Avoidable mistakes can be costing you business.

“The ick” is that moment when someone does something that instantly changes how you feel. One second, you’re interested, and the next you’re looking for the exit. 

Procurement and HR leaders tell us their relationships with staffing and consulting suppliers can feel the same way. The smallest misstep: over-promising, a tone-deaf pitch, or vague pricing can make even a promising supplier suddenly feel like the wrong match. 

At Beeline, we’re not a staffing or consulting company. But we are in constant conversations with the people who choose and manage suppliers, and we hear their unfiltered feedback about what builds trust and what quietly erodes it. Based on that feedback, here are three common “ick” moments suppliers unintentionally create, and what buyers say helps reset the relationship. 

Ick #1: Over-promising & under-delivering 

What We Hear from Buyers:  “Don’t tell me you can fill the role in three days and then come back empty-handed. I’d rather have a realistic timeline than false confidence.” 

Why It’s an Ick: Procurement and HR leaders rely on suppliers to meet critical talent and project needs. When delivery doesn’t match the pitch, it’s not just frustrating—it impacts business outcomes. Over-promising might win short-term attention, but it chips away at long-term trust. 

What Buyers Say Works: Be honest about availability and timelines, even if the answer isn’t what they want to hear. Buyers appreciate suppliers who set realistic expectations and then deliver slightly better than promised. It’s a simple formula for building confidence. 

Ick #2: Being pushy or tone-deaf 

What We Hear from Buyers: “If I get multiple follow-ups in a day, or if the supplier keeps pushing candidates that don’t fit, it feels like they’re not listening.” 

Why It’s an Ick: Buyers don’t want to feel like just another account on a call sheet. Aggressive selling, pushing irrelevant candidates, or failing to understand the nuances of the role or project can quickly turn a strong relationship into a transactional one. 

What Buyers Say Works: Take the time to understand their priorities: both the role requirements and the bigger business context. The suppliers buyers rave about are the ones who bring thoughtful, relevant solutions and show that they’re in it for the long-term partnership, not just the placement 

Ick #3: lack of transparency 

What we Hear from Buyers: “When rates aren’t clear, or when I have to dig to understand the true costs, it makes me wonder what else I’m missing.” 

Why It’s an Ick: Procurement and HR teams often face pressure to manage costs while maintaining quality. Hidden fees, vague rate structures, or slow responses to questions create friction and erode trust. 

What Buyers Say Works: Transparency wins every time. Clear rate cards, open conversations about challenges, and proactive communication when issues arise go a long way. Buyers tell us they respect suppliers who own challenges and bring solutions rather than excuses. 

Keeping the spark alive 

Procurement and HR leaders want to feel heard, understood, and confident they’ve chosen the right partner to deliver talent or expertise when it matters most. 

From what we hear, the suppliers who consistently stand out are those who: 

• Communicate openly, even when the news isn’t perfect. 

• Take time to understand the unique needs of the role or project. 

• Deliver what they promise and bring added insight or value along the way. 

At Beeline, we have a unique view of what works because buyers tell us. The best suppliers take this feedback to heart and use it to strengthen relationships, avoid the ick, and become the pick. 

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