SUMMER SELLING

at his parents’ living room table with a telephone, a fax machine, an ashtray and a box of cigarettes.

He started the business after spending time working for a consumables wholesaler. Initially, he too sold toners and consumables – but quickly realised he had to broaden his range of products if he was to build a successful business.

Back then, Andy did everything himself, from driving the van to making calls. “I had one ‘phone system and transferred calls around the business to different departments, which was always to me just putting on a different voice.” Through his hard work– ensuring that he delivered goods on time and provided a good service – the business started to grow, and he soon moved the business into his parents’ garage, then to offices in West Croydon, followed by premises on a business park in South Croydon and, eventually, on to Quills’ current base in Croydon.

One of Quills’ early customers in the late 1990s was a US-based auction website making its first forays into the UK market – you might recognise its name... “eBay had five members in a small office back then. I personally sold them five desks and installed them myself,” smiles Andy.

Since then, eBay has developed hugely in this country, and now employs hundreds of staff in the southeast of England, but they still get their office supplies from Quills. “eBay US and Europe are on a big deal with a worldwide supplier but, in the UK, they have always stuck with us,” he says. “We must be doing something right.”

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE

Andy is modest. The company aims to provide great customer service alongside competitively-priced products, ensuring they deliver on what they promise. The eBay story is also indicative of how Quills looks to foster long-term relationships with its customers and will have dedicated members of staff to work with larger businesses on its client roster.

What Quills don’t try to do is sign customers up to long-term contracts. “We tend not to put any real contracts in place with customers, so they could leave us tomorrow if they wish. We rely on our deliverables and our service to maintain clients, rather than the letter of the law - it shows confidence in what we are doing.

“When we are trying to win a new customer, we don’t try to tie them into a threeyear contract; we make sure we do what we say we are going to do, and deliver it. That’s why customers stay with us, no other reason.”

One of Quills’ early customers...was a US-based auction website making its first forays into the UK market

88%

of people agree that businesses need to put in additional protective measures4 .

No.1

disinfectant brand in the UK2 .

72%

of consumers perceptions of a business improved when associated with Dettol5

A standard your customers trust

Discover Dettol Pro Solutions

Today, consumers need to know that businesses are doing what they can to help stop the spread of bacteria & viruses1 . Our new programme, Dettol Pro Solutions, helps keep your work spaces hygienically clean to give your customers and employees the confidence they need.

Discover Dettol Pro Solutions

Put our scientific expertise, effective solutions and trusted brand to work for your business. Join our NEW programme today and get your business to a standard customers expect.

The No.1 brand on your communications BRAND POWER

GO -TO-MARKET

Innovative global logistics and servicing

SCIENCE

E ective, products that kill bacteria & viruses1

PRODUCT

Tailored training and protocols

Learn how you can get involved today

Partners working with us

1 e.g. Spectrum of Activity: Viricidal tested against influenza A virus H1N1, Human Rotavirus (Strain WA). CAUTION: Use disinfectant safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Not for consumption. Contains alcohol. Do not use on damaged, sensitive or irritated skin. Avoid eye contact. Adult supervision required for child use. Can cause an allergic reaction. 2 According to Nielsen MAT calye share to 26.12.20. 3Dettol introduced in 1932. 4Zappl industry data 2020 UK. 5 Zappl Survey Partnership Screen UK.

A breath of fresh air!