A senior merchandiser receives an email from a buyer: 'Use the similar grey fabric from your local stock for the 5,000-piece order; we cannot wait for the approved shade lot.' The colour is close, but the local fabric has no test report for the buyer's restricted substance list.
The merchandiser replies: 'We cannot substitute the approved fabric because the local grey lot has not passed the required RSL test. Using it would risk shipment rejection and a compliance penalty. We can ship 1,500 pieces on time with the approved fabric and offer the remaining 3,500 pieces three days later, or we can air-freight the approved fabric at shared cost. Which option works for you?'
The buyer accepts the split shipment. The factory avoids a recall, protects its reputation, and keeps the order alive.