Don't you just hate it....

[JbNormandog]

When you lose a really good rep?

Bonnie (I am purposely leaving out her last name) was my Larson rep. Long story short I didn't want Larson anywhere near my shop because of a bad encounter with a rep at a show. (REALLY DIDN'T LIKE HIS ATTITUDE)

A while later I called hoping he was gone and he was and Bonnie was the new Northern NJ person. So I took them on based on the product and the profesionalism that Bonnie had in representing them.

Got a card from her begining of August saying she would be by early in the month. Nothing.

Another rep(different company) told me she might have been in a bad accident.

Calls to her cell didn't even go to a mailbox, just kept ringing.

I got a little more concerned and called the company.

All they would tell me is that she is no longer working for them.

Bonnie would sometimes look through the grumble... so I just wanted to thank her for the great customer service always delivered and wish her well.

I depend on my reps and drivers. IF you don't talk with them you may want to start. One of my drivers walked through my store and mentioned a few changes he noticed in a few other shops that benefitted them and thought I could follow their lead.

I did a similar promotion to what he mentioned and it worked well. He is in more shops in a week than I have been in my life and value his unique insight.

Does anyone else help unload the trucks? I always do unless I am helping someone at the counter. Besides helping out your driver you can sometimes see what other local shops are selling.

Just my ramblings for the day,

Bob

 

[Paul N]

I hear you Bob, a good rep is indispensable.

A bad one could really make want to to ditch the company!

 

[happycamper]

My Roma rep is wonderful and dropped off a bouquet of gladiolas before going on vacation for a week. Our Larson rep, also wonderful was laid off, info had it they could not afford him. That was a year ago and his replacement is in management and I have yet to see him.
Good reps are hard to replace and they build customer loyalty to the company they work for.
In both cases, the reps are discreet about what is going on in other shops but will discuss ideas and give suggestions...I know they are ideas that are working in other shops. But this website is wonderful too, and many ideas from grumble have been implemented in my shop.

 

[Pat Murphey]

Bob,

I hadn't heard about Bonnie, I'll miss her - she was the best in a long time.

 

[JbNormandog]

I got a call today from Bonnies manager Tom.

He said she had left the company on friday and that she was offered an opportunity she couldn't pass up. He agreed she was the best and said she is fine, no accident.

Just thought some may like an update.

Bob