I can't believe we are half way through August and have survived the trials and traumas of our soggy summer!! There have been highs and lows this season so far (more lows I think though ). From dragging muddy sodden coir matting across waterlogged fields that are too wet to drive our vans onto, to having to drive round in circles hunting for venues when we have been given the wrong post codes, to trying to launder mountains of filthy table cloths (soaking them in Vanish in the bath!!) ..the list goes on.
Then there have been disputes...big sigh...This is all new to me, this is the first year that there have been 'issues'. I have had several clients who have not accepted liability for damaged goods and therefore I have ended up loosing out. For this reason next years bookings will be accompanied by signed contracts and I am going to have to ask for a refundable damage cover fee so I don't have to send endless fruitless emails trying to chase payments. I have been too busy and really don't want the hassle of small claims courts. In fact I loathe any unpleasantness and just want to give a great service and have lovely happy customers! (therefore it hurts more when my trust and hard work are ignored and debts are not paid)
Also I will not be sending goods for hire. This I was persuaded to do for Claire in North Yorkshire. With a full address, the delivery company failed to deliver the goods, and somehow I am deemed liable for the items not arriving!!
Now on to brighter things!! Firstly lovely Chris and Gemma who had their wedding reception in our Big Top marquee last May have just had a little baby boy, so HUGE congratulations to you two!!
The second bit of good news is that the Raj marquee is now on home ground!! The container has been released from customs and we are due to collect the tent next week! Very exciting!
And equally exciting..we have almost finished organising our new storage facility. This is wonderful news!! We are moving from a big barn that we had really grown out of (I keep buying more tents!!) to a fabulous space which consists of a big barn (again!) for all the poles, tables and chairs, then a lovely clean room for all the canvases and a third room for all my frippery (vintage china, churns, garden games, lanterns, urns, glasses, cutlery, table linen and so the list goes on!). It is a fantastic space and at last I will be able to invite clients in to look at all my wares!!
till next time and maybe a photo of the Raj!!
