Advice-Customers Driving Me Out Of Business

[Spence]

I do mostly dog collars and what works for me is being anal in describing how I want the dog measured. We go over it a couple of times. Luckily, I have dogs and most of my customers are large dog owners so I can spot an error pretty easily. Then when I'm satisfied that what I have is good enough (with five holes), I make out a very detailed invoice with all of the measurements and options the customer wanted. It works for me, 'cause I haven't had anyone want to return one. I'm sure there was one here and there that the collar didn't fit because they gave me the wrong info, but they were kind enough not to push for a refund or exchange.

[TexasJack]

A guy I worked for years ago used to say, "This would be a great business if it wasn't for those damned customers!"

It sounds silly, but there were some days when we'd say that to each other (not in front of a customer) just to laugh through the aggravation of the moment.

Do your leather suppliers take stuff back? Ummm, no. Point that out to anyone who complains.

The one who makes the mistake pays for it. THAT'S GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE!

[sharkeyfinn]

with regards to haggling, i haggle upwards, if someone comes at me with" i'll give you 15 for the 20 item, i come back with 25 and thats where the price stays unless they are dumb enough to try again, then it goes up to 30 and so on ;-)

[cdthayer]

That's one way to do it. Another thing that works, is to just simply reject the offer and take it off of the market to keep it instead of selling it.

CD in Oklahoma