6 replies to this topic

[rjswave]

Thought I would share this...I was doing a self-promo for Christmas and got a stainless steel item that was imprinted. Either there was a problem with a coating or residue on the metal or a bad batch of inks from the suppliers' source, but the ink didn't adhere well. I'm glad this wasn't a direct ship project for one of my clients but it could have been a bad promotion for my business as well. That's why I always test imprinted products when they arrive.

A quick way to test imprinted stainless is to place a piece of scotch tape on top of the imprint. Pull the tape off and if there's a problem you'll know quickly as the ink will adhere to the tape. Just to be safe I usually do the fingernail scratch test too.

I also thought I would mention this without stating the suppliers' name (so please don't ask) because they compensated me well for the problem and because there are other suppliers that receive their inks from the same source too.

[royhill]

Thanks for heads up and reminder to test. Every business will have problems upon occasion but it's how they handle the problem that defines their customer service and mindset. Sounds like that supplier handled the situation the right way.

[3Koi Maui]

Nice post!

You took a problem you had and made it into a solution for everybody else. Thank you! :D

[rjswave]

royhill said:

Thanks for heads up and reminder to test. Every business will have problems upon occasion but it's how they handle the problem that defines their customer service and mindset. Sounds like that supplier handled the situation the right way.

They proved to me why a SAGE A+ rating is so important...

[letterpe]

It's funny to hear this about a stainless steel piece. I had a funny thing happen with a mug. We are talking high quality mug. The supplier printed 408 pcs, I delivered and everything looked fine. This was before Christmas. Jan. 4 I get a call from the client complaining about the imprint. My first thought was "dishwasher" problem, NO!, hand wash. I pick-up a few mugs to test them out. I placed the one mug in just water, a simple bowl of water, no soap. Ten minutes later I pulled it out it looked fine, as soon as I touched the imprint it all came off in one shot. I have waited over a week now for a reply and nothing yet. He is a big supplier in Montreal Quebec Canada. Hope they will fix things soon. How do I get all the clients to bring back the mugs for a full credit?? That's another job. Chow!!

[rjswave]

I would get whatever amount the client hasn't given out and explain to your supplier that part of the order has been distributed by your client and you will return the unused portion but that you want a full replacement of the order by your supplier (plus something extra to give to your client to make up for the problem). Make sure your supplier tests the items before they ship out and test the new order when you receive it (just to make sure).

[mktgbiz]

Thanks for the tip!!