PPB May 2018

by Terry Ramsay 12 | MAY 2018 | INNOVATE Q A DISTRIBUTOR ASKS: Does anyone have a policy that specifies how samples and the associated freight charges are handled? We’re seeing more and more customers who ask for samples of products (sometimes expensive ones) but then don’t order the item. How do other companies manage this? I want to put together a consistent response to customer requests that is polite but helps reduce our costs and exposure. A At The Ohio Art Company, we create sample packs that highlight a few of our smaller products, while still being able to provide an example of our high-quality printing on metal. For example, we produce several sizes and shapes of metal trays, coasters, license plates and signs. In the sample pack, we include one small rectangular tray, one round coaster and one square felt-back coaster. Our potential customer gets a great idea of our finished products and an example of our printing, but we are not sending out large quantities of higher-dollar items such as large trays. Since it is a standard sample pack, the weight/dimensions are always the same. The customer is not charged for their sample pack but is responsible for shipping via their UPS or FedEx account. This way, we are both investing a little bit into the business relationship. SARAH JANE GRAY Sales Manager The Ohio Art Company PPAI 681293 Sample Requests: What Is Reasonable?