Trade Secrets...

I should probably have titled this post "Nothing New Under the Sun".  My boss and I had a discussion two days ago about if there are things that we don't even know to do.  It is very hard to argue that there is nothing that you don't know about, or that nobody could come up with a better way to do what you do.  I can say that with certainty I know of nobody who is doing work of a higher quality than we produce.  I can certainly agree that there are more expensive materials out there, but as far a fabrication techniques...a visit to a highly recommended workroom today reinforced my beliefs.

So here is my challenge, come up with something, some method of fabrication, or some style of treatment that is high-end that we don't do.  Let's compare notes.  Maybe I'm wrong.

Going the extra mile...

I just finished seam-ripping some trim off four sets of tie-backs for a client, (this is what I get for not insisting that she buy new) and I found one of her bone rings is missing.  I have no bone rings...so next step was to take a 14 gauge galvanized wire ring in a matching diameter that I made and sew it on to the back.  Let's hope this good deed goes unpunished.

Another Pro Tip...

Never schedule yourself to work on Dec. 24th (or the day before Thanksgiving for that matter).  It's not that you will have the day off, instead it is a virtual guarantee that you will be making an emergency delivery or completing an emergency install.  Check my other blogs to see what I did today.

Commute...

Seven hours in the car today, 168 miles.  I think I need a vacation.  Tomorrow I have a 10:30 appointment (which means I need to leave by 8:30) and then a 5:00 appointment (which means I will be home likely at 9:00ish).  Good thing I haven't scheduled an appointment for Thanksgiving.

Can't decide which is better...

Referrals or return customers?  I have been very busy this year with both.  It is nice going back to see someone who is happy with your work, but there is something maybe even better about seeing someone whose friend was so happy with you that they passed your information along.  Either way I wil certainly be sending out a few thank you vouchers this week.

From my vacation...

I was reminded that sometimes the person who isn't replying to your questions either doesn't speak English, or is deaf.  If you get angry and raise your voice at a deaf patron how bad are you going to feel?

Dear coworkers...

If you offer a discount during non-sale times...I need to know.
If you gave someone incorrect information...I need to know.
If you have a client's address...I need to know.
If you give them a swatch...put a sticker on it.

If there is any information that you have that you would want to know if you had to drive out the the customer's house...I need to know.

Thank you.