SalesNotes

(AA) Replacement Leads for Drawing Coming Soon....

Art Alternatives will be bringing in some new graphite and colored sepia leads sometime early 2010. These will be replacement leads for AA16004 Clutch Pencil Set as well as some new sepia tones. There will be two sets - a  four pack of graphite leads and a five pack of the colored leads and just like the leads in AA16004, they will fit any 5 mm pencil.

In the meantime, you can direct your customers to order replacements as CL15-26-400, which is a six pack of one graphite lead and five assorted colors. We will update you when more specifics are known.

Laurie
X6634

(AA) Art Alternatives 12" tool box label

Please note that the 12” tool box was originally shipped with labels that noted the inclusion of a ‘lift out inner tray’ in the product.  This label was corrected on all orders after the first one, as there never has been a lift out tray.  However, some of your customers may notice this label as some are still left in stock and will still be shipped out.  I will be ordering replacement stickers and will keep them here.  Please request them as needed for your customers. 

Thanks,
Laurie Seibold
x6634

(AA) Top 4 Reasons to Promote the Bamboo Box

 You can also expect a few changes to the Bamboo Box; 4 to be specific:

1. New Thumb hole (larger and easier to grip)
2. Flush Surface (It just looks so much prettier)
3. Rounded Corners (makes it more touchable and aesthetically pleasing)
4. New Magnetic Closure!! (Keeps the box tightly shut so nothing will fall out)

It’s prettier, it’s sleeker, and more travelable than its alpha counterpart.

Love it. Sell it. Wait for it…

The beta Bamboo Box (AA18460) is available mid to end of April.

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Laurie
x6634

(AA) AASTICKER60/ 70 in stock

AASTICKER60 and AASTICKER70 are now back in stock in Reno and a new batch is on the way to Elgin and Atlanta. With all the truckload sales coming up, make sure to remind your customers of this important marketing tool.  Each roll comes with 250 3” stickers and with the return on investment from these gems, this is the best $3 your customers may ever spend! 

Laurie
x6634

(AA) Aria Redesign

We have redesigned the Aria Set (AA1001) to help freshen up sales. However, since we have so much inventory on hand, we are transferring all the original shrink-wrapped contents into the new box design. Once we cycle through inventory, the booklet inside will match the new design.

The outside packaging changes include new drawings and visual designs as well as an open window with the shrink-wrapped items now visible beneath.

Make sure you emphasize the new look with your customers which will be in warehouses by mid to late May. An aesthetic change in an essential item like this usually helps generate sales!

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Laurie
x6634

(AA) Drafting Tools Full Line Planogram

We know you can't get enough of the drafting tools, so yet another planogram has been created - this time the full line!  It includes MSRPs, Launch Nets, Ext. Nets and an order form and is posted on the Palette for light Saturday reading (and to share with your customers). *But wait - There's more!* There are more product images to better represent the line and a 6’ x 6’ planogram that Krystal put together to help your customers maximize and save space. Encourage your customers to buy now and save $1500 off of list!  Definitely let us know if there is anything else your customers are asking for or need. Lisa and I are always glad to help!

Laurie
X6634

AA Clay Tool Arrival

The new Art Alternatives clay tool items and assortment have arrived!  Reno currently has a full inventory of all items ready to ship.  Transfers are being made to Elgin and Suwanee which should be in stock around April 17th.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks! - Lisa D. ext. 6635

AA Brush Caddy (AA18202) MSRP Drop

A customer recently brought to our attention that our item #AA18202 (Brush Caddy) was way overpriced compared to similar items offered by our competitors.  In order to make our item more attractive and competitive, the MSRP has been changed from $29.49 to $9.99.  The discount will remain 60% off at EC+ and 70% for Dealers. - Lisa Day x 6635

AA Chip & Pulp Boards

I just received updated sample cards of the AA Chip & Pulp Boards and am sending a set out to each of you.  I have some extras so if you need more, just let me know.  Thanks! - Lisa D.  x 6635

AA Toolboxes

A couple of you have reported receiving cracked samples of the new AA toolboxes, and one of Ira’s retailers reported seeing similar damage occur with Pro Art's boxes in the past.  I do not want any of you to think that you are selling an inferior quality product and I am working with the manufacturer now to address these concerns.

 

Damage seems to be occurring in 2 ways: mishandling during shipping or through abuse/dropping.  When shipped properly packaged in their master cartons, damage is not occuring. Possible problems arise when the boxes are shipped individually.  To prevent shipping damage, I have asked the DCs to wrap the boxes with some extra cushioning if they are split from the master carton and I would suggest you encourage your stores to order in carton quantities (which is 6 for all 3 sizes).

 

Please send photos, even if it is just a quick snap shot with your phone, of any damaged toolboxes you see, no matter what the cause.  Our supplier is very dedicated to reaching an acceptable solution to this problem and the more detailed information that we are able to provide them with, the better.

 

These boxes were selected for the balance of style, durability, and price that they offer.  While we could easily switch to a stronger alternate material, the appearance and price would also change dramatically.  The vendor we are working has immense experience with the products they produce and with private labeling programs.  They currently successfully supply Home Depot with several styles of boxes and their boxes have passed every applicable quality and durability test.  I am confident that we will be able to find an acceptable solution which will prevent this sort of damage from occurring.

 

If any of you have additional questions or concerns, Logan Davis, our supplier’s US sales manager, has volunteered to personally address these issues with you and can be reached at (954) 650-4647.

- Lisa D x 6635