A farmer asked me, "What makes you different than [other named delivery service]?"
My answer started with a question: "Do they deliver to doorsteps?"
"Yes," he said.
"And do they drop the box on the porch and walk away?", I asked.
"Yes, they do."
"Well...therein lies the biggest difference. I know how important it is to have contact and build relationships with the customers. In fact, this is VITAL. If you don't have contact with the people, you may have *orders*, but you don't have *CUSTOMERS*."
***
I got to see, firsthand, how a lack of customer contact can lead to a decrease in sales (or repeat sales). Even as this co-op grows, we will maintain a focus on providing the touch that customers need and want, but definitely don't get from the box left on their porch.
We will be taking orders by phone (or email) at the start, so that we can provide direct contact with customers, get their orders right, and be able to tell them good things about YOUR farm and/or products. (I say "at the start" knowing that we may do it this way forever!) Having good customer contact is really important to us--and we know that it is even more important FOR you.
Since you are busy farming (or making or baking), it will be up to us to be sure that each customer gets the care and attention that they need. We will do our very best to welcome each customer by name, to communicate well, and to provide the support that they need to get the products that they want to get from you!
***
We would love the opportunity to work with you as one of our Farm or Vendor Partners, and the opportunity to serve your customers (and the new ones we bring to you) well! If you haven't yet, apply to be one of our vendors by filling out our Producer Information Form, and we will contact you to discuss having you part of Alabama Farm Co-op!
--Melissa
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