Customer Service making a Comeback? (contractor, companies, job, sales)

[Ultrarunner]

I'm responsible for a small but significant amount of purchasing for my company...

Has anyone else noticed an increase in your regular vendors and suppliers making cold calls to see if there is anything I need or to ask about future projects?

It almost is a throwback to the late 90's... maybe Customer Service is making a comeback???

On a separate project 3 years ago I called about a dozen surveyors for some lot line work for a parking lot expansion and landscape project... I really couldn't get the time of day... all of them were booked solid and some out 6 to 8 months... last week 2 of the same survey companies called and asked if I still needed the work done... 3 years later

[Niners fan]

You might be on to something here. I am starting to notice the same thing, just a little bit. It's amazing what happens when suppliers have to start competing for business rather than having what they perceive as plenty.

Since everything in business runs in cycles maybe we are on the verge of a customer-first cycle for a while.

[sean98125]

I don't know that what you're describing is an increase in customer service as much as it is a decrease in their sales.

[sterlinggirl]

Why would they ask if you needed 'that' job done three years out?!? That just makes them look like idiots.

Calling to tell you about a promotion would give them an excuse to talk with you without reminding you of their failure to give you good service in the past.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by sterlinggirl

Why would they ask if you needed 'that' job done three years out?!? That just makes them look like idiots.

Calling to tell you about a promotion would give them an excuse to talk with you without reminding you of their failure to give you good service in the past.

This morning I had another call from a Contractor we have used before asking for work... Not to make a blanket assessment, but it looks like the slow down has some companies beating the bushes to stir up business...

Since about 2002 it has been very difficult to even get contractors out to bid jobs... looks like the pendulum has swung back...