NEW! Faster Search Option

Wording for follow-up letters?

Wording for follow-up letters? (post #161176)

gatordoc on Thu, 01/20/2011 - 10:15

Business

Here's a question I've struggled with for too long: What is a good letter/email to send to clients who have expressed interest in a project, and then fall off the radar screen for a few weeks? I would like to be able to nudge them into action without seeming pushy.

I'd like to have the luxury to say, "hey I'm really, really busy so let me know now and maybe I can squeeze you in" but the truth is, I need the work and don't want to push potential clients away. These are not casual "hey maybe you can do something for me someday" but people who have just begun the formal relationship, provided rough dimensions for a specific piece and are at the "just about to sign a contract" stage to begin formal design drawings.

Anybody have suggestions for a nudging text that's not to harsh and not too pleading? Please, huh, please.... (see what I mean)

Steve

Hi Steve , (post #161176, reply #1 of 4)

by oldusty in reply to gatordoc [original] on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 07:50

Hi Steve ,

There are many ways to do the same thing in woodworking and in business , one way is to call or drop a line or e mail to your client . Let them know you have not heard back yet , and wanted to touch base with them and ask if they were pleased with the design and details of the project or if they had any further concerns .

Simply ask if they want you to place the project in your production schedule and are ready to get started , don't mention how slow or busy you are , only focus on whats at hand .

Also if you have found some new materials for the client to consider or choose from thats a good way to re contact them .

You should be able to get a feel for if they are ready or not and if not ask a few questions , is it the price or the design ?

I will start at the top with price as a rule it is much easier to take away than add , you may be able to change the design and content to meet the budget if there is the problem.

Send photos of projects recently completed or otherwise things they may be impressed with , I do this to several old clients to keep them abreast of my works , even though they may not need anything at the time it keeps my name in the game .

best regards for a solid year dusty,boxmaker

Nice indeed! (post #161176, reply #2 of 4)

by gatordoc in reply to oldusty [original] on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 20:07

Hi Dusty,

Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for. In the past I've used an annoucent of an upcoming show, etc as an excuse to make contact, but currently I was a tad adrift. I like the "production schedule" idea, it fits reality and is just the approach I wanted...and coincidentally, there just appeared (in a local craigslist) a possiblility of local access to the materials I needed for this project (walnut slab). Double score!

My impression is the price is not the stumbling point, but may just be other things on the other burners. I needed an excuse to push the client a bit a bit and I think you've provided just the lever.

Many thanks! And a solid year to you as well.

Steve

Serve then better.. (post #161176, reply #3 of 4)

by GRW in reply to gatordoc [original] on Sun, 01/30/2011 - 05:42

Steve,

I'm no salesman. So maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. But there's my thoughts.

Customers want to work on their own schedule. They want to act in a way that serves them best. Generally they want the best product at the best price, and they want their goods when they want them, not when you want to make a sale. My 2 cents is to help them do just that. You might try the following.

1) If you know what wood they want call your supplier an find when this material will next be delivered. Usually suppliers get materials at least once every week or two. Find that date of delivery, then call the customer. Tell them when the delivery is comming and tell them that is when you could sort through the largest amount of material in order to choose the best grains. With this much material, you'll have a better chance to find simular colored boards, and that this might be the best chance to get boards from the same tree. Ordering the material at this time should help you get them the best product, at no additional cost.

2) Explain to the customer that solid wood should stablize in the shop for at least couple of weeks before you work it. And that any order should allow for this time period. Bringing in the order date (getting a deposit) will allow for this material to stablize, and help you make them a better product again at no additional cost. This could bring in and order by a week or two while helping your customer. They also get the impression that you care about their project and want to give them the very best product.

3)Do you have another project that requires a run the sawmill? If so suggest that you combine the wood runs so that you can get the material for both projects at the same time. If they order before you make this run, you could discount them the labor saved by combining the wood runs. Something like.. "I can save you $35 if we did this now instead of later because...and , When I'm working for you, I want to save you $$ anywhere I can as long as quality doesn't suffer."

These kinds of statements help make a customer feel like you're trying to serve them better, and helping them get the best product while providing the best prices. They may feel like you are thinking more about pleasing them than tending to your business.