How to solve unexpected problems for Dutch Willow Laundry customers?
In 1999, we received orders from several Dutch customers for a willow laundry container and requested that the containers be shipped to the port of Rotterdam. Our goal was to deliver the goods before the Christmas sales season. On August 15th, we loaded Liu laundry baskets into three 40-foot containers at Shekou Port. We also obtained bills of lading from our freight forwarders, which clearly indicated the departure times. At that point, we felt relieved, thinking everything was under control. However, August was peak season for shipping, and many containers were stacked at Shekou Port, waiting for the right vessels. Despite this, we believed we would be lucky and wouldn’t face any delays.
After sending a copy of the bill of lading to our customers in the Netherlands, we received full payment immediately. It seemed like the contract was completed. But just one week later, we got an unexpected call from our freight forwarder. To our shock, our three containers had not left China and were still stranded at Shekou Port. We couldn't believe it—how could this happen? We had already received the final payment, and although we realized we had been misled by the freight forwarder, we felt responsible for the customer's disappointment as well.
The delay was critical. The customers needed their products on time, and a one-week delay was unacceptable. We quickly contacted them, explaining the situation, but we received severe complaints. The goods were not in stock, and the delay had caused serious issues. How could we make up for this?
This was our first major issue in export business. We were honest and always aimed for perfection, but this disaster hit us unexpectedly. Sadness and anger weren’t helping, so we had to think fast. We decided to find the fastest available vessel from Shenzhen to Rotterdam. We were willing to cover the extra costs. Fortunately, we found a Maersk Line ship departing from Yantian the following week, which would take 18 days compared to the original 24–28 days via Shekou. For each container, the additional cost was $1,000, totaling $3,000. We accepted this without hesitation.
We informed the customers about the plan, and they were happy with the solution. But then another problem arose: we had already declared the containers for export from Shekou. To move them to Yantian, we had to re-import them and go through customs again. This was a huge challenge. We consulted experts, but they said it would take at least 15 days. That was too long—we couldn’t afford to lose the customer.
With no other options, I personally approached the five Shekou Customs officials. I had no connections there, but I knew we had to try. After a day of persuasion, I managed to get all five signatures, allowing the containers to leave Shekou. It was a miracle.
That evening, trucks arrived at Shekou Port to load the containers. We had to reload everything, and if we didn’t finish that night, we’d miss the fastest ship. I gathered 20 factory workers who came after dinner. I made the tough decision to open all the cartons, check each item, and repackage them to ensure quality. The containers had been at the port for a week, and it had rained often. I wanted to avoid any damage or quality issues.
The workers followed my instructions without complaint. They worked until midnight, and I missed my sister’s birthday. When I returned home, it was already 2 AM. I kept checking the progress, and finally, the containers left. My workers had fallen asleep on the road from exhaustion. Their dedication moved me deeply.
We treated them like family, and they proved it once again. Even though the event happened over a decade ago, it still feels vivid in my memory. It taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and customer care. In business, we may not be perfect, but we always strive to do our best. Through patience, communication, and hard work, we have overcome countless challenges. And now, with the strength of our team, we continue to grow and succeed.
Although warmth is important, the merino wool mid layer warmer also needs to be lightweight and not increase the skier's weight. At the same time, breathability allows the skin to breathe and prevents sweltering.
ski mid layer men,Merino Wool Mid Layer,Skiing Mid Layer Women'S,Ski Mid Layer Womens
ZhongRuiAoBo Technology Co.,Ltd , https://www.highexp1999.com