Sign of the times…
Walzcraft (cabinet door maker) calls a few weeks ago, “We noticed it has been a while since you ordered anything from us… have there been any problems, we want your business. Is their anything we can do for you, we now offer a wide assortment of moldings, not just cabinet doors…”
Menards calls last week…we just got in an order of hardwood lumber, selection is good now (I had complained before–just junk in stock–but enough (junk) inventory on the computer that they did not reorder–same junk stays in the bin all year).
Today, the sawmill I buy from calls, “We are delivering in your neighborhood next week, do you need anything?”
Last year none of those guys would bother calling me, now they are shaking the bushes. Next time they call, I need to see if they want to buy me lunch and talk about it. ;o)
Replies
I was talking to my plumber this morning, he has been trying to get his main supplier to price a couple of different solar equipment packages for him. They can't be bothered. In times like these you'd think they'd be sending him a fax five minutes after he called.
For one of my (few) projects I am having trouble getting the correct part for a shower enclosure. The company has sent me scratched metal three times now. They can't be bothered to get off their buns and go into the warehouse, pull a part, make sure it isn't scratched, and ship it to me. I definitely have the time to find another source these days.
Walk into HD. People actually ask if they can help you.
Yeah, I noticed that recently as well. Even the guy collecting carts in the parking lot asked if I was all set. Uh, yeah...