed. It was our shorthand, not something the seller promised. Easy enough to fix once someone pointed at it.

They've now offered a partial credit instead. Purchasing is considering that against the cost and availability of the correct spare elsewhere. Still no cable in the cupboard.

Record whichever remedy purchasing agrees, including what remains to be sourced. A credit can settle the missing-item issue while leaving the maintenance spare requirement open.