Furniture World Magazine on 6/16/2004
It's not a good idea.
The singles scene is providing retailers with an important new marketing opportunity, as upwardly mobile young people furnish their nests. But, after you make the sale, delivery has to close it. And that can be a problem which, like the market, is unique-because most working singles can't be at home during regular delivery hours.
Customers usually can arrange for neighbors or relatives to let your men in. If this isn't possible, a customer might suggest leaving the key in some "safe" place-like under the welcome mat or over the door. Or she might ask you to leave the delivery "in the back" or in the garage.
A polite "No, thank you" is your best response to the key-under-the mat idea. Even if a customer gives you written authorization, this kind of delivery is fraught with legal risk. Suggest an evening or Saturday delivery. Customers always appreciate this extra service and are willing to pay for the convenience.
There are good reason to avoid "in the back" deliveries-including the possibility of theft, of damage, of short- or non-delivery claims, among others. A written authorization is a far cry from a signed receipt.
If you absolutely must make the delivery when nobody is home, here are some ways to avoid problems:
When your customer says " I'll just leave the key," the key thing for you is to protect yourself while delivering the goods.
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