Blog

Notes on rubber sourcing, qualification, and specification control.

Cooper Tires: Why I Stopped Buying the Cheapest Option (and Saved Money in the Long Run)

2026-05-09

A procurement specialist shares hard-learned lessons on tire purchasing for fleets and businesses, arguing that the lowest price is rarely the best value, with specific data and real-world examples.

The $1,100 Lesson: Why I Now Triple-Check Rubber Material Specs (and You Should Too)

2026-05-09

A procurement manager shares a costly mistake involving rubber wristbands and small rubber wheels, explaining how a misunderstanding about thermoplastic elastomer vs rubber led to a significant loss and a permanent change in their vendor verification process.