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Post by blinder on Dec 6, 2006 20:21:12 GMT 1
Greenpesto Why stop diary leads now as you suggest? I've been telling my customers that I'll pencil them in but can't guarantee fitting before Xmas and that I'll contact them if there's a problem. This way you won't lose out on any sales.......Just plant the seed with the customer that they may not have the blinds before Xmas but that you'll try your very best for them!  Seems daft to me to stop selling unless you're megga rich but then you wouldn't be working for Hillarys would you ;D Karen Karen, Is this your first Xmas with Hillary's?. If so and you do take orders up till the 15th then I suggest Xmas eve through to 27th you unplug your phone, because customers will ring you about why they have not had blinds fitted. I had one customer a few years ago ring me 3 times on Xmas day demanding her blinds were in by tea time as she had Friends round for tea. As they did not get delivered to me till Xmas eve there was no chance of fitting them. Then comes all the discounts because customers complain that they were promised Xmas delivery and all the stress of getting them fitted between Xmas and new year and your Xmas break is ruined just for a few life threatening blinds. Its not Hillary's fault completely, its also customers that are too stupid too order well in time for Xmas and then expect the world to revolve around them. Never again. Red I saw a good motto in a plumbers merchants - "Don't let your lack of planning become our problem" Hmmmmm! |
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Post by desmorse on Dec 6, 2006 23:31:41 GMT 1
Like Karen, I have still been selling but warning customers. Both copies of the receipt have "pre-Xmas fit not guaranteed" written on them.
I've had a phenomenal 5 days - sold £14,500 of blinds (no shutters or awnings) with an AOV of £780. So all fits are now being booked after Xmas with the offer of earlier if I have any unexpected availability, and of course the blinds. Like others have already posted, already 2 customers p1ssed off and it's only the 6th.
It's always Washington product as well - do they work on lunar cycles or something? It's certainly not the same calender system the rest of work to
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Post by desmorse on Dec 7, 2006 0:05:59 GMT 1
Des What are you doing with your left hand!!! ;D And more to the point........what's that little tinker doing with his behind you!!!  Karen ;D They're all there to keep father christmas happy |
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Post by phugly on Dec 7, 2006 9:17:43 GMT 1
I stopped pre xmas today in saying that though I am fully booked to friday before xmas I have not stopped selling, after all I need some income in the quiet period after Xmas but I am also telling customers that I am fully booked for fitting right up to Xmas. Any orders that I take now are being booked for fit in January. |
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Bear
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by Bear on Dec 7, 2006 18:34:50 GMT 1
Strange to come in now after a tough day to read these messages.!!!!!!!
I have done too many Hillarys Christmases to know to trust their deliveries.
I took my last "definite for Xmas order today" anything from now on is for after Jan 1 with only a hint of an earlier fitting
1 If I want to do it near Xmas
2 I get the blinds in time
3 If I have the time and space to do it.
The only thing I cant control is some thingy in Colwick lying to a punter saying "Oh Yes Order up to Dec 19th and we guarantee it fitted for Xmas" They never ever ever take into account our fitting bookings.....Bar stewards!
If that is the case then I will tell the punter on the fone B4 I call that it is Jan fit and if they dont like it or say they were promised pre-Xmas fit then tell them to ring Hillarys and sort it!!!
Last year I had over £300 in STOLEN COMMISSIONS taken by Hillarys becuse they gave unwarranted discounts away as dates given were stupid.
NEVER EVER AGAIN!!!
If anyone rang me on Xmas Eve or Xmas Day I would go round and burn their house down---Some folks find Xmas comes on Dec 25th each year and for the life of them they cant see it coming.
Eeeeeeeh by Gum!!!
Bear
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Post by unclehillary on Dec 7, 2006 19:52:51 GMT 1
Whats happened to farmer  |
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Post by thelloydgang on Dec 7, 2006 20:33:01 GMT 1
Hi Red No, this is not my first Xmas with Hillarys..............my 6th I think, and I'm fully aware of all the pitfuls thanks!  Just can't see the point of advisors not selling blinds between now and Xmas. I've been out today and sold a couple of £K's worth. Some customer's had been informed by H/O that I could fit them before Xmas.............I can't and after a few mins moaning, gave me the order and agreed to me contacting them in the New Year to fit. I did say that if I could I would phone them before Xmas if we were able to fit but it was highly unlikely. As I have a seperate line for Hillarys, my phone won't be unplugged during Xmas, just a message on the ansa phone wishing them a very merry xmas without their blinds and that the office is closed from Friday 22 Dec to Fri 5 Jan..........2 whole weeks of peace and quiet to all good blind sellers/fitters!!! ;D Also, I'll be calling all my leads before attending appts to inform customers that I can't fit before Xmas so as not to waste my time or the customers! Also, on another note, had a run-in with credit control today for using my credit card when customers pay cash. I've been warned that if my card details are seen on an invoice again it will be sent back to me and that the cash must be paid into the post office as it's against company policy!  Unfortunately, my card had been denied incorrectly and after a quick phone call to my card company was paid. I was informed that the customer would have been contacted for a different method of payment, but in the past, if there's been a problem with the customers payment I've always been contacted to sort the payment out. When I've queried why h/o don't contact the customer direct I've always been informed that it's down to me to get the payment as customers are unhappy to give payment details out to someone other than the original advisor!! What a contradiction and a load of bull! You can imagine what my reply was........I'll continue to use my card for all cash payments or I'll just have to not sell to customers who wish to pay by cash. Unlike head office seem to think, this happens on a regular basis. I'm often carrying around £1k in my bag!! I've been using my own cards for years now and really cannot see what the problem is.......head office push for payment by card so why does it matter whose card it is? What do you all think as apparantly I'm the only advisor who pays this way!!!!! Makes me feel that H/o don't trust me! After all, I only sell £20+k per month for them! Roll on Christmas so that I can have a good ole drink!!!!  In fact, d**n waiting for Christmas, I'm gonna open a bottle now!!!  Karen ;D |
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blindmansam
Full Member
P/T advisor (over 5 years)
Posts: 225
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Post by blindmansam on Dec 7, 2006 20:59:56 GMT 1
Also, on another note, had a run-in with credit control today for using my credit card when customers pay cash. I've been warned that if my card details are seen on an invoice again it will be sent back to me and that the cash must be paid into the post office as it's against company policy! Unfortunately, my card had been denied incorrectly and after a quick phone call to my card company was paid. I was informed that the customer would have been contacted for a different method of payment, but in the past, if there's been a problem with the customers payment I've always been contacted to sort the payment out. When I've queried why h/o don't contact the customer direct I've always been informed that it's down to me to get the payment as customers are unhappy to give payment details out to someone other than the original advisor!! What a contradiction and a load of bull! You can imagine what my reply was........I'll continue to use my card for all cash payments or I'll just have to not sell to customers who wish to pay by cash. Unlike head office seem to think, this happens on a regular basis. I'm often carrying around £1k in my bag!! I've been using my own cards for years now and really cannot see what the problem is.......head office push for payment by card so why does it matter whose card it is? What do you all think as apparantly I'm the only advisor who pays this way!!!!! Makes me feel that H/o don't trust me! After all, I only sell £20+k per month for them! Roll on Christmas so that I can have a good ole drink!!!! In fact, d**n waiting for Christmas, I'm gonna open a bottle now!!! Karen ;D We surely all use the MORGAN STANLEY Card that gives cash back to us ! I have used it for a few months and have already got £89 from it ! |
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Post by desmorse on Dec 7, 2006 21:02:52 GMT 1
I've been using my own cards for years now and really cannot see what the problem is.......head office push for payment by card so why does it matter whose card it is? What do you all think as apparantly I'm the only advisor who pays this way!!!!! Makes me feel that H/o don't trust me! After all, I only sell £20+k per month for them! Roll on Christmas so that I can have a good ole drink!!!! In fact, d**n waiting for Christmas, I'm gonna open a bottle now!!! Karen ;D Spot on. Hillarys preferred method of payment is by card, because it's lower bank charges than cheques it virtually eliminates admin costs at h/o it improves cash flow as they get the money in their account sooner it eliminates lost payments The problem is not that it's against Hillarys procedure, but that their procedure is out of date. Also agree ........ it's time for a beer |
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Post by thelloydgang on Dec 7, 2006 22:14:23 GMT 1
Hi I use the Asda credit card as it gives you 2p off per litre of petrol bought at Asda and 1 point per £2 spent and there's no points limit on the card either. Can't quite remember how much a point is worth but it's paid back to you in Asda vouchers in November, just in time for Xmas. I've used the card since October and got £45 Asda vouchers last week. Enjoying my glass of wine now! ;D Karen ;D It'll be Karen with tomorrow am!! |
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Post by ascreaton on Dec 7, 2006 22:38:58 GMT 1
Hi all, you are better off using your card as I have had to wait a lot longer for my commision using the post office method I had to ring to chase up my commision which took three weeks, with a card i get it the same week and don't have to wait at the post office hope you all enjoy your drinks LOL
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Bear
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by Bear on Dec 8, 2006 11:53:27 GMT 1
Please to agree with all on here.
I Do not do Post Offices--queueing in cripple creek--no thanks
I have better use for my time.
Threw away some silly blue card Hillarys sent me for cash--or is it still in glove compartment--no idea--
I ALWAYS use an affinity card that gives me 0.5% cash back credits on my statement----
It pays to warn your credit card company this time of year if you are paying out big lumps to Hillarys per week---say a couple of Grand in two or three hits maybe 2 on a day--as this alerts the security at the credit card company as it sees potential fraud with largist payments going to same creditor on successive or same days---
CASH is for morons---and numptys--It goes straight into my Bank I have use of it for 21 days and then pay credit card in full.
Best thing is Commissions paid VERY quickly.
Cash via Post Office ( I am told) takes 2 weeks to get to your commission account as it has to be manually input.
All you need is the discipline to use one card alone with a decent balance to do all the Hillarys stuff. Ring them and tell them what you are doing ( The Credit card co that is!) and all is well.
Bear
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Post by desmorse on Dec 8, 2006 12:02:42 GMT 1
SENT IN TO ADVISOR FEEDBACK
Hillarys preferred payment method is by card. When transacted through SAM it's quicker, cheaper, improves cash flow, and eliminates lost payments. It's obviously very important as it forms part of the SMR report.
Although I always ask for this, some people still insist on cheques and cash. There's not much I can do about cheques, but myself and many of my colleagues find it quicker and easier to transact cash payments through a personal credit/debit card than taking to the bank. As well as being Hillarys preferred method, it's also quicker and easier for us as well.
One of my colleagues has had a recent run in with credit control, and was told it's not an acceptable method of payment as it's against company procedure, and that if their card number is seen again, payment will be refused.
I discussed this with Tony Boyd before I started doing it, he agreed with the advantages but felt it could be open to abuse. Personally, I can't see how this is more open to abuse than banking cash, and if an advisor is that way inclined, they'll rob Hillarys whatever payment method is used. So I can see no real reason why this shouldn't be acceptable - it's a WIN-WIN situation. It's to our advantage and Hillarys, so could we please get the procedure changed so this is acceptable?
Also, I assume any invoice paid by card through SAM doesn't really need to go through credit control, just archiving or whatever else you do with it. If we separated these and sent them via the vans, it would reduce admin costs at Hillarys and allow credit control to concentrate on invoices that require payment. It would reduce our postage costs, so acting as an additional incentive to use SAM. I would not be prepared to sort and post these separately as it would just increase my work load and costs with no benefit to myself.
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blindsfitter
Junior Member
"I do this because its a service to mankind-not because I like doing it"--Al. Pierpoint , hangman.
Posts: 75
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Post by blindsfitter on Dec 8, 2006 18:01:27 GMT 1
SENT IN TO ADVISOR FEEDBACK Hillarys preferred payment method is by card. When transacted through SAM it's quicker, cheaper, improves cash flow, and eliminates lost payments. It's obviously very important as it forms part of the SMR report. Although I always ask for this, some people still insist on cheques and cash. There's not much I can do about cheques, but myself and many of my colleagues find it quicker and easier to transact cash payments through a personal credit/debit card than taking to the bank. As well as being Hillarys preferred method, it's also quicker and easier for us as well. One of my colleagues has had a recent run in with credit control, and was told it's not an acceptable method of payment as it's against company procedure, and that if their card number is seen again, payment will be refused. I discussed this with Tony Boyd before I started doing it, he agreed with the advantages but felt it could be open to abuse. Personally, I can't see how this is more open to abuse than banking cash, and if an advisor is that way inclined, they'll rob Hillarys whatever payment method is used. So I can see no real reason why this shouldn't be acceptable - it's a WIN-WIN situation. It's to our advantage and Hillarys, so could we please get the procedure changed so this is acceptable? Also, I assume any invoice paid by card through SAM doesn't really need to go through credit control, just archiving or whatever else you do with it. If we separated these and sent them via the vans, it would reduce admin costs at Hillarys and allow credit control to concentrate on invoices that require payment. It would reduce our postage costs, so acting as an additional incentive to use SAM. I would not be prepared to sort and post these separately as it would just increase my work load and costs with no benefit to myself. I have to say I admire your courage mate, I bet you don't get a clear answer, or you'll get a fudge. Or maybe the sack for dreaming up such a sensible response . I will lay £5 that you will be ignored and then in about 6 weeks ==say end January 2007== someone in Colwick who sees the brownie points potential will come up with your idea, and get a rise, and be made "Head of Sellotape" for the following week. My idea with Hillarys and Ideas is--Treat the buggaires like the mushrooms they are --keep the swine in the dark and tell 'em nowt. They will only find a way to penalise you for it!! Blindsfitter |
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Post by RED on Dec 8, 2006 20:02:04 GMT 1
SENT IN TO ADVISOR FEEDBACK Hillarys preferred payment method is by card. When transacted through SAM it's quicker, cheaper, improves cash flow, and eliminates lost payments. It's obviously very important as it forms part of the SMR report. Although I always ask for this, some people still insist on cheques and cash. There's not much I can do about cheques, but myself and many of my colleagues find it quicker and easier to transact cash payments through a personal credit/debit card than taking to the bank. As well as being Hillarys preferred method, it's also quicker and easier for us as well. One of my colleagues has had a recent run in with credit control, and was told it's not an acceptable method of payment as it's against company procedure, and that if their card number is seen again, payment will be refused. I discussed this with Tony Boyd before I started doing it, he agreed with the advantages but felt it could be open to abuse. Personally, I can't see how this is more open to abuse than banking cash, and if an advisor is that way inclined, they'll rob Hillarys whatever payment method is used. So I can see no real reason why this shouldn't be acceptable - it's a WIN-WIN situation. It's to our advantage and Hillarys, so could we please get the procedure changed so this is acceptable? Also, I assume any invoice paid by card through SAM doesn't really need to go through credit control, just archiving or whatever else you do with it. If we separated these and sent them via the vans, it would reduce admin costs at Hillarys and allow credit control to concentrate on invoices that require payment. It would reduce our postage costs, so acting as an additional incentive to use SAM. I would not be prepared to sort and post these separately as it would just increase my work load and costs with no benefit to myself. I have to say I admire your courage mate, I bet you don't get a clear answer, or you'll get a fudge. Could I have a fudge as well please. I like a finger of fudge. Sod the kids, give me a treat instead. Oooh urrr, missus. ;D |
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Unfortunately, my card had been denied incorrectly and after a quick phone call to my card company was paid. I was informed that the customer would have been contacted for a different method of payment, but in the past, if there's been a problem with the customers payment I've always been contacted to sort the payment out. When I've queried why h/o don't contact the customer direct I've always been informed that it's down to me to get the payment as customers are unhappy to give payment details out to someone other than the original advisor!! 
