Standard's VIP Program Stands Out
When people think of VIP's they immediately think of red carpets, limousines, and paparazzi. Standard Finishing Systems' idea of a VIP, although not quite as glamorous, is no less important. In fact, Standard has invested heavily in their VIP program and the results are in. Their VIP program stands out in the digital print industry!
About 5-years ago, Standard Finishing Systems made a tremendous investment in significantly expanding their demonstration and training facilities in Andover, MA. Standard, through careful thought and planning, transformed their location into a "world class" demonstration center with nearly all of their products on display. Mr. George Vergilis, Director of Sales for Standard Finishing Systems, encourages dealers from all over the country to use Standard's showroom to facilitate their sales efforts.
Certainly, Standard does not take their VIP program lightly. Preparation for a VIP demo generally starts well in advance with regional dealer representatives analyzing applications and arranging to have demonstration materials shipped to Standard in advance of the VIP's arrival. In many cases, special equipment considerations must be made to handle the wide ranging applications that are commonplace in today's digital environment.
After careful advance "ground work", a VIP will typically arrive the evening before their scheduled demonstration. During a casual get together and pleasant introductions, all parties have an opportunity to revisit product applications and demonstration expectations one last time. Usually, what awaits these VIP's the following morning far exceeds their expectations!
What ensues throughout the VIP's demo day is a world-wind of activity. First, VIP's tour Standard's warehouse where they witness firsthand ready to ship finishing equipment stocked floor-to-ceiling. VIP's also get a taste of Standard's commitment to parts inventory and logistics management during their warehouse tour as well. Immediately following this tour, VIP's are brought to Standard Finishing Systems' headquarters. Most importantly, VIP's get their first glance at the demonstration floor.
Once inside the demonstration facility, a VIP can't help but recognize the fact that Standard is a true leader in conventional and digital finishing solutions. Standing on the demonstration floor, VIP's are able to see the depth of the entire Standard Horizon product line in one panoramic view. Standard feels this is an extremely important element of a VIP's day. It's imperative that they walk away not only seeing their own application running, but realizing that the Standard Horizon product line is all encompassing.
As a sidebar, one other unique thing to note about a VIP's visit is that, all Standard personnel, both technical and sales, are staffed that day for them alone. Mr. Vergilis is quick to point out that, Standard is adamant about scheduling only one VIP visit per day. This means that, time spent with the VIP is exclusive to them and the products they intend to see.
Certainly, Standard does not take their VIP program lightly. Preparation for a VIP demo generally starts well in advance with regional dealer representatives analyzing applications and arranging to have demonstration materials shipped to Standard in advance of the VIP's arrival. In many cases, special equipment considerations must be made to handle the wide ranging applications that are commonplace in today's digital environment.
After careful advance "ground work", a VIP will typically arrive the evening before their scheduled demonstration. During a casual get together and pleasant introductions, all parties have an opportunity to revisit product applications and demonstration expectations one last time. Usually, what awaits these VIP's the following morning far exceeds their expectations!
What ensues throughout the VIP's demo day is a world-wind of activity. First, VIP's tour Standard's warehouse where they witness firsthand ready to ship finishing equipment stocked floor-to-ceiling. VIP's also get a taste of Standard's commitment to parts inventory and logistics management during their warehouse tour as well. Immediately following this tour, VIP's are brought to Standard Finishing Systems' headquarters. Most importantly, VIP's get their first glance at the demonstration floor.
Once inside the demonstration facility, a VIP can't help but recognize the fact that Standard is a true leader in conventional and digital finishing solutions. Standing on the demonstration floor, VIP's are able to see the depth of the entire Standard Horizon product line in one panoramic view. Standard feels this is an extremely important element of a VIP's day. It's imperative that they walk away not only seeing their own application running, but realizing that the Standard Horizon product line is all encompassing.
As a sidebar, one other unique thing to note about a VIP's visit is that, all Standard personnel, both technical and sales, are staffed that day for them alone. Mr. Vergilis is quick to point out that, Standard is adamant about scheduling only one VIP visit per day. This means that, time spent with the VIP is exclusive to them and the products they intend to see.
When listening to George Vergilis talk, it's obvious he's ecstatic about the success of Standard's VIP program. Although Standard's demo floor investment coincided with their 100-year anniversary, George Vergilis says, "many VIP's that visit Standard comment that they knew Standard, but had no idea that Standard offered all this!" It's not unusual for a VIP to walk away with a "wish list" for future consideration. In many cases, VIP's have left with a purchasing decision made on a product that they had no intention of considering upon first arrival!
After several years, its quite apparent that Standard Finishing Systems' VIP program has been wildly successful and a model for the industry. It's not uncommon for customers to make return visits as their equipment needs evolve and change. Summing things up, Mr. Vergilis states that "prospects are about to make a large investment and a VIP demonstration gives them an opportunity to see the company and management who is supporting our dealers." What better way to "roll out the red carpet"!
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