How do you manage your customers?

[Woodworks]

We only have a limited amount of wood to sell each year but this is increasing with time. Do you sell your seasoned logs on a first come first served basis or keep logs back for the regulars presuming their going to want more this season and turn away new customers? I find it hard to say no to new customer but don't want a regular to ring for for more and be sold out

[Wolfie]

Don't sell firewood myself but my Dad does. He's pretty much been sold out by Mid December for the last 5 years. When he starts getting low he does keep the rest back for regulars.

 

 

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[BestFirewoodUK]

First come first served basis, but I am always warning regular customer that I am running low on wood so that it doesn't come as a surprise...

[Joe89]

At the start of the season I phone up previous customers so I can deliver to them first. If I'm starting to run low as I am at the minute I phone regular customers to let them know, then as much as I don't want to, I have to turn new customers away. Although a couple of mates do logs locally so it's not to bad.

[gensetsteve]

First come first serve. Not sure there is alot of loyalty from customers unless logs are in short supply. If there is a glut they will shop around.

[richardwale]

Reckon your are right, loyalty is rare. Have a few customers who always come back but if I was a buyer I would shop around until I was happy, then I'd choose the best seller. That process can take a good few years....

[adowning7]

I have had this pridicament this year as only a couple of years into log sales. My customers all buy in the same couple of weeks and you panic when you look at the shed but then the phone doesn't ring until the same lot call a month later!

[rovers90]

I've had the same thoughts the last few weeks. I'm now getting very choosy with new customers - must be really local or referred. But when I look at the dwindling log pile I panic - dont want to turn away customers I have built up over last year as I am sure when September comes and I ring them they will've gone elsewhere.

 

From what I am hearing from other suppliers, if you are offered any wood, take it as it will be in short supply soon.