“Purchasing Efficiency” (To gain most value results)

by Leon Mayo

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Advertising on items: I recommend items that aren’t quickly consumed or used up. Quickly-consumed examples are ink pens (plus the low/medium quality pens may leak on clothing).

Long lasting examples are rulers, yardsticks, jar lid openers, etc. Even calendars last for only one year. These advertising items are useful and appreciated.

Local newspaper is excellent, but even better when using the following two methods:

 

1. I run a small ad every week, such as supporting the churches’ directory. In this way, you continuously, every week, support local newspaper, community, and churches, but at very affordable rates. Thus it is advertising and public relations, with community support being very consistent and visible.
2. I recommend running other advertising every other week or once a month; most customers will think you are advertising every week.

 

Not purchasing from local sources usually has poor results and/or value. An example is being one of several sponsors for a book, magazine, or newsletter. Shelf life is usually not too long. These are often placed in a doctor’s, dentist’s, or other medical office where people are stressed and don’t absorb as well. These companies sometimes don’t place, (or the enforcement office doesn’t always do an effective job in distributing), magazines timely. Sometimes they are just left in storage. All the above has happened to me.

Local sponsoring: Sponsor local events, especially if a customer asks, but you must have your wording on your yard sign or hanging banner, approved by KFB.

It is most efficient to co-sponsor, or be one of many sponsors. Your sign can say you support this event without naming the event. (You can use the same sign over and over.) It is also important to get a receipt for tax deduction reasons. Get a receipt at time of payment. Ask recipient to pick up your check in order to get a receipt up front. Once you mail them the check, it is very difficult to get receipt. Most likely it will be a tax deduction, if you receive some advertising, or at least your name is listed on site sign, or you are thanked in the local newspaper. I advertise mostly with donations that appear to be tax deductible because they pass the above test.

Purchasing continued education: By using the internet (with various companies) including KFB’s (Fred), the CSRs can save transportation costs, meals and time, but the greatest advantage is they are safer being at your office rather than traveling the roads.

Public relations: We prepare typed letters and handwritten notes, rather than cards, for most thank you and congratulation types of greetings.

For more serious greetings, we use factory-made cards, but I order them by the dozen from companies found on the internet, thus saving money.

Hiring CSRs: I don’t use temporary services because their profit margin adds greatly to the net CSRs pay. However, I do pay these companies to administer about three of their tests. I won’t hire until I find an applicant who makes above average on their tests.

For newly-hired CSRs: I have just learned about courses on KFB (Fred) intranet that should speed up their training by saving time, which is money.

Savings on salaries: Efficiency, training, motivation, recognition, etc., plus treating employees fairly, generates more positive work and net results.

With the above, I do not imply nor make any guarantees. Advice is based on my 28+ years’ experience as aKFB agent, but I continue to learn.