How to handle cutting out a long time business partner (and friend)?

[Samanta]

I have a small store. I have been working with a store for over three a year, we've built a solid relationship and became good friends. I am bringing most of his business; he purchases in large amounts so he can supply my demand. However, to increase my profit margin I'd have to buy in bulk straight from the factory, there are also a lot of other problems like him not having a lot of the products in stock. So that means I will have to cut him out. How do I tell him that and handle it? I would still like to maintain our relationship since I'd still buy some of the items from him, but nowhere near the amount, I'm buying right now. Thanks!

[John_Rocker]

As one of the heroes of the movie "Once Upon a Time in America" said:"You can have either many friends or a lot of money" I think you need to decide what is more important for you - relationships or money. If you just want to keep a relationship, then you can continue as you do. If you want to develop a business, then you must tell him that.