What they learnt: Varun Tholasi, Tholasi Prints

In 2012, we invested in an envelope making machine worth Rs 25 lakhs, specifically for a customer in the telecom industry to make pre-paid SIM card pouches, with an intention of using it to make other envelopes as well. But the machine failed to perform as per expectations in terms of job changeovers and consistency in quality.

 

Thus machine was used only for SIM card pouches. When the contract with the client ended in 2013, we couldn’t quite use the machine for any other print jobs, so it ended up being idle for over six months and we finally had to sell it off. 

 

In another case, in 2011, a trusted client, who is a city-based publisher of tourism and industrial directories, got directories printed by us. I believe trust is the most important factor in a business relationship, and I have been fortunate to have developed good working relationships with many of my clients. Everything went on as per commitments and I absolutely trusted him. 

 

But in the subsequent year, we printed the same kind of directories for him literally working overnight, giving his job the top priority at the press by withholding other print jobs. We managed to meet the almost impossible deadline and delivered all the directories in time for a launch event.

 

We did not insist on payments being made because of the trust we had already developed with them. However, they did not end up paying the due amount even after a year and showed absolutely no remorse. This was a jolt. 

 

A client we had supported so much, did not show the slightest of interest in resolving our issues or even attempt to pay us. We offered a 50% discount on the amount due, in the interest of closing the matter and moving ahead but they just did not give in to any of our requests. 

 

This was not acceptable. We ended up taking legal action against him for which we still haven’t received our dues.