[MV] Be kind to your local suppliers
Buzz (buzz@lanset.com)
Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:20:17 GMT
List,
Some thoughts came to mind that I;d like to pass along. After
doing business with a local parts supplier for a few years I
dropped of a box of chocolates as a little xmas gift. The next
time I went in the gal at the counter gave me an account number
to use when paying for my purchases. This was a preferred
customer deep discount account. Through the next year I found the
rest of the crew to be eager and much more friendly. I could now
make special orders over the phone with out paying in advance. If
a part didn't appear in the computer they'd drag out the old
parts catalogs to see if they could find it. On one occasion I
needed a few inches of fuse link wire and the clerk broke open a
3 ft bubble pack and cut off a few inches, no charge!
One day when I was shopping at Harbor Freight I saw a little
multi-bit screwdriver on sale for 99 cents so I bought a dozen. I
then handed them out to clerks, neighbors, friends, etc.
Especially people that had given me a hard time. I won't begin to
tell you the benefits that I received. So here's a few
suggestions that work for me.
1. Make sure that they know your name, and that you know theirs.
Introduce your self as often as necessary until you're recognized
on sight.
2. During conversations take notice of any mention of wife,
kids, etc. If you've a poor memory like me write it down after
you leave. I keep a little notebook in the glove box for
reminders.
3. Be patient and tolerant when faced with incompetence or
ignorance. There's usually someone around that has the answer. I
use a phrase like, "Gee Jim, you've been very helpful but is
there some else we could talk to."
My point is, a little kindness and civility goes a long way, and
I found that I have been rewarded 100 times over.
Have a nice day,
Buzz
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