regardless, when it was really bad for everyone, we would send people to the local shops when we didnt have what they needed and vice versa
And that is the definition of good customer service, no matter where you work or what you have, if someone is looking for something that you cannot give them, it is nice to recommend somewhere that does have it, rather than trying to push a substitute brand on them, especially if it is crap.
I had heard if your account was not up to date, you wouldn't even get a look in with things like Indy trucks, as well as only being able to buy whole boxes of them, not pick and choose how many and of which sizes, styles, etc but who knows how true that is - everything is speculation until you hear the full story.
It does make sense though, when I think about it, so I am not having issue with suppliers or how they do business.