BJM Free Press |

A GOOD CODE OF ETHICS FOR MAIL ORDER BUSINESSES

1. I will give my customers friendly and fast service; making sure to process their orders within 3 days after receipt. If I cannot process their orders during that period of time, I will send them a postcard that acknowledges receipt of their order and the approximate time I’ll ship the completed order.
2. As a publisher, I will provide my advertisers with checking copies (either for free or a nominal charge for postage) so they will know where their ad was run.
3. I will make my telephone number available to my customers or a comparable method of contacting me personally concerning their order (i.e., FAX or voice mail.)
4. I will refer my customers to other dealers who can handle their needs if I cannot provide the service or product they are looking for. (This generates good will among dealers and helps support our mail order industry as a whole.)
5. I will purchase as many products and services (for my personal use) as I can from either small local businesses in my area or through mail order. (This helps keep our industry growing.)
6. I will thoroughly investigate any programs or dealerships before getting involved in promoting them. Because my company’s reputation is based on the products I introduce to my customers, I make sure everything I sell is something I would buy myself.
7. If I decide to enter into any commission-type dealerships, I will order the product or service (or request a sample from the company) before placing my company name on outgoing circulars. (This is necessary so you can answer questions your customers may have, and is essential in determining the quality and professionalism of the prime source. Note: Lots of people place their name on commission circulars without verifying the product or service from the prime source. If you do this, the prime source may keep your money and not fill your orders. If this happens, your customers will come back to you for a refund and not deal with your company anymore.)
8. I will not copy another dealer’s advertisement, or other materials without writing him/her first for permission. (Often, the dealer will give you permission if you use his/her name/address as a reference.)
9. In any correspondence, advertisements or other methods of using the “printed word,” I will cite another company’s or individual’s efforts when referring to their product or service. I will be sure to provide the reader or customer with the full name, address or telephone number for recognition purposes. (Wouldn’t you want someone to do this for you too?)
10. I’ll always enclose a first-class stamp or self-addressed stamped envelope when replying to dealers providing free information. Otherwise, I would be asking the dealer to PAY to GIVE me something.
11. If a complaint should evolve with another dealer, I will contact that dealer immediately for an explanation before talking to anyone else about it.
12. If a check of mine should ever bounce, for whatever reason, I will contact the recipient immediately and make the check good. In addition, I will offer to pay any additional charges their bank charged them for the handling of my bounced check.
13. Regardless of how financially broke I am, I will never “use” another dealer for the sole purpose of talking them into free services. Instead, if I find a “good, hearted soul,” I will treat him/her with the utmost respect and courtesy — and barter with them only when I have something comparable.
14. I will never attempt to lie, cheat or steal from anyone during the course of my business for I know if I do, my business will be short-lived. I am in business for the long-haul and will therefore conduct all my affairs fairly, ethically and morally.
15. If I don’t understand something, I am never too proud to ask. I know the mail order industry is a people-helping-people business and I intend to provide my fair share.