Posts Tagged ‘wooden shipping crates’
Saving Money = Asking Questions
With the recent economic challenges, one thing on everyone’s mind is how to save money. So how do we save money? One common strategy is to simply eliminate as many expenses as possible, which can be very effective, but often times forces us to compromise the quality or method which we make our product. A better strategy is to question. Rather than trying to accomplish the same tasks as before, but with fewer resources, ask employees and customers how to make the most of the processes, materials, products, and services you currently use. This more proactive approach is a great opportunity to save money without reducing the value of your products or services.
Converting a company into a money saving machine is usually not a task that just one person can handle. This is why a great place to start is to ask employees and customers where they see areas that could be improved. Some good ways to go about this are to conduct a survey targeted for feedback about processes that can be improved or to have an employee meeting to openly discuss challenging or wasteful processes. You might be surprised at
When to Change Your Product
When people start talking about redesigning a product, I know it can be scary, but thinking proactively about how to improve products is critical to the survival of a company. With changes in the economy, and the way markets are changing accordingly, it is more important than ever to give your customer a reason to choose your product. Besides, product changes can give you access to a customer you weren’t previously able to reach, save money, and create a safer work environment. So pay attention to the warning signs that your product needs to change, and ask questions to make sure you make the proper changes.
Warning Signs that your product needs to be redesigned:
Customers Like Choices
Custom Options
Everywhere you go it is easy to see that both consumers and businesses are looking for products that are catered to their specific needs and tastes. Although it is not the best answer for every situation, offering custom crating options to your customer is a great way to capture their attention and show how you will meet their specific needs.
Even if your product doesn’t seem like the kind of product you would add custom options to, I want to encourage you to think it through. Because, while custom options are a great way to meet your customers needs, they are also a good way to reach new markets. For example,
Lean Manufacturing: A Business Model with the Consumer in Mind
Lean Manufacturing: A Business Model with the Consumer in Mind
Hearing a company pride itself on being committed to good faith and fair dealing above all else is refreshing. Many companies are beginning to realize that dedication and loyalty to the consumer first and foremost is actually what drives business, not the hunt for profit. This is where a recently popular manufacturing model known as Lean Manufacturing (Lean) plays a huge role.
First introduced by Toyota, Lean is a progressive way to give customers what they want, how they want it and when they want it by eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency. Seems rather simple right?
Charge a Deposit to Go Green
Reusable Shipping Crates
Many of us remember the days of returning the glass Coca Cola bottles for the deposit we paid on the front end. Getting a reusable shipping crate back can work the same. The one big difference is that your reusable crates and packing materials are worth more than just a few cents. Verbally tell your customers that you are moving on from a disposable system to a more environmentally friendly, reusable system. Let them know that they will be charged for the crate on their invoice, and upon returning it; they will be credited for the reusable shipping crate. These charges need to be clear on the invoice, with its own separate line item. Everybody is feeling the push to use sustainable products. Few will argue with a company that is honestly trying to do its part.
Your customers will appreciate your efforts, and will work with you to get that packaging back. No president or CEO is going to raise a ruckus about saving money on disposal costs, either!
By Charge a Deposit to Go Green »
By Reusable Shipping Crates | Deforestation at Home
By Reusable Shipping Crates | Deforestation at Home