Customer Declines Order

ozzie · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 02:28 AM

Recently, a brand new customer ordered about $45 worth of Avon products from me. She only lives two blocks from my house but I had never met her before. Anyway, when I tried to deliver the order the following week, she said she didn't have the money and sent me on my way. This was a first for me and I'm wondering if it has happened to any of you. I never require a deposit or partial payment for Avon products that are ordered and most representatives don't.

bubble · #2 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 09:26 AM

What a pain!! Is it free to return the good to Avon. I know it means more work for you. i would certainly recommend not posting the catalogue throught their leter box again.

In our business we always take a 50 percent deposit, but we are talking larger sums of money. We got tired of been stung by customers who would not/could not pay. At least now we collect the 50 percent which pays for the materials, so we do not loose out completely.

I am not sure what action you could take to stop this happening to you in the future.

Ricardo · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 07:51 PM

Sorry to hear about that ozzie. Looking back to another business I was in, a couple of times I was burned by someone who claimed that they couldn't afford to honour the deal.

recman1 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 06:57 PM

Unfortunately in sales there are some people that say they will buy but without a legal committment will pull out because they can. In future I would recommend taking a deposit to be on the safe side

dml1978 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozzie

Recently, a brand new customer ordered about $45 worth of Avon products from me. She only lives two blocks from my house but I had never met her before. Anyway, when I tried to deliver the order the following week, she said she didn't have the money and sent me on my way. This was a first for me and I'm wondering if it has happened to any of you. I never require a deposit or partial payment for Avon products that are ordered and most representatives don't.

I had this happen to me once when i 1st started selling avon myself and rather than returning them i offered the items to other customers half price and since then with 1st time customers i require they pay at least half up front

bubble · #6 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 07:53 AM

Yes, it would probably be a good idea to get your new customers to pay a deposit up front.

That was a good idea to use the unwanted products as a promotional tool. Good thinking!

Ricardo · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 05:49 PM

I agree with the idea of getting some money upfront, and I think that most people would be alright with that.

I'd say that there's a precedence for it in other businesses, like if you're going to order a special part for a car or software, depending on the store.

Skip Anderson · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 01:20 AM

I would recommend getting a deposit, too. After all, you're running a business.

If you have really good long-term customers, maybe you'd want to reward them with no deposit at some point, but on the other hand, couldn't you use the cash flow of a consistent deposit from all your customers?