May 1, 2012
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A handsome apology.
Back in 2006 when I went to Japan to have my work-related visit and training at a supplier’s factory, I was given a gift by the representatives of the management, as a token of appreciation for my visit and for my company being a loyal customer of theirs for so many years. I was given a handsome name-card wallet that is made of leather and silk that I still use to this day with great pride and appreciation.
Over the years, on each rare visit by the representatives of the factory and corporate office in Japan, to our office in Indonesia, would include a small gift. Mostly a type of Japanese sweets or snack. Sometimes a bottle of sake. Gift giving is a standard practice in the business world. Well, at least in Asia. A practice that I personally enjoy, as my palate kept being reminded and educated on the quality and deliciousness of Japanese food products.
My company has been their customer for almost 30 years now. Since our first cooperation with them in the 80’s, their products have been produced and sent to us from two of their many factories. One in Japan, and another in Singapore. Lately, continuous problems of production and shipment delays on their part, from both factories, have resulted in many complaints from us and made our company a reason for them to find ways to provide a better service.
On a recent visit by the representatives of their Singapore factory, last week, we had long discussions on sales targets, production capability, future orders, and shipment schedules. They informed that an order has been sent from the president of their company, at their corporate office in Japan, that they will focus more on the Indonesian market and thus will make us a top priority customer. They apologized for the problems of production and shipment delays that they have been having for a while, due to sudden substantial increase of demands in all over Asia.
At the end of the meeting, each one of us from the management team was presented with a gift, as a token of their sincere apology. A gift that is just as handsome as the one I got in 2006. If not, better. It is another name-card wallet/case, made with a very lightweight metal (I assume aluminum) and hand decorated with a lacquer/urushi painting of Mount Fuji. Enclosed in a wooden box and with a black suede-like nylon fabric pouch included.
Some apologies are meant to be received with a little incentive to release a smile. One that I will never say no to. Is it any wonder why I love all things Japanese?
Comments (12)
Fantastic token of their appreciation. It really is these small things that make customers feel valued.
Beautiful token! While a small thing it really is a big thing.
Very pretty! I wish I would get such gifts.
How nice! You are dealing with very nice associates here!
That is such a thoughtful and perfect gift. It's so good to have business with such appreciative clients.
pretty @_@
Those are very nice gifts. Your wallet is still in very good shape.
They have good taste in gift giving. Now if only they can get their production right.
Very beautiful gifts and I love their polite behaviour. What a pleasure it must be to work with them.
@stepaside_loser - @SHEERROSE - @CurryPuffy - @beowulf222 - @Fatcat723 - @christao408 - yes, it is a pleasure to work with a company that puts a value on a long term working relationship first, above anything else.
@ZSA_MD - thank you for your recommendation, zakiah.
@ElusiveWords - yes, my leather one still is a good shape, though a close inspection will reveal some of the inner leather has started to peel and give a dry crackling effect look.
@catstemplar2 - well, they have made a promise to take some of their production capacity solely for the orders made by our company. in addition, they also have added a couple of new machines to speed up their overall production. let's hope they live up to their promise.
That, is totally wicked and awesome. I love the designs. Very beautiful.
=D
I wonder if Canadian and American companies would start doing that....
@Vitamin_D - i doubt that'll happen soon. it's really more about the asian culture and its gift giving practices. you know, the need to bring something when you visit someone. that sort of practice. but yeah, wouldn't that be nice.