Aug

31

Your Retail Store Policy, Insurance Protection, Wholesale Supplies

Filed Under Insurance, Wholesale Suppliers | Leave a Comment

READY TO LAY DOWN THE LAW?
Most retail stores have a policy that outlines the buying, exchange, and return procedures that protect them from customer liabilities that may occur during the store’s existence. I say most stores because you may not have a policy, but that’s about to change.

Wednesday’s newsletter tells what happened to me when a client complained and the good and bad I experienced that finally convinced me to put store rules in print.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
Do you consider business liability insurance to be an investment or expense? Like all insurance plans, it may be a burden to pay, but you certainly want coverage in place for unexpected disasters.

This blog article explains three reasons why insurance is to be taken seriously in today’s litigious society.

BEFORE I INCREASE THE WHOLESALE SUPPLIES LIST…
During September, the www.GiftBasketWholesaleSupplies.com site will expand to include new suppliers of baskets, foods, enhancements, and more. Is there a different or additional format that will help you find what you need?

Reply to this newsletter, and let me know. About 100 more listings will be added, and I appreciate your feedback on what will assist you on this site.

http://www.giftbasketwholesalesupplies.com/

Aug

27

What Are Your Terms?

Filed Under Customers | 2 Comments

I remember when a customer called me to demand a refund because a basket was not received by the recipient on a specific date. She was so irate that I thought she’d pass out on the phone. She called on a Saturday, and I told her I’d take care of everything on Monday.

I had no store policy when this happened, and this problem was a wake-up call for me to create one.

On Monday, I called the recipient, and he told me that not only was he out of the office all week, but that the buyer knew he was out. Still, he loved the basket, and I told him to enjoy the contents.

I refunded the buyer because I didn’t check ahead of time to ensure the recipient would be available, but guess what? Because I let the receiver keep the basket, he became a long-term client.

This type of problem can happen at any time, which is why creating and posting a list of terms and conditions is vitally important to your business.

Your sales terms may take a week to brainstorm, and sometimes longer.

  • Consider problems that have occurred to other designers, situations you’ve read about on message boards and heard at conferences.
  • Review the terms other gift basket retailers include on their sites.
  • Remember to add the substitutions clause that’s necessary due to product availability.

    • Think about your new terms for a few days before posting them on your Web site. You’ll find more ideas for Web site creation on at Web Sites for Retailers.

    Of course, you can add or edit the details at any time, but it’s best to finalize your rules as soon as possible and move on to sales and marketing.

    Be sure to add the terms to your catalog when the next run is printed.

    Stick to your policy, and you’ll have less problems with buyers who insist on returns, refunds, and credits.

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