When a good rep can make all the difference

[Trigger]

I know that sometimes we can get a bit fed up with suppliers - mouldings out of stock, damages, chasing credit notes - you name it we have all done it at some point, and it can be frustrating , time consuming and have us tearing our hair out.

But credit where it is due - there are some reps out there who really can make a difference to how we feel about certain suppliers. Suddenly problems can be solved with one quick phone call - no messing, no trying to find the right person, just one simple phone call that you KNOW will be dealt with

Today we had our local Simons rep in to see us; lovely bloke - always friendly and smiling and always happy to have a chat and a laugh. Simons hasn't always been the easiest of companies to deal with, but Stewart ('cos that is his name) has made a real difference to how they are perceived. Yes there are still problems, but nothing that can't easily be sorted out and that REALLY DOES make a difference to the working day.

So thank you Stewart (was that good enough, can I have the samples I ordered now please!!! ). It is good sometimes to give someone a shout out to say thanks for all the grief they deal with on our behalf

Trigger

[Merlin]

As much as we moan about Simons, I do have to agree with you.
Stewart is excellent as a rep. Nothing is too much trouble. As you say.... Some reps can make a big difference.

I didnt have to say that, yet every time he does visit us, he walks in with a big 'fat boy' smile on his face holding a big bag of sticky buns from the local cake shop....

[Perfection]

Is a rep a salesman? Pete (rep from Wessex) just got fired because he doesn't stand up and sell, sell, sell, he builds relationships. Do we want selling to, or do we want someone to look after us (meaning we'll automatically buy from them the next time). Sales directors take note - we are business people, you are salesmen. We're driven by customer service, delighted customers, repeat business - not moulding sales targets.



Stewart, if you read this, call me.

Paul
Framed to Perfection
Huddersfield
01484 609816

[Not your average framer]

Stewart is our Simons rep too! He's made a big impact in this part of the country. He knows his product range, what each of his customers are about and what they need. We are fortunate to have some very good reps in our part of the country.

[anji]

I'm very shocked to hear that Pete from Wessex was fired. He came to see me recently and was so pleasant and really helpful - was going to sort out all sorts of things like samples and other stuff; said he'd be in touch within days. I hadn't heard, so had (unsuccessfully) been trying to ring him. Now I know why.

[simons rep]

Thank you very much for those kind words

I dare say that by the end of the day there is bound to be someone i have upset ( in a perfect world, and all that )

Lets see if Mr.Simons glances over this, pay rise may even be on the horizon then i will divide out fairly

[Trigger]

As much as we moan about Simons, I do have to agree with you.
Stewart is excellent as a rep. Nothing is too much trouble. As you say.... Some reps can make a big difference.

I didnt have to say that, yet every time he does visit us, he walks in with a big 'fat boy' smile on his face holding a big bag of sticky buns from the local cake shop....

So Stewart, when are the rest of us getting bags of sticky buns brought in then? Your secret is out!!

Trigger

[Steve N]

Dave, my Simon's rep is a good guy, and we always has a laugh,and he was a big help when I was setting up the business. I know he is always just a phone call away if I have any problems with orders or out of stock mouldings and he' been known to bring in chocolate cake with him

Steve

[FramingNovice]

Hi,

I've known Pete from Wessex for 20 years plus now and it was quite bad what happened to him at Wessex. A shocker!He'll bounce back as he always does!

The comments about the reps making the difference are correct, I prefer to deal with people that build the relationship to where trust is evident on both sides, not those who just pay you lip service whilst they are seeing you then go away and do something completely different or even worse don't follow up.
communication.... thats the key.

[simons rep]

Hi Trigger,

Merlin does supply the buns aswell...we take it in turns

That wasa close one

[Perfection]

You can get Pete at home on 0161 320 8386,

Stewart - sorry I didn't call you today, mad mad busy all day, will get to you in the morning

Paul

[Roboframer]

I'm not getting much grief from my suppliers at the mo' - but Simons are giving me the least, if any, and it's been that way for a long time.

Our shop works on about 8 rpm (reps per month) at present - but on the framing side it's probably one every 6 weeks. One new (to us) one - after me saying that Simons do most of what they do for a LOT less, told me all I had to do was place my orders through him and he'd match their price.

Sorry - if I'm going to go to that trouble (their ref no - Simons ref no etc) the price would have to be beaten; and not just by a few bob either - he doesn't call any more.

[stephen34]

Indeed, Stewart is an excellent rep, always on the ball sorting problems. Which is a good thing because if I have a problem with a supplier it is almost always Simons.