Start Up Kids Line

Boutique Appointments and Listening to Client Feedback

January 28th, 2007

I had a boutique appointment on Friday that went so-so. She didn’t buy anything because she doesn’t like the non-traditional stuff and wanted MORE PINK. I about died. Seriously the first person I’ve run into that wants more pink, more of the traditional stuff, but it takes all styles to make the world go ’round. She loved the designs, thought the burp rags were “freakin’ brilliant” but just wants more pink, more cutesy.

And, on my way home I realized that I have this bolt of pink / mint fabric (her absolute favorite combination) that I know she’ll “freakin’” flip for. Then I got into thinking about how much we’re able to react to customer feedback, and how quickly. As a small company, I’m learning more and more the advantage of being able to turn on a dime and make something happen. You also have to be careful not to be turning on too many dimes and changing things all the time, you’ll get schizo. You still have to stick to your plans.

So, I’ve decided to whip up three bibs and three burp rags in the pink / mint combination. I’ll send one sample set to this boutique, take two to KIDShow. I feel good about being able to get into that boutique and I really appreciate her feedback. Because it gave me a new perspective to my line. It’d be good to present some soft combinations, subtle prints – to speak to a broader audience, without compromising our style of course.

Here’s the other thing, she was wrapping up with another sales rep when I got there (she was buying stuff like mad from this girl; they obviously had an established relationship). In my eavesdropping I learned a lot of things – she wants people to come back in a couple of months to see what she’s missing from her Spring collections. That’s definitely something to keep in mind with all of the boutiques out there. There’s always gaps; there’s always a need for the right thing.

I didn’t leave there discouraged, I left there challenged. It pissed me off she bought so much stuff from the girl before and made me want to go after it. Also made me think about my presentation and how we’ll present at KIDShow. So, it was *good*.

          

Entry Filed under: Sales & Marketing