FPD at 20 Year Mark
Farrier Product Distribution is nearing the end of year 20 of its service to the farrier industry. Founded in 1990 in Shelbyville, Kentucky, FPD has become the leading wholesale distributor in the industry by focusing on our customers and products and brands that offer value and performance to the professional market. [more]
Kerckhaert Reaches Another Milestone
Kerckhaert, the world’s largest and oldest independent manufacturer of horseshoes reached another milestone in 2006. The Dutch manufacturer, founded in 1916, has been operating continuously for 90 years. [more]
Working For Success
By Dave Farley
I had been shoeing for more than twelve years when I realized I needed to make some changes in my business. For a long time I thought that I was making money if I had money in my checking account and some cash in my pocket. I was working hard, but couldn’t seem to make it to the next level where I had enough money to buy a better vehicle, buy a home and put some money into savings. [more]
Customer Relations
Volume 4, Issue 1 contained an article that addressed some of the issues of customer service. The initial discussion related to developing a good background and method of assimilating information about your customers. If you don't have useful information about your customers it will make it difficult to put together the communications that help establish and maintain good relations. Be sure to review the ideas discussed in the previous article on customer service. [more]
Establishing Customer Policies
It is unlikely that you set customer policies and firm scheduling criteria when you began shoeing. Any work was welcome and uncomfortable conditions did not cause you great concern. However, as you established yourself and developed your skills you probably began to notice (and become more irritated with) less than ideal working conditions and customers. We have a few ideas for those of you in the early stages of your career and perhaps some of you who have “been around.” [more]
Organizing For More Efficient Ordering
Many farriers appreciate the convenience of placing orders for supplies by phone. The mainstream farrier supply companies in the industry have geared their businesses to handling these orders. There are a number of things you can do to streamline the order process and have what you need, when you need it. [more]