David's AW News: NO DRAMA - KEEP SMILE

 

Greetings from Frangipani Warehouse Bali. 

Hope things are good with you guys, and that September is off to a good start..

Last week I was telling you about Teak tails in Java, and the new Baby in the Baby Home we support. If you missed it you can catch up here..

Here in the AW warehouse we got off to a good start with the first container of the month loaded and on the way from Bali to Slovakia.

The Container arrives at 8am and is finally loaded by 6.30pm - very busy day, last minute stock arriving and being packed - every inch of space must be used. If anything has empty space inside like furniture then stuff is packed inside there.. It's hard work. Our two accountant girls check every single box item, papers have to be provided for different items like wooden stuff.. Packing list has to be made. Everything is labelled and barcoded. Export papers prepared..  it's a lot of work, believe me.

Well done team.. awesome job! 

There is a local local election in Bali soon. People are voting for a new Governor. Posters are starting to appear on the roadsides. I noticed this guy.. 

I'm always amazed that politicians here have no problem using English.. This guy calls himself "Big Daddy" and "De Gadjah" The Elephant.. His personal catch phrase is "NO DRAMA - KEEP SMILE"   - (in English) and his Instagram of course is full of him working out in the gym with British heavy rock background music. Ringo says he can't win the election, maybe he will come in third place, but he is a popular figure in Bali.   I can see his appeal, the strong guy you don't mess with who will stick up for the island at the national level.

Anyway so it's No Drama - Keep Smile.. Kids are back to school and holidays are over. It's time to look towards Christmas. And I can already see that folks are getting organised in that direction.

Usually this time of year our Christmas stock has landed or is landing in the UK.. but the container situation is dire.. We were calculating current shipping times from PO to delivery, China came in at 90 days which I think is impressive, whilst Indonesia despite heroic efforts clocked an average of 160 days. India we haven't calculated yet but I feel it will be longer. This means of course that heaps of stock that should be in our warehouses is stuck bobbing about on the water somewhere on its way around Africa. Unfortunately there have been some heavy shipping charges, which you might have noticed we have had to partially pass on.  But today we have a long awaited Indian container so lots and lots back in stock..

But the good news is.. you will notice many more Volume Discounts across the website. And always matching Gold Reward Discounts. Because if you order more from a family of products, we can pick and pack those items more cost effectively (hence the discount). We also believe that the more of a range you stock the more you will sell - so a WIN WIN. PLUS.. if you reorder within 30 days you automatically qualify for the Gold Reward Discount - basically the same as Volume discount (but without the need to buy the volume). So you can top up at the discount price. 

You know years ago when I was a retailer we used to say.. Be loyal to your stock, and your customers will be loyal to you. I believe that is more true than ever. We know our most regular customers are the most successful businesses.. So if you are focused and professional, reorder within 30 days to maximise profits.. But get this.. BIG NO DRAMA BONUS.. some of our customers don't realise that we give Gold Reward Discounts not just on the stock you bought before.. But on EVERYTHING (almost everything) across the range. 

So just to recap guys.. Buy a decent range, reorder regularly even to top up.. and working with us like this helps us to help you.. WIN WIN. Or as Big Daddy would say.. No Drama - Keep Smile!

Some products we have been trying to source for years, and never quite find a supplier that meets our standard or can give us the right price. Some products you just can't find. One of those things is Reindeer Moss.. ok calm down it's not from reindeers.. it's what (allegedly) your average reindeer loves to forage for lunch.. But crafty folk, the same ones that buy Molten Glass Bowls for Terrariums or Soap Flowers - have been requesting this item for years.. So.. I'm so happy that we finally have a  supply line and will be stock very soon! 

It's all happening lots back in stock very soon.. something new also.. 

Take care.. have a lovely weekend - remember NO DRAMA - KEEP SMILE.. and all will be well.

More news updates next week.

David