|
|
D J Hawkins Veteran user Reading, UK 351 Posts |
Here's a question to all you business experts. Do you still send paper copies of contracts, invoices and thank you letters or do you send them all via email (pdf)?
I feel that there is less chance of someone losing a paper contract or invoice. Also it gives you a chance to send them your glossy brochure and publicity material. What do you think? In these days of the paperless office, do you think clients prefer to do everything by email? |
johnobryant Regular user Texas 195 Posts |
I would rather send them a hardcopy than an electronic copy mainly because they actually get something physical. I think having something physical that takes up space is better and would stick around longer, rather than something they could just click on and delete.
In some cases I send one copy of promotional material via email, as well as sending it snail mail. -John |
johnobryant Regular user Texas 195 Posts |
One other thing I was thinking of just now is the possibility of uploading the promotional video and pdf files of the promo packet onto a cd and then just give them a nicely cased cd.
-John |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
As a former agency owner and Business professor, there is nothing as formal about electronic submission as there is hard copy. I still equate electronic transmission with a phone call. It isn't the real thing. Granted I have transferred large sums of funds overseas electronically for many years as an importer and only experienced problems with my own American bank (Regions) of over 50 years. The differences are, business people in foreign countries tend to be more reliable (dependable and responsible) than Americans in my experience. With Americans, I want to see signed documents and proofs of delivery. There is a real credibility gap! (And I'm an American).
My American bank's employees miscopied their own form. Funds were not transferred even after they had charged me to do that. Two weeks later their bank officer told me, "This bank takes no responsibility for accuracy." Some American businesses are not up to speed with electronic business. My bank is certainly on that list. With primitive businesses stick to primitive methods. When in doubt, get the documents. When putting your best professional foot forward, get the documents. It's the adult thing to do. Major warning: dates on electronic transmissions are easily altered. You may get embarrassed depending on printouts in court. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Patriot Regular user 112 Posts |
I send contracts, newsletters, confirmations, invoices and receipts electronically as locked PDF files that can be printed but not altered. Personal interactions like "Thank you" and "Keeping in touch" notes are always hand written and snail mailed in a hand-addressed envelope with commemorative stamps. Just my personal taste.
|
johnobryant Regular user Texas 195 Posts |
Where do you print your newsletters and who designs them?
-John |
corpmagi Special user New York 725 Posts |
My contracts are sent as PDF files to all my clients.
A Modern Trade Show Handbook
www.trafficstoppers.com/handbook |
Patriot Regular user 112 Posts |
Hi, John,
I use http://www.ConstantContact.com for my newsletters. Sammy Smith introduced me to them. They're Email electronic versions that are printable by the recipient. The site automatically manages my mailing list and the design engine is very simple. I design the newsletter through the month then schedule it to go out on the first of each month automatically. I also send out eye-catching supplemental appearance and special event notices. In addition to my business, I use the site to design my local IBM Ring and MYI meeting & event reminders to other members. VERY useful site. They offer a free trial if you'd like to give them a try. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-10 06:17, corpmagi wrote: I have no problem with forms being sent electronically. It's the finished goods and dated signatures that I want in hard copy. Faxing forms is a very old practice. Computers really changed nothing there except the print quality and paper. If you have ever had to deal with people using stolen credit cards, you will have some appreciation of how worthless that transmitted signature can be in spite of the hassle and assumptions of fact. If you aren't an unemployed attorney, there's not much in it for you when disagreements arise. A good verbal promise is certainly more valuable. Rarely have I had contract problems anyway except when the hiring institution is in financial trouble. (Then it is usually worthless checks). Good agents help you avoid those bookings. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
One thing we always did at a couple of my previous employers was to submit a paper contract and request an original signed copy back. That way we always had an original signature on file, not a photocopy or carbon. I don't recall ever having a problem with "I didn't sign that," but, in this day and age, I'd rather prevent a fire than have to put it out.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » Hard Copy or Electronic ? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |