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June 4, 2009, Vol. 1 No. 1 * Sourcing Hero Saves the Day!
Find out: * Why this Branders client continues to stick around * how our sourcing experts can help you find what you want
This was Gerri's first time in handling a challenge coin order, and it was Marcia's first time ordering challenge coins as well, so both were extremely excited to be working together and looking forward to the finished product. * A sample coin from both suppliers was sent to Marcia so she could assess the quality. Once Marcia had decided on the kind of coin she wanted, Gerri got the ball rolling. * Two Branders artists drew the mock-up from scratch, revising it more than 10 times and coming up with the perfect design for Marcia. After Marcia's approval, the mock-ups were then sent to mainland China. A pre-production proof was sent for a final look before doing the whole batch.
CALIFORNIA, USA- Gerri Brooks is not one to balk at a challenge. A sourcing expert at Branders.com for three years, Gerri finds handling offsite orders the most challenging part of her job. So when Branders client Marcia Howard inquired about a challenge coin that her husband could exchange with other White House ushers like himself, the fact that the items were not available on site didn't faze Gerri. * The big challenge * A challenge coin, as defined by Wikipedia, is a small coin or medallion (usually military), bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and is carried by the organization's members. Its origin dates back to World War I when an American flyer who had just escaped from German captivity was to be executed by the French but was spared because of the challenge coin that served as proof of his allegiance. * Since then, it has become a tradition for members to carry these coins and challenge other members to show theirs as well. The one who fails to produce his will have to buy a round of drinks for the others. Challenge coins can also be used for fund-raising, memorials, or as tokens of membership for sports teams, schools, clubs, charities, weddings, business associations, or church groups. * So custom are these coins that one has to be made from scratch to ensure its exclusivity. From its intricate design to the love and effort that goes into making one, these challenge coins are treasures that will last a lifetime, to be passed on from generation to generation. * Half a world away * With numerous suppliers in mind, armed with sketches and instructions for the specific coin that Marica wanted, Gerri scoured Branders' supplier list. Of what seemed to be a neverending day of calls to and from suppliers, not to mention e-mails, she was able to narrow down her list to two and secure someone who'd do the job in a day. There were many suppliers offering to do the coins, but as she explained, “It was simply a matter of deciding which one can do the job.
Gerri is why I continue to order through Branders. She's the kind of employee a company is lucky to have!
Customer service wins * Marcia had another coin supplier in mind, a Korean company referred by a high-ranking friend who ordered similar coins. But it was Gerri's customer service that clinched the deal. * The coin from the Korean company was equal in quality to the one from Branders and the price would have been less. However, the outstanding customer service from Gerri in the past made me convince my husband that a slightly higher price was worth remaining loyal to Gerri and Branders, Marcia shares. * Marcia has nothing but praise for Gerri. Each e-mail or call was answered promptly and accurately and with great patience, which my demands could have easily pushed to its limit. I made so many changes and asked so many questions but was always given prompt, polite, and efficient responses, she says.
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