You absolutely should. Especially if you can’t logistically handle their order. If you feel ill prepared or don’t think you have adequate time to meet their shipping demands communicate this to the buyer. You really only have one shot with new accounts so you don’t want to make a huge mistake and have them write you off forever.

The magic word…COMMUNICATE. See if there is a possibility for you to go into less “doors,” if fulfillment is an issue. Talk to them about delaying till next season if you’re suffering from overall unpreparadeness.

But never…ever take and order you think you won’t be able to fulfill on time. It may seem like common sense but we’re all prone to push ourselves when we feel like we have a lot on the line.

As a long term strategy remember what you really have on the line is your reputation…and it’s not worth the risk.