Replies

1. 
   gatordoc | Jan 21, 2011 10:07pm | #1

   Nice indeed!

   Hi Dusty,

   Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for.  In the past I've used an annoucent of an upcoming show, etc as an excuse to make contact, but currently I was a tad adrift.  I like the "production schedule" idea, it fits reality and is just the approach I wanted...and coincidentally, there just appeared (in a local craigslist) a possiblility of local access to the materials I needed for this project (walnut slab).  Double score!

   My impression is the price is not the stumbling point, but may just be other things on the other burners.  I needed an excuse to push the client a bit a bit and I think you've provided just the lever.

   Many thanks!  And a solid year to you as well.

   Steve

2. 
   GRW | Jan 30, 2011 07:42am | #2

   Serve then better..

   Steve,

   I'm no salesman. So maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. But there's my thoughts.

   Customers want to work on their own schedule. They want to act in a way that serves them best. Generally they want the best product at the best price, and they want their goods when they want them, not when you want to make a sale. My 2 cents is to help them do just that.  You might try the following.

   1) If you know what wood they want call your supplier an find when this material will next be delivered. Usually suppliers get materials at least once every week or two. Find that date of delivery, then call the customer. Tell them when the delivery is comming and tell them that is when you could sort through the largest amount of material in order to choose the best grains. With this much material, you'll have a better chance to find simular colored boards, and that this might be the best chance to get boards from the same tree. Ordering the material at this time  should help you get them the best product, at no additional cost.

   2) Explain to the customer that solid wood should stablize in the shop for at least couple of weeks before you work it. And that any order should allow for this time period. Bringing in the order date (getting a deposit) will allow for this material to stablize, and help you make them a better product again at no additional cost. This could bring in and order by a week or two while helping your customer. They also get the impression that you care about their project and want to give them the very best product.

   3)Do you have another project that requires a run the sawmill? If so suggest that you combine the wood runs so that you can get the material for both projects at the same time. If they order before you make this run, you could discount them the labor saved by combining the wood runs. Something like.. "I can save you $35 if we did this now instead of later because...and , When I'm working for you, I want to save you $$ anywhere I can as long as quality doesn't suffer."

   These kinds of statements help make a customer feel like you're trying to serve them better,  and helping them get the best product while providing the best prices. They may feel like you are thinking more about pleasing them than tending to your business.

1. 
   gatordoc | Feb 12, 2011 08:37pm | #3

   Sorry for the delay in response, tax time and Quickbooks...arrrrrrr.

   Thanks for the great ideas!  These are exactly the kind of things I was looking for.  A gentle nudge rather than a cold push. 

   Steve