SaveAround's Community Conversation

Ever notice that when you get exceptional service or someone goes above and beyond it sticks with you? We can all take heed to that thought process and do the extra things that make ordinary become extraordinary. This comes into play in the world of fundraising. It is very competitive with a limited group of customers to reach, contact, and hopefully sign up to work with us either now or in the future. One of the key things that is going to make you stand out from the rest is the level of EXCELLENCE you bring to the table.

Do you return phone calls, emails, and text messages promptly?
Do you follow up on requests or information needed from someone else?
Are you quick to pass it off to someone else because this "isn’t your job"?
Do you thoughtfully and intently listen?
Do you take notes?
Do you genuinely care about helping others raise needed funds?

These are all things to consider and how you handle them will say a lot about you as a salesperson, you as a person, and your character.

Try to be timely when responding to a voicemail, email, or text message. Send a short note to let them know "you’re working on it" or "I’m checking on it". That signals to them that you have the information and you’re on it. No response leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation. Again, you may have to leave multiple messages or contact a lot of people to get your answer and it’s not going to be a quick process. However, by letting them know you are working on it will ease their anxiety level and feel like they are being taken care of in a timely fashion.

Follow-up is key. Don’t assume that it is done just because you sent the request. Follow through to be sure it is complete.

Passing the buck isn’t a good idea. If you see the problem you can be a part of the solution or at least ideas working toward the solution.

Listen with "listening ears". That means don’t listen while waiting for your turn to talk. Don’t interrupt. Listening intently means you are taking it all in and you are trying to learn as you go. Take notes and ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Being genuine is key as you develop and grow these long term relationships. Here are a couple of tips to help smooth the path along the way:

1. Take your time.
Don’t always be in a hurry. Give yourself some margin.

2. Act interested.
If it’s important to your customer then it also needs to be important to you.

3. Follow up.
This is a big issue when it comes to seeing things through to the end. This also sets you
apart if you handle it well, too.

4. Be respectful.
Think about others and what they might be going through. Walk a mile in another man’s
shoes will give you some clear insight and perspective. Don’t judge.

5. Be thankful.
Take the time to say Thank You. Customers can choose any product or service in the
world of fundraising. Make sure that when they think of fundraising that YOUR NAME is the one that comes to mind and in a positive light.

No one stands in line for average. Be the best and take care of you and your customers!!

SHIPPING REMINDERS

As you have probably heard in the news or read about, shipping delays are happening across a lot of the industries nationwide. Please plan accordingly with your shipments. Allow extra time, if possible, for shipments to get from point A to point B. Everyone has done a good job with this and also managing expectations for your groups, but this needs to continue throughout the Fall season. Things are going to continue to get backed up as more shipments and deliveries are added to the mix and we want to deliver products on time as much as humanly possible.

Also, remember that we want to have only TWO shipments maximum per group. Initial shipment (one book per seller) and then a final shipment to fulfill orders, prizes, and any out of town orders that will be student delivered.

Questions? Contact the Group Relations team at grouprelations@savearound.com

Checks and Returned Books

Please make sure that payments (checks) are mailed to the P.O. Box address. Some groups are including the payments with their box of returned books that goes to the warehouse. In some cases, these check payments are lost, misassigned, or missed altogether because they are in a box of books in the warehouse and not picked up via the P.O. Box by the accounting team. When this happens the group will be delayed in closing out and that will also delay your commission being processed and paid in a timely manner.

ALL payments need to be mailed to P.O. Box 2399, Binghamton, NY 13902

ALL returned books need to go to the Warehouse address using the provided shipping label.

If you have any questions about how to remit payment or return books, please contact the Group Relations team (grouprelations@savearound.com).