Deleting a supplier
When to delete a supplier, why linked vehicles block deletion, and when to archive instead.
Deleting a supplier removes the record permanently, including their documents and activity timeline. You can only delete a supplier who has no vehicles linked to them. If there are linked vehicles, archive the supplier instead.
Before you start
- You need Suppliers edit permission.
- You're on the supplier's detail page.
When to use Delete vs Archive
- Delete when the supplier has no linked vehicles AND you want the record gone for good. Good for duplicates, test entries, or records created in error.
- Archive when the supplier has one or more linked vehicles, or when you want to keep the history but hide them from future pickers. See Archiving a supplier.
Deleting a supplier
- Click Delete in the header, next to Archive.
- Read the confirmation panel that opens.
- Click Delete supplier inside the panel.
The supplier is removed and you're taken back to the Suppliers list.
When deletion is blocked
If the supplier has one or more linked vehicles, the confirmation panel shows an error like:
Supplier has 4 linked vehicles. Archive them instead, or unlink the vehicles first.
Nothing is deleted. You have two options:
- Archive the supplier. Their history stays and they drop out of the supplier picker. Normally the better choice.
- Unlink the vehicles first, then try Delete again.
How to unlink a vehicle from a supplier
For each vehicle linked to the supplier:
- Open the vehicle's detail page.
- Edit the supplier field to clear it or choose a different supplier.
- Save.
Once every vehicle is unlinked, go back to the supplier detail page and try Delete again.
What Delete does and doesn't do
- Removes permanently: the supplier's profile, supplier documents, and activity timeline.
- Keeps (when linked vehicles are unlinked first): the vehicles themselves, with their costs, notes, photos, and every other vehicle-level record. Those belong to each vehicle, not to the supplier.
Prefer Archive for history
A supplier you've bought vehicles from is part of your purchase history and feeds reports. Archive them rather than deleting so historical KPIs stay accurate and the Purchased vehicles list on the supplier record stays viewable.