Stepping into 2014- walking in My Shoes with Mooloo

northerntwo1

Mooloo wrote: »

There was one lady who I knew needed her dress for tomorrow. I left her dress with next door to be collected. I left a message on the shop door as I didn't have her contact number. I then found her on Facebook and messaged her. So she can collect her dress ready for her do in the evening.
All jobs that were needed had been done, I even contacted Those due on Monday to warn it may be Tuesday, but that I would ring as soon as done, to save them a wasted trip.
I don't think I could have done much more?

You are still worrying sweetie and no you can't do more, don't let it weigh on your mind. Perhaps for future take a mobile number and email address on each order or booking to save having it rush around when not your best, because it will happen again, we all get sick or our children do and there's nothing you can do to change that.

Just as people will cancel lessons with you due to illness. It's part of working life.

Savvy_sewing

northerntwo1 wrote: »

You are still worrying sweetie and no you can't do more, don't let it weigh on your mind. Perhaps for future take a mobile number and email address on each order or booking to save having it rush around when not your best, because it will happen again, we all get sick or our children do and there's nothing you can do to change that.

Just as people will cancel lessons with you due to illness. It's part of working life.

I always take a number ( unless the person doesn't have one! ) alas this particular job was booked in last Saturday by DS's GF and she forgot to write down either my number on the slip, or the customers so I was left with no details. There is one other old man who doesn't believe in phones. Every one else was contacted. Including those who should have collected yesterday and didn't.

DGD has gone up to bed, I've managed to wrap her presents, and will be off back to bed very soon.
her Grandad has dropped off a Birthday Card, so he drove a long way to do that. He also has asked to have her next weekend. Although at the moment she is saying she doesn't want to go, she wants to stay with me, "forever and ever Granny"!
I hope she changes her mind.

minimoneysaver

It would be nice if while you are setting up your shop still, well still in the early days, if he (grandad) could provide some support to you.

I can't believe how flaky DS's girl friend has been. You must be very disappointed in her. It's funny how when they want something, they're at your door, yet when you want something they're no where to be seen.....a very frustrating situation I'm sure.

Maybe your best bet would be to look to the older person to employ an assistant? Someone whose family has grown and isn't likely to have as many traumas to pull them away from work? I think it was on the news this morning as I was getting ready for work, that companies are now actively seeking out the over 50's to fill positions for that very reason.

Good luck Mooloo and a VERY happy birthday to DGD for this weekend. I know you will make it memorable....she's a very lucky girl! xxxx

gallygirl

minimoneysaver wrote: »

Maybe your best bet would be to look to the older person to employ an assistant? Someone whose family has grown and isn't likely to have as many traumas to pull them away from work? I think it was on the news this morning as I was getting ready for work, that companies are now actively seeking out the over 50's to fill positions for that very reason.

When we were employing an admin asst. I wanted an older person who would make us cake . We got a younger person, who eats cake :rotfl:.

duchy

Do any of your local colleges do any kind of courses linked to textiles or design where you might find a student to work a few hours a week in the shop ?

*Robin*

duchy wrote: »

Do any of your local colleges do any kind of courses linked to textiles or design where you might find a student to work a few hours a week in the shop ?

Mooloo could even take a leaf out of "Big Business' Dodgy Practises Book" and offer internships (ie. no pay!).

(Um, that was supposed to be a joke).

A senior lady would almost certainly be more reliable - and more in tune with Mooloo's ethos - than a youngster (as evidenced by DS' GF forgetting customer contact details).

Savvy_Sue

Mooloo wrote: »

I always take a number ( unless the person doesn't have one! ) alas this particular job was booked in last Saturday by DS's GF and she forgot to write down either my number on the slip, or the customers so I was left with no details.

OK, so you need your number on the slip going to the customer, and a standard 'form' from the customer which includes space for phone numbers. Hopefully faced with boxes to fill in there will be fewer 'forgettings' from other people.

Also include when they need the job by, and have t&c which say no guarantee of work being completed in less than a week!

Savvy_sewing

The invoice/ slip I write usually has Mooloos in top left. My mobile in top right.
Date below.
Then customers name, telephone number.
Followed by job required. Price I have quoted and Date I expect it to be ready by.
Then when I have done it, I will call the customer if it's ready earlier. This is the first time I have had to put them off a little.
Alas DS's GF didn't pay attention.
I shall look for a more mature person, ideally. But she was supposed to be working off some of the money they owe me.

I am still not very well today. When I first got up I did contemplate trying to go in, but the headache gets worse as I stand up. I have tried to do an order here at home, but it has wiped me out.

dGD loves her Robo Fish, spent an hour in the bath with it.
Also her tablet. Which will need games added to it.
She also wants to get out on her bike, but it's just too wet, and the bike is a bit bigger then I expected, so she will need protection on before she launched out on it.
I hope I shall be better by the party tomorrow! I don't remember ever having such a headache for so long.

Savvy_sewing

A friend has taken her out to lunch, so I'm back to bed for an hour. More paracetamol and a tramadol ( from when I had bad pain). Let's hope that does the trick!

lostinrates

Mooloo, hope you feel better very soon.

You might find some people react poorly. Others might have their attention drawn to your sole trader status if they notice and some people prefer to deal with 'real people'.

If you are really worried you can always reduce the amount owe able for any one impacted, or...better for repeat business, maybe offer a percentage off next alteration item. ( I'd go for percentage off personally, the known job being better than the possibility of someone taking the opportunity to bring something awkward and time consuming in to alter/ refashion.