As someone who has been buying seasonal products for the company for many years, I want to be honest: forgetting who you bought from, having similar product codes, or suppliers that only “flare up” each season and then disappear for a long time, is very common. If you are a seasonal business, reading this article will help you understand what buyers really think and need to avoid being left behind like that..
I used to fall into the “forgetting loop” of seasonal suppliers
You know, I used to buy Tet gifts and moon cakes for the company for many years, and sometimes it felt like I was… going to the market! Every season, I had to “hunt” for new suppliers or ask my colleagues where I bought them last year, which product codes were good. But sometimes when I remembered, I discovered that the supplier was no longer operating or the product was the same as a few years ago.
That feeling was not pleasant at all, because I had to spend time, effort, and money. I clearly saw one thing: many seasonal businesses really do “seasonal” business, with seasons of full swing and seasons of “freezing”, causing customers like me to not have a sustainable connection.
The product code is the same as last year, I don’t find it “interesting”
I know many seasonal businesses “play it safe” with traditional products, but if it’s the same every year, customers like me will get bored.
Many times I want to find a product with a new design, a little different to give as a gift to partners or employees, but the suppliers only have old models, no new concept or outstanding creativity.
I even told suppliers: “I want this model to be more unique, or have more personalization options,” but the answer was often “can’t do it” or “you have to order a very large quantity to consider it.” This forced me to go back to old, uninteresting models, while I knew there were many places in the market that were willing to do that.
Communication… only during the season
I clearly remember there were suppliers who, after the season ended, their fanpage, website, and email were all quiet. I sent emails asking a few questions, but the response was very slow or non-existent.
Maybe because they thought that selling was “enough”, there was no need to keep in touch. But for me, that concern made me feel that they did not value long-term customers, did not have companionship, and made me hesitate to put my trust in the next season.
The ordering process is confusing, the information is unclear
Many times I was annoyed because the ordering process was complicated, the information about quantity, price, and delivery progress was not updated transparently. I had to call to remind, ask again and again.
Every time like that, I thought: “If only there was a clear online ordering system that could be tracked anytime, anywhere, how great would that be!”
What do I need from a seasonal supplier?
Through many experiences, I have drawn out a few things that I think seasonal businesses should know to better serve buyers like me:
- Be friends with customers for 12 months, not just the season! A greeting, some interesting content about the product, the festival, or an invitation to experience early will remind me of you.
- Innovate products, designs, and have more personalization options so I can find truly meaningful and different gifts for each occasion.
- Easy, transparent ordering and tracking of orders gives me peace of mind and reduces pressure.
- Dedicated consulting support and quick response so I don’t have to “swim alone” when there is a problem.
- Clearly show the origin and quality of the product, so I can confidently choose and introduce it to colleagues and customers.
And then….
I believe that if seasonal businesses know how to listen and do the above things well, buyers like me will not have to waste time searching and struggling every season but will automatically come back. It is not just a simple seasonal gift, but also a trust and sustainable relationship between the two parties.
Do you feel like I am speaking for you? If you are a seasonal supplier, try to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes to create truly different experiences!
