Running an efficient & successful Bottled Water and Coffee Distribution firm

I have been working with the bottled water business for more than 7 years. During this time I have seen many clubs come and go. The clubs that stick nearby do so because they are always one step ahead. Either it be implementing fuel surcharges, providing exquisite buyer service, or keeping up with technology, they continue to evolve in a competing market. Even though gas has dropped in price, clients have not removed monthly fuel surcharges. In this economy, it is foremost to keep revenue up. You may think that the aid fee is not fair but there are a lot of expenditures to consider while delivering products to customers. The cost of insurance, wear and tear on your vehicle, the drivers wages, etc. I have found that the clients who receive less flack about such a fee are those that continue to provide their customers with exquisite buyer service.

Hand Held Credit Card Machine

Excellent buyer aid is number one in my book. A buyer remains loyal if you treat them well. In the past I have had clients buy from me even when they knew they could find the product for a lesser cost elsewhere. Why? Because I make it a point to provide the buyer with a great contact every time! How many times have you walked into a store and have received lousy buyer service? I don't know about you but I've lost count. The lowest line is that great buyer aid is a key element in running a successful business.

So how does technology come into the picture? How are you supposed to aid a buyer when you have no idea what they want or where they're at? In order to run an effective company you need to have the allowable tools in place, i.e. Accounting System, catalogue Tracking, Crm Tools, etc. Even if you are not delivering bottled water, you can still benefit from a route accounting ideas that will sustain you in tracking buyer information, route schedules, definite buyer notes, etc. There are a variety of tools available, you just have to look. For example, if you are a small company running QuickBooks, consider a simple handheld explication such as Q-Route 2000. A company that has more than 3 route trucks may want to consider something more robust. Besides a safe, reliable vehicle, a handheld computer is probably the next most foremost thing a driver should have with him. A driver will have directions, instructions on what to do, a list of products that the buyer purchases on a quarterly basis, and much more! These type of tools were once too high-priced for small businesses but nowadays, a handheld solution has become very affordable. Technology is key in a successful organization! 

Running an efficient & successful Bottled Water and Coffee Distribution firm
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