Monday, February 23, 2009

Who do you Prefer to do Business With?

Do you purchase solely on price?

Do you purchase based on the sales person or company?

Do you shop around and find the cheapest product?

How much do you research a product before you purchase it?

Do you only buy from those that you are comfortable with?

Last week I received an email from a potential customer.  At the end of the email, she asked me if I would be willing to put together a quote for her.  Of course I responded.  I called her back instead of in an email so my questions were not as confusing.  At the end of our conversation, of course I told her that I would be more than happy to give her a quote.  I ended up stopping by her office later in the day to drop off a catalog.  I sat in her office and had a great conversation with her and one of her coworkers.  It was very nice!

During the conversation I found out that she knew a lot about me and we had just met.  How did she know so much about me?  I asked and found out that she had really researched me.  She checked out my website and read several of the posts on my blog.  She knew more about me than some of my existing customers!  It was great!  This was proof that what I am doing and spending my time on . . . IS WORKING!  Now we have not completed an order for her yet but it is moving in the right direction!

Then today I had a conversation with a great friend, Amy Stark.  During this conversation, I found out that she feels as if most people do business with those that they like and are comfortable with.  For me, this is very true!  I will do business first with my friends, those that I have met networking or from a referral!

Does everyone else feel this way?  Unfortunately I am not so sure that they do.

What do you think?  Who do you like to purchase from?

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Corporate Holiday Gift Ideas

The year is winding down and we are finding that our customers are really thinking about the upcoming holidays.

Most of our customers are telling us that they not only have to purchase gifts for their family and friends but they also want to purchase something special for their clients and employees. This brings them to us.

Are you one of these people that I am talking about?

Do you find yourself struggling with what to purchase?

Is it important to you that you find just the right item that is good looking, not that cheap or cheap looking and most important, an item that the recipient will really use?

If so, you are not alone.  Many of my customers have expressed this concern to me.  They are not wanting to spend their money on an inexpensive $0.25 pen or something that will just go in the drawer after they receive it. They want to spend a little bit more on an items that will be meaningful to their client and employees. It is important to them to find an item that emphasizes their company's brand.

There are many things out there that you can give and will be enjoyed for years to come.  Do you want them to use it all year long?  What about a fleece blanket with your logo on it?  You can have your logo embroidered in the corner and they will always have it to use and remember you when they are wrapped up in it.

Are you thinking of a gift that they will use on vacations or during the summer?  What about a nice towel?  Towels can be made so many different ways.  You can have it made with your logo as the entire towel or simply embossed on the bottom of the towel.  There are also several fun designs that are already made but your logo can be added in a fun spot on the towel.   These are both nice gifts that can be used over and over again and appreciated every time!

[caption id="attachment_197" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Champion Fleece"]Chamion Fleece[/caption]

Are you wanting something that they will use immediately?  What about a nice fleece jacket either with a full front zipper or a partial zipper?  You logo can be placed in the upper left chest pocket area, on the back by the tag or on the sleeve.  All these options are great!  You will definitely be appreciated on those cold days when the fleece is put on!

[caption id="attachment_198" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Soft Shell Poly Fleece Jacket"]Soft Shell Poly Fleece Jacket[/caption]

Are you thinking jacket but do now want a fleece?  How about the new soft shell poly fleece jackets?  These are very popular!  I absolutely love mine!  It is very comfortable and blocks the wind.

Do you want more information about these or any of our other products?

If so, please let me know!  I am more than happy to show you!

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,