This is a great example of why "close enough" doesn't work in business. That competitor wasn't just unlucky — they were cheating on the specs and got caught.
The 238 meters short and the thickness discrepancy (15 microns vs the label claim) is significant. It's not a manufacturing error, it's intentional. They knew the client wouldn't measure, so they cut corners on both length and quality.
Your approach of labeling it under the textile mill's name and keeping the specs on record is smart. It protects your business from future disputes and ensures you're always competing on the right terms.
Perseverance in business isn't just about working hard — it's about being willing to dig deeper when things don't add up. That 4-hour round trip was worth it. You didn't just win a client; you exposed a crooked competitor and proved your integrity.
The textile mill is lucky to have you. Most suppliers would have just moved on after the first failure. You went back, found the real issue, and fixed it. That's how you build long-term trust.
RE: Perseverance Finally Being Justified