Price, quality, speed – choose two.  We’ve seen this “rule” written and rewritten in different ways since the 1950’s, when the Project Management Triangle first appeared.  Also known as the Triple Constraint or the Iron Triangle, it is a simple way to define the complex mix between time, cost and quality.  “You get what you pay for” is a cliché everyone knows, but people keep trying to change the dynamic in their favor.

We’ve all seen signs and internet meme’s stating something like this;

We offer 3 kinds of service

Good – Cheap – Fast

You can pick any two

Good service cheap won’t be fast

Good service fast won’t be cheap

Fast service cheap won’t be good

For many building materials buyers, this “rule” is an absolute fact.  However, I believe that with proper planning and the right vendor relationships, it doesn’t have to be.