I find it interesting as an independent retailer (with a couple of stores) how different brands react when you reach out to them about the possibility of having them as part of your store.
I was inquiring about a brand that we don’t carry, I won’t use names, but we’ll call it brand U. I emailed the rep and asked if we could have a call to see if it may be a right fit for both of us. I received a form letter back asking for me to put together an hours’ worth of information with pictures, policies, and projections of why they would accept me. After all, they were looking for the “RIGHT” partners (and the rep used capitals to enforce it).
If I put in this effort and work, then maybe he’d grace me with a conversation, maybe…. if I’m “RIGHT”.
If we treated our clients with that kind of demeaning attitude we’d be out of business. Keep in mind, we’ve never even chatted yet.
Would you ask someone to marry you on the first date…. or better yet, without even meeting them? Where did having a 10-minute chat with a salesperson go…
Has social distancing taken away courtesy?
Have people working out of their home offices forgotten how to interact…..
Outside of owning shoe stores, I’m a business coach. I think I’ll be busy for the next 25 years, the future looks promising!
