NOVEMBER 2022
you're going to keep your employees because it wasn't but six months ago that I bet you everybody on this phone call, your number one concern was was getting and retaining employees. So now that you have them, what do you do to make sure that you don't lose them again? If we have to tighten our belts, we're going to do everything we can to retain our employees,because it (the economy) will change. It will come back."
Workers compensation claims have been up for some participants. The importance of claim management and related paperwork was underscored. Having insurance can protect your company from a painful claim. "If you do not have employer liability coverage, you need to get it," one attendee cautioned. "Don't have those regrets." Another attendee has learned not to let the medical clinic refer employees to specialists. That is something that should be done through your healthcare insurance provider.
Pallet companies are increasingly dealing with customers "shopping" for better prices. Even if customers leave, one member noted, they will likely come back if you offer professional service. Another participant is reminding customers that it was able to supply them during the pallet shortage, and that loyalty matters when times are tough.
Credit card scams have been experienced by some participants. Scammers buy pallets with a stolen credit card, pick them up and then sell them to another pallet yard for cash. Meanwhile, they reverse the credit card payment. One operator was alerted to the scam by the actual owner of the credit card, who noticed the transaction and called the pallet company to find out what was going on.
Peforming due diligence is important, while being mindful of not insulting customers. Check fraud can also be an issue. One approach is to request ACH payments, at least for the first few loads until a relationship of trust has been established.
These were some of the challenges discussed at the Women of the Pallet Industry MLG. These sessions provide a supportive environment to share issues of concern with industry peers.
Be sure to join us in December for two online sessions. These include:
Pallet Crisis: What's the Market Doing Now? MLG, Dec. 2, 2022
Software Solutions, Webinar, Dec. 8, 2022
Click on the links to register, and looking forward to seeing you at an online session!