I need to decide on a shipping company. Which one knows what s/he is talking about? Does s/he know about the destination as well? Does price trust doubts?
A few months ago, I had another shipment. In that case, I went with the good story. The rhetoric was great. The assurances were strong. I had no reason to question their credentials, especially with the company’s endorsements.
In hindsight, I was naïve. While the company knew one side of the process, they were clueless about the other. The promised end-to-end service was anything but. The care and attention they committed to did not appear. I was left on my own to sort things out. Paperwork that they assured me they would handle, I had to take care of. Logistics they said could be sorted, was left to my coordination. In the end, the shipment was made, but…
In making a choice, I would do it differently. I cannot think of any rationale that tells me I should make the same mistake twice. While I am not sure if the new steps will make a difference I know a fresh approach is required. I will be open with and about my doubts. I will ask questions. I will challenge simplistic answers.
As I reflect on my choice for the winning bid, I find myself feeling comfortable with for several reasons. The winning contact accepted me with my doubts. With an air of professionalism and respect, he answered my questions. When others suggested they were cheaper, he helped me with the bigger picture. The other thing is that he did not try to be all things for me. He had a team. One of his team was on my side of the Pacific. His reliance was extraordinary. They spoke the same language. They deferred to each other. In short, I got the best of both.
With my yes, his instructions are coming. He knows. There are reasons to trust. David’s point still rings true; “He decides what is right for us earthlings, gives people their just deserts.” (Psalm 9.8)
