Dealing with FedEx or any customer service people

Tips
1. Call and demand request what you want
2. If they don't give you what you want, hang up and dial again
3. Repeat until you get your desirable results


I know it might take longer than expected, but trust me, not everyone know what they are doing; and most of the time they cannot actually resolve your issues of concerns.  So when i run into people who can actually get any requests done, I totally appreciate them!


just my little ranting, that's it! lol




2011-04-19
And guess what, this new friend of mine Doug (who is a talented singer with amazing crystal clear voice) had the following suggestion.  Isn't him just somewhere up there??!! 


1) Call and REQUEST what you want. 
2) If they don't give you what you want, make certain the problem is not with the information you gave them. If it is not, then 
3) Take your business where they have people who respect you. 
Just a thought. :)


Thanks Doug =D 

FDA inspection & tips

Wow! Finally.. It's been almost 3 weeks since the container arrived and everyday we are waiting for the FDA hold to be released but not getting status; now we are finally moving somewhere, and here's my tips


1. Have a great (good is not enough) relationship with your forwarder, and make sure their broker has an outstanding relationship with the FDA
- Why? Because they will be able to do something, trust me. 


2. Make sure your shipper send you everything; literally E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G that's ever needed (or not needed) for the documents; including but not limited to (* indicates important!)
- invoice*
- packing list*
- product ingredient*
- airway bills/ bill of lading 
- photos of the products
- photos of the product packaging/ labels (if not yet available)


3. Follow up with your contact (whether it's forwarder, broker, FDA, and your customers) everyday to let them know you care and want to solve this issue together in a timely and professionally and politely manner


4. Know your products well, so when FDA calls you and ask you questions you are able to answer them in a soundly matter and seems legit. 


5. Sit, Relax, and Pray.  Once it's in the lands of FDA or USDA hold, there determines almost nothing you can do or know until FDA contacts you to either release the hold, or do physical inspection, or more.  During this time there is absolutely no information provided such as what to expect or when to expect; so just live everyday as you would!


That's it, I hope this helps!

I am so crazy!

Honestly, I am probably one of the craziest person I know... 


Why? I stalk our competitor which I just found at Whole Foods in Blossom Hills, (where we did demo and all sold out) and found out their physical address is like in the forest.  Not only that, even though their website is cute and all that, if it cannot be viewed on iPhone or my not very smart phone because of the flash, then it wont be as effective.  So my recommendation to my dear competitor who also promote vegan products: 


1. When building website, use html not flash 
2. If you are Peta Business Friend, make sure that can be searchable. 
3. I guess everyone has a story, whether their name is Amy, Helen, or Sophie. 


Okok, I know I am not that nice here; what can I do?  I feel strange when I see "Product of Taiwan" and I guess all the standard claim of "vegan", "non-GMO", "0g trans fat", "high in protein/fiber" and that made me really think about why we are different, and what is our story to share and connect with our dear customers.  Maybe, maybe I will come out with a story about my sponsored children and how they are short of food, daily supplies, safe & sanitary place to live, or much to eat, if we, the people who lived in a developed country continue to grow crops to feed the animals but not the human.  Sike, there is much education needed and love and patience for things to move toward the ideal direction; till then, we do our best, and you do your best!  


Here we go!  Cheers to All!  

http://www.ecovegan.com/company.html

Inventory Control, and tips

Let me just say, it is not E-A-S-Y


1: make sure your placed PO matches with the inventory you received; and vice versa; always consolidate them when you receive goods
2: track your inventory diligently and accordingly; never delay or put off. 
3: have inventory count every once in a while (say, approximately 3 months or 6 months depending on how many different variety of items you have)
4: Always monitor your inventory flow and make sure you don't over stock 
5: Pay off inventory on time, and make sure you also have sufficient cash flow
6: For items you do'nt believe that can be sold, get rid of them quickly either by donating or give-aways to generate publicity. 


Will update as i think of something new! 

Dealing with factory or distributors.

1. Must have an agreement which lists out all the terms & conditions.  Always go back to the agreement if the factory comes up with some ridiculous comments
2. Must have an agreement.
3. Speak the same language so you can negotiate better. 
4. If it's not that big of a deal, accept it and make it sounds like you are doing a big favor. 
5. Always have a backup plan. 
6. Be polite and courteous, yet firm in your request. 

I know these all sounds common sense, yet I hope I will always remember this and can be advisory for others who consider working with a third party factory.

Good luck!

Another Userful Tool for Entrepreneurs - Micro Mentor

I have just recently discovered Micro Mentor, this online mentor-ship community that helps out another entrepreneur; something I thought pretty useful for this stage.  

LinkedIn has forum/ group that you can also post and get replies; and that is already well-established.  I personally like the smaller community where there will be more interactions. 

SCORE/ SBA was helpful in the very beginning, but as ecoVegan moves further and we need more complicated answers to the challenge we are facing now, a general consultant will not be able to do so; so that's why I am trying Micro Mentor.  


In this society it is always about taking and giving back; so I encourage if you also want to share your knowledge in your specific industry, Micro Mentor would be a great place to encourage the liked-minded individual entrepreneurs be successful through guidance! 


Good Luck!