You get an urgent and big order from a key customer by phone, and he is in situation that he cannot confirm it on writing? Will you accept it?

Depending , I can accept only if this order from my stock, customer take the goods or not no problems , but increases if this B2B or odd size means will become slow moving incase our customer not complete the deal difficult to accept without an official P.O . as expiration (dirty paper better than good brain).NBmost of answer in business not YES or No most of answer should start with depending on (Case by Case ) .

Even though i accept the verbal order. i will inform the customer that he has to formally send me the written order so as to receive an order acknowledgement from us. Order Acknowledgement is a very  important document for the customer and for us, to confirm the price at which the order is finalized. This can be generated by our system only if the written order gets processed. By this i indirectly tell the customer that his written order is a must to proceed further.

Being a key customer, I would process the order without a writing confirmation. However I would follow up and request for a written order confirmation.

Company policies are there to maintain balance in every business situation. Whether a major account or a new customer, it is imperative that you consult your financial administration or  suggest valid options in setling the payment ( e.g. credit card, bank transfer ) with his / her authorisation to guarantee the order until process of acquiring the PO or covering letter is issued.

If still unable, its now company's discretion to formally turn down  or NOT. 

If they are a "key" customer, then they will be familiar with the initial order process for your company, so they would sooner rather than later submit you a formal order, so yeah it only makes sense to accept it until the PO comes through or at least half accept It..(But definitely don't reject it)

Yes, would accept it if he is a regular customer with my company, but will politely be clear -it should follow on within24 hrs or so by mail . Your order date starts but it needs a written confirmation. If he is a new customer the answer will change to : please arrange a written note from some in your esteemed company & if he is totally new customer or old customer wanting to restart association with the company it would be totally different - i would be adimant to getting a written note first before acting on the said order . Ev en though internally i might start the process keeping the timeline into account,but would be clear to a customer, so that habit is made with the customer of keeping things in writing .

i'll do my home work but not going to next mile till i receive a confirmation.

i could consider it pre-order to be keen to our relation but, definitely, this is not professional to proceed in order without being documents.

I think yes, if he is a key customer, so it means that he always pay and order. But better do not make such situations. 

In business irrespective of how close you are never deviate from standard procedure.

You may write it down, make some arrangements or give him time to respond but things which cannot be legally implied should not be undergone.

Thus, maintain Work - personal life difference & enter into commitment only when you have enough sources to cover up?

Everything should be in writing, clearly defined the mode of payment, Lead time, Cost of cancelling etc

:-)

This is a dangerous practice even with key customers. Documentation is necessary to provide complete and accurate information from the Buyer. It is evidence of the product ordered, price and delivery terms. One must also take into account the value of the order. Large size or special one off orders must be accompanied by documentation. If as a Manager you allow your colleagues to process orders without documentation there will be one one to take responsibility in case something goes wrong. Orders of relatively smaller value or regularly stocked and ordered products can be shown some flexibility. 

agreed with gentlemen