Supplier Relationships

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Recognize and Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Supplier Relationships

There's a contracting company I do business with as part of my position with Walmart. They have asked me if I know of an engineer they could hire. My son is qualified and would like to work for this company. May I refer my son for the position?

No. Even though the contracting company sought your recommendation, it may appear that you are using your position with Walmart to get your son a job.

I'm interested in dating a Walmart supplier who is not my supplier. Would it be a conflict of interest to date the supplier?

As long as the supplier does not call on you and you have no influence over the supplier’s business relationship with Walmart, there is not a conflict of interest. If the supplier does begin calling on your area, you should disclose the relationship to your management team and work with them to resolve the conflict.

Does Walmart have any guidelines regarding having a lunch meeting with a supplier or potential supplier?

If there is a legitimate business need for meeting with the supplier or potential supplier, you may join them for lunch or dinner meetings as long you pay for your own food and beverages. It’s important to remember that you should treat each supplier fairly. If you meet one supplier or potential supplier for lunch or dinner, then you would also need to be open to meeting other suppliers or potential suppliers for lunch or dinner.

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