Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 08:29:55 +1000
From: THE DIXONS <balloons@magna.com.au>
To: dyrw <dyrw@jvlnet.com>, BALLOON HQ <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: Do you blow up???

dyrw wrote:

> Hello,
> I was wondering how you all handle customers coming into your store and
> asking you to blow up their balloons, latex and foils.  Also do you sell
> them uninflated balloons,

 G'Day from Downunder,
Easily answered -
How would you feel if you went to a dressmaker or tailor and asked them to take
up the hem of a dress or trousers that you did not buy from them, and they
refused? Would you return to that dressmaker for your daughter's prom dress?

How would you feel if your butcher refused to sell you doggy bones? "Sorry
lady, you have to buy the meat around the bones as well!"

We call it; CUSTOMER SERVICE.
One of the good things about service with a smile, is that you'll find the same
customer will come back to be fitted for the prom dress and buy steak for the
the two legged creatures in the household.
Even better still ...... we actually make a HIGHER PROFIT margin on doggy bones
and alterations. Who said you can't make a profit from filling someone elses
balloons?

Do you recall how the dressmaker will verbally warn you that she won't be held
responsible for the quality of the fabric or workmanship by others? And how the
butcher reminds you that the doggy bones may not be today's fresh ... "for
animals only". Well, we do the same when inflating balloons not supplied by us.
It's simple;
1. They are charged for every balloon we ATTEMPT to fill. (including breakages)

2. If they are not Qualatex brand .... we insist the customer not associate our
business name with their balloons. We will not issue a business card, wrapping
or bags with our name on it. No invoice. Cash register receipt only and CASH
SALE.
3. There is no guarantee that helium will make their balloons float. (at all)
4. Before filling their balloons, we fill one of ours in a similar colour and
offer the better quality alternative for just a few cents each in extra cost.
You'll be amazed! Around 75% will change their mind and walk out with our
balloons and drop their supermarket balloons in the trash on the way out.

We love it when our competitors refuse to fill balloons not purchased in their
shop. We laugh all the way to OUR bank!

The secret here ???? Don't criticize their balloons. SHOW how superior your
balloons are in comparison. Let the customer decide! If they still want you to
fill their supermarket balloons, then OK. But you can rest assured they will be
back to you when they want to impress their guests. Supermarket quality is
sometimes sufficient for a toddler's party. But never good enough if she want's
to impress her boss, her girlfriends, her parents or her neighbours.

Well ladies ..... am I right?

Don  & Dolly  Dixon CBAs
Sydney  -   AUSTRALIA