feedback requested by supplier

A question about : feedback requested by supplier

we were recently asked to give some feedback on a long term supplier. I am an employee. I was quite frank giving constructive criticism

the owner of this company contacted me and asked me to rethink my answers as they were planning to use the feedback to persuade a prospective customer to buy their services. I think this customer asked for specific feedback from us. We refused on the grounds that the feedback was accurate and fair in our opinion. Examples of questions include: How do you rate the quality of support etc? I know that employers have to give good references to employees. Are there any similar rules here?

Best answers:

• Nope no rules other than they may stop supplying you.
• Is this not a straight-forward testimonial. With testimonials the person/company receiving the testimonial will see it (i.e. unlike a reference) and they can choose whether or not to use it depending on what it says. They cannot tell you what to put in it, although I am sure it happens.
• Not only would I give them a slap for even suggesting it, I'd probably send an honest testimonial directly to the prospective customer if I could, and I'd be looking for an alternative supplier with decent ethics
• If this supplier is important to your employer, I think you should refer the whole exchange to your boss.
  They certainly can't force you to give a particular testimonial - but they can stop supplying you if they want. It's possible your employer has a different opinion of the supplier to you, and would be upset if they didn't get the chance to give it.
• They must be doing something right or they would not be a long term supplier.
  You are not the person to complete this feedback as you are an employee .
  As someone has said this needs to be passed to the boss and decision maker .
• I consulted with my line manager and she said it is a good job it is not me giving the feedback. I was authorised to write the feedback.