PPB July 2021

Q A Distributor Asks: What do you do if a decorator loses your product, if you have proof of delivery and they claim they never received the items? The name does not necessarily even mean the merch was delivered. We have had this issue a few times. When our delivery is made, the driver simply puts the name in the computer, showing the “delivery” was made. We don’t sign anything anymore and not all packages get delivered. They can do a GPS track on that specific tracking number. Give your decorator the benefit of the doubt until you know 100-percent it was delivered. EDDIE ROBBINS Owner Embroico, Inc. Miami, Florida Were there multiple boxes in the shipment? If one box was delivered, it will show “delivered” for the tracking number. However, there is a drop-down arrow at the bottom of the page, and if you expand that view, you can see the location of each box in the shipment. We’ve experienced this several times. ERICA PHILLIPS Co-Owner and Co-Founder, Delta Range Outfitters Owner, Ink and Thread Tomball, Texas As a decorator, I can say that while we do not normally have extreme issues, it does happen. Sometimes, my UPS driver lets me know when something he is supposed to deliver, he can’t find on the truck, or he will deliver everything he “thinks” he has, then swing back through an hour or so later to deliver more. I have had them say it was signed for by “Michael,” and there is no Michael there, or say it was delivered only to have a neighbor drop it off a couple hours later. Not saying it’s anyone’s fault but give the decorator the benefit of the doubt and let them see if by working with [the delivery company] and yourself, they can figure out where it went. COLLETTE WILHELM Owner Contract Impressions Cape Coral, Florida What’s Your Answer? Email your response(s) to Question@ ppai.org for the chance to be featured in a future issue of PPB . Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. Do You Have An Answer? A Distributor Asks: My spouse will be retiring in two years and I’m beginning to question whether I should walk away from my business. On the other hand, I’m thinking, “Why should I?” I still have loyal clients, but they, like me, are aging, and I’ve seen a major turnaround with their replacements who tend to work with someone they’ve dealt with in the past or order online. Are any other distributors in a similar situation? Should I walk away, sell it or keep grooving? A Distributor Asks: I’m wondering how to go about selecting an embroidery vendor to work with. What are the criteria that you look for, and what distinguishes one company from the next—and a good job from one that is fair? Kate Garyuk / Shutterstock.com Gearstd / Shutterstock.com | JULY 2021 | 11 INNOVATE