DETROIT, Mich. — Aristocat Transportation, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, welcomes new affiliates and is happy to recommend the ones they use to others. Owner Sue Jarvis says, “It’s all about being a great partner and referring others whenever we have the opportunity.”
Through years of attending industry shows, retreats, and networking events, the company has worked hard to develop an extensive affiliate network it can always count on. The key to fostering these relationships is to take time to get to know potential affiliate companies and create bonds of trust and business ethics, Jarvis says.
About 10% of their affiliate business is farm-in, while 90% is farm-out. “Our focus is on using affiliates that give our guests outstanding service, timely and correct invoicing, and preferably reciprocal work,” Jarvis explains. “But relationships take time to build, so you must understand if someone you farm-out to does not immediately send you work back.”
The business does a fair amount of large group runs it farms out, so it’s important to have great affiliates experienced in handling such clients and that can add vehicles on short notice.
To be a good affiliate, Jarvis says it’s important to prep chauffeur info the night before, update their status accurately, and send all invoices within 24 hours with accurate final billing and notes. It’s important to let an affiliate know as soon as possible if a chauffeur will be late, or if a service issue arises.
“This happens to the best of us, and communication and honesty are the key to a lasting relationship and repeat affiliate work,” she says. The company triple checks all information for each incoming affiliate reservation, and ensures its reservationists are always friendly, detail-oriented, and ready to accommodate affiliates.
Jarvis says she signed her company up for LCTConnect.com because she knew she’d reap quality affiliate connections. “I also like that we can see what kind of fleets operators have and look at their pictures.”
Her advice for selecting a quality company to affiliate with is to be selective; this operation will represent your business, after all.
“They reflect your corporate mission statement and are what your customers see and experience. Make sure you have an affiliate agreement in place and current certificates of insurance and workers compensation.”
Keywords
affiliate networks Affiliate Report business ethics Detroit operators farm-in farm-out How To Michigan operators operator profiles
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