Why are some businesses so bad at selling their product?

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Why are some businesses so bad at selling their product?

Downsizer Forum Index -> Small Business Questions, Ideas and Advice

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boisdevie1

Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 3897
Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 1:48 pm Post subject: Why are some businesses so bad at selling their product?

Here's an example. I was in Lancaster last Saturday and saw a very swish stand for free range pork. I'm trying to find a more local supplier for the B&B so potentially I'll need quite a lot of sausages and bacon. Spoke to the guy there and he said send us an email. I did so the very same day asking what their prices were etc.

A week later and I've still not had a reply. Not very impressive is it?

When I get customers leaving a message by email I reply the very same day.

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28233
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 2:14 pm Post subject:
This is one of my favorite rants, had a bash on the forum a few months back about an organic farm shop that had all but dug tiger pits in their efforts to stop you actually finding or accessing the place

wellington womble

Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 2:26 pm Post subject:
Mine too. Occasionally though, you find someone who's good at it. I've just been to pick up my beef from here, who are doing a great job at being accessible and supplying a wonderful product, so its not all gloom!

2steps

Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Posts: 5349
Location: Surrey

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 2:37 pm Post subject:
I get back to my customers as soon as I can too but do find other people don't. what I really need is to find somemore customers in the first place

katie

Joined: 13 Dec 2004
Posts: 713
Location: midlands

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 5:44 pm Post subject:

We found this with a company we saw at an agricultural fair. They were selling chicken houses and feed and were based near us. They had just set up the company and had obviously paid a fortune for the stand at the show. We showed interest in one house but they didn't know the price(?) so took our name and address and said they'd contact us. Three weeks went by during which time we bought something else and then they rang us with the price. They're still in business so perhaps they've got more efficient. Wouldn't you have thought that they'd have come back from the show and contacted enquirers by the next day at the latest? I know we would have.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 5:57 pm Post subject: Re: Why are some businesses so bad at selling their product?

It makes you wonder how good their products really are if that is the attitude they have with customers

We enquired about a septic tank in December via e-mail, and got a quick response offering a tank with free delivery as they were scheduled to be coming out this way. So we took them up on it & ordered it, asking for an invoice. That was the last we heard from them

Fair enough, if you loose an internet connection or something, it can mean delays, but they still could have telephoned to check. I didn't even bother chasing them up, if they want to lose a 1k sale just like that, it's up to them, but another company got the business (not that their service was brilliant, but at least the thing turned up).

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28233
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 6:37 pm Post subject:
I'm a strong believer in the customer service ethic, I think it is one of the main things that has enabled my business to grow, I respond quickly and look after people.

Bernie66

Joined: 14 Jan 2005
Posts: 13967
Location: Eastoft

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 07 8:01 pm Post subject:
"if you don't look after your customers then somebody else will".Iits an old cliche but its bloody true IME.

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