Asupplier's references: group of answer choices may be useful if they are of similar size and objectives as the buyer's organization. are never completely trustworthy and therefore of little use. should always be in the same industry as the buying organization. should be ask closed-ended (yes-no) questions. are useful only to confirm factual information.

The correct answer is: It may be useful if they are of similar size and objectives as the buyer's organization.

Explanation:

In this way a supplier`s reference could, in many cases, offer a mutual benefit for the companies, since they are sharing a lot of information and activities in a certain way. Once you offer a “favor” to someone else, in this case giving good references about someone else, in some other occasion could be the opposite; or it is also possible that between the companies some information of mutual benefit could be shared for commercial benefit or at the end to be able to satisfy completely the final customer.  

a.indigo and cochineal

b.animal hides

c.silver and gold

e.cacao beans and sugarcane