Anyone watched Mary Portas' recent series of programmes on failing businesses and their drastic lack of customer service?

Then you’ll be all too aware of how Mary hammers home the importance of excellent customer service between retailers and the general public but what maybe is not highlighted as much in the media is the importance of customer service between wholesalers and retailers. One Leicestershire company who could probably teach Mary Portas herself a thing or two about customer service is Lanka Kade, the UK’s largest supplier of fair trade toys made by family enterprises in Sri Lanka.

We began working with them back in October last year when we came across them at the Autumn Fair Trade Show at the NEC in Birmingham. From the minute we set foot on their stand we were made to feel welcome and given a “tour” of their products by a wonderful young lady called Millie who was full of enthusiasm and her product knowledge was exceptional. She listened to what we were looking for and advised us accordingly, introducing us to best sellers and show offers. We placed an order straight away – and have been doing so on a regular basis ever since. Every member of the Lanka Kade team we have come into contact with have bent over backwards to accommodate our requests and sometimes crazy delivery demands. Sharron, who has gone way beyond the norm to help us out, has been amazing.

THIS IS A COMPANY WHO DEFINITELY HAVE CUSTOMER SERVICE NAILED!

We had the pleasure of meeting up with them all again earlier this month at the NEC and we were greeted like old friends. We shared some experiences to which they listened to intently and were grateful for the feedback and of course we placed another order!!

Although we met with several old and new suppliers during our visit to the Trade Show, our time spent with the Lanka Kade staff was the most refreshing and pleasurable. They continue to make us feel special and we look forward to doing business with them for a long time to come.

Now that’s how you do it!!