diff --git a/app/routes/issues.py b/app/routes/issues.py
index 0790e5a..2a5144c 100644
--- a/app/routes/issues.py
+++ b/app/routes/issues.py
@@ -434,9 +434,9 @@ def view(issue_id):
 
         # Vendor / contractor assignment — admin, director, project_manager only
         if current_user.role in ('admin', 'director', 'project_manager'):
-            issue.vendor_name    = form.vendor_name.data.strip() or None
-            issue.vendor_contact = form.vendor_contact.data.strip() or None
-            issue.vendor_notes   = form.vendor_notes.data.strip() or None
+            issue.vendor_name    = (form.vendor_name.data    or '').strip() or None
+            issue.vendor_contact = (form.vendor_contact.data or '').strip() or None
+            issue.vendor_notes   = (form.vendor_notes.data   or '').strip() or None
 
         from app.routes.inspections import _save_photo
         new_photos = []