Sometimes you have to say no, even if it's to one of your best/ favourite customers.
I took on a job of sending cakes through the post many moons ago. When the job came in, it was not as I had expected. There were six cakes in each box, unwrapped like you’d just bought them at Gail’s (or another favourite bakery), to be taken home and eaten that day. There was no protection or extra covering; no list of ingredients; and nothing to hold them in place!
I got onto my client and told them that I thought it would be unwise to send them as they were... very unwise. I was told that’s how they were supplied by their client and to ‘crack on’.
I did just that, although I expected that there would be problems. And there was.
I really should have said no. It wouldn’t have played on my conscience (we saw some returned in the mail) and it may have prevented the ultimate client some embarrassment.
I’m all for thinking outside of the (cake) box when it comes to sending gifts and promotions to clients or potential clients, but before you do send it, ask around. See what your colleagues would think if they got a surprise like that in the post...
I love cake and I wouldn’t have eaten them.
If you’re not sure of what you can send in the post, give me a shout.