Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

How to not win back a customer

I just ordered sails from a local sailmaker. There is another local sailmaker from whom I did not order the sails. I had ordered sails for prior boats from the first sailmaker , and recently used his brother for a new dodger, bimini connector and wheel cover. His brother was quite late in servicing me. His secretary is very protective of him, making contacting him quite difficult and frustrating. I chose another sailmaker who answers his own phone, does not try to talk me into things or fabric I don't want, and overall was quite great to deal with. I ran into the first sailmaker at the yard while putting on my cover. He inquired as to whether I had decided about my sails yet. When I told him that I am using another sailmaker, he turned quite ugly and made things uncomfortable (more for him than me). Next time around, he will not be given the chance to even bid on any sails, and of course his brother will not be getting any more of my canvas business. It just confirmed that I made the right decision.
Names are not listed, but feel free to PM me to find out who was the 'winning' sailmaker.
I just needed to vent, and let any sailmakers out there know that you might not get this bid, but there will be more orders in the future.

Messages In This Thread