Which statement best reflects Bezique's policy toward paying small businesses when there is no unresolved dispute?

• A. Always pay on the deadline.
• B. Pay them well before the deadline, unless there is an unresolved dispute.
• C. Never prepay small suppliers.
• D. Delay payment until disputes are resolved.

Answer: (B)

Paying suppliers early when there are no open issues builds trust and strengthens the relationship with small businesses. The best choice reflects a proactive approach: if there’s nothing unresolved, paying well before the deadline shows reliability and can improve supplier goodwill (and may unlock early payment benefits). At the same time, the policy preserves a safeguard—paying only after disputes are resolved if one exists—so you’re not footing a bill you’re contesting.

Other options miss this balance. Paying exactly on the deadline doesn’t capitalize on the benefits of early payment. Never prepay is overly cautious and strains supplier relations. Delaying until disputes are resolved slows down operations even when there are no disputes, which isn’t practical for maintaining a healthy supplier network.