So last time, I left you wondering about the UGLY gift basket....here's what happened. I was at a networking event about a year ago. When I mentioned I designed gift baskets, one lady at the table said "I don't know why people send out gift baskets." I inquired, "why do you say that?" She went on to tell me that one of her paper supply vendors sent her..get ready for this...an entire basket of APRICOTS for the holidays. All of us at the table were stunned. Now, this poor woman has a basket full of about 50 Apricots that she has no idea what to do with.
She ended up giving the basket to her church for a holiday event, so the apricots did not go to waste. After the 1st of the year, she got a call from that paper vendor asking if she liked the gift basket. Not wanting to be rude, she simply thanked the vendor for the thought and said the basket was put to good use for a church event. Would you believe this vendor became a tad angry about this? He told how he spent about 100.00 on this basket and can't believe she gave it away. She simply explained apricots were not her favorite and giving them to the church was the best thing to do. Then in a very snotty tone he said, well maybe next time I'll just send you a coffee basket. She replied "that would be great..I love coffee."
What happened in next few months was even more shocking. This vendor ignored her. Didn't return phone calls, didn't acknowledge order placement, shipments took longer than usual. When the woman confronted her vendor about the decline in customer service, he said "I don't have time for customers who don't appreciate what I do for them." Would you believe this Apricot rejection really stuck in his craw! I was dumbfounded listening to her tell this story. Needless to say, she found another paper vendor, who treats her and her business like gold.
I know I was taken aback when I worked in the corporate world for an office furniture dealership. We worked with a printing company and gave them a big project to print our catalog. I was the main contact for the project. Now this guy knew for sure I'm a big sports fan. What did he bring me for the holidays? A big wooden box of walnuts and stale fudge. I hate walnuts. He said he wanted to get me something and just ran into Wal Mart hoping to find something. Geez pal..don't do me any favors.
So what did we learn here kids? DO NOT tell your customers they're an after thought. Not sure what your customer likes/dislikes..simply ask them. Another vendor knows I'm a HUGE Blackhawks fan. At the holidays, he bought me a Blackhawks mug with coffee, hot chocolate and TWO TICKETS! See how this works..guess who I referred business to, who I recommended..yep, the vendor who put thought in a gift to make me feel special and appreciated. Make sure your customers know how special they are. Take some time and put some thought in your gift giving. That extra time spent on that special gift can be a return on investment that just might take your business to the next level.
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