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I needed a Money Tree Plant. Well, "needed" might be too strong a word, but I WANTED one. One of my managers had just started a new job in another market and I wanted to send him a symbolic plant: one that epitomized that he would be growing money in that market. It sounded simple, as I had sent a similar plant to another manager in another market a couple of months ago.
I went online (yes, I am succumbing to buying online) and ordered a Money Tree from florist #1. I knew nothing about any of these florists, so I picked one that looked interesting and gave them my money. That was on Tuesday. On Thursday, I received a text from them saying they did not have Money Trees although they were displayed on the website. Would I accept something else? No! Refund my payment.
I went back online to florist #2. Same scenario: I bought the Money Tree. I received a text later that day saying they had no Money Trees. Another refund.
Now I decided to call personally instead of buying from their websites. #3 florist had no Money Trees either, but she did direct me to a greenhouse.
I called the greenhouse. A young lady said they had no Money Trees but they did have a truck arriving that afternoon and would call me to let me know if they received them or not. About 4:00 I realized I'd had no call. I called them back. She had forgotten to check: No Money Trees.
In each case I explained the significance of a money tree. Now, thoroughly frustrated and out of time, I asked the greenhouse if they could pin dollar bills to another kind of plant. No. It violated their safety rules to have money on the truck.
Now I'm really frustrated.
I called #5. Their name was Unique Floral Collective. That sounded promising. I again explained what I needed. No Money Trees, but they did have an Australian Umbrella tree. AND they agreed to pin dollar bills to it! I explained that my calling cards are $2.00 bills. I was told if they had had time, they would have gotten the two- dollar bills. As it was Friday at about 5:00, there was no time. Hallelujah!!!
I finally found someone who listened to what I was trying to accomplish and met my need.
Monday morning, I received a text with the above picture from Deb. She went the extra mile of accommodating my special request and following up with me.
The "Great Service" award goes to Deb at Unique Floral Collective. She understood my need, the "Why?" I wanted that particular arrangement and she made it happen.
Do we do this for our clients? What's their "Why?" Do we ascertain their needs and then create campaigns and messages to make it happen? Do we follow up after the fact to make sure everything went as planned? Do we go the extra mile and pin dollar bills to what they buy (figuratively of course).
Next time you need flowers in Saginaw, MI, Unique Floral Collective is your place. Tell Deb you heard the tale of the Money Tree.
I am always amazed at the amount of bad service, no service or "I don't care" service that abounds. But once in a while my faith is replenished that there are still people and businesses out there who "get it". I hope everyone reading this newsletter is one of those who "get it".
Go the extra mile. Surprise people. Be great!
Happy Selling!
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