28 June 2008 Saturday | 2:45 | -
It’s my mum’s birthday. Woohoo! Happy Birthday!
I’m hosting OCBC’s event at Causeway Point from 12-6pm on Saturday and Sunday, so I’ve decided to order a cake online for the family dinner, instead of dashing around to look for a ready baked one at the 11th hour.
A round of applause to Emicakes- Singapore’s No 1 Durian Cake Maker for making their supposedly fantastic durian cakes available for online orders.
A second round of wild applause for their creativity in pricing. Inflation hits almost every sector in Singapore. At Emicakes- Singapore’s No 1 Durian Cake Maker however, the prices remain the same.
Woohoo!
Not quite…
On adding an item to the shopping cart, I was informed that free delivery would only be available for orders above $50. Fair enough, I opted for a larger cake. However, fuel prices have increased, and they can’t possibly absorb the extra costs. Hence, a $2 fuel surcharge is added to the free delivery service.
According to their website, there is a shortage in the durian supply. Instead of revising prices like the average bakery, they maintain the same price tag and add a 15% surcharge. They are being very transparent here, you know. Well done.
Having ordered assorted hampers and flowers previously, I had this perception that I could request businesses for a more definite delivery time frame. I was all ready to have them decline this request, in view of possible logistical difficulties and so on.
The reply from Emicakes, Singapore’s No 1 Durian Cake Maker came a day later after my email,
Hi,
Sorry that we don’t have specific timing in our delivery unless you gonna request for special delivery with an extra charge of $15.
Therefore, anytime between 1-6pm they will send you the cake and maybe you arrange somebody to received the cake.
Thank you and your kind understanding on this matter is very much appreciated.
Having taken the Written Communication module while doing Business Studies at Ngee Ann, I’m very distressed when I see this sort of business replies.
Just in case cruzteng.com readers need to draft similar emails, please remember that you should
1. always have a proper salutation- eg. Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss …
2. insert your sob story right in front- eg. Due to a surge in orders/ lack of manpower/ etc
3. reject people politely- eg. we apologise that we are unable to ….. The word “Sorry” should never ever be in the first sentence of a business reply.
4. suggest an alternative (if any) and list the terms and conditions clearly- eg. You might wish to consider our special delivery service for an extra $15.
5. give the other party a chance to accept or reject your proposal- eg. Please let me know if you would…. or …..
6. avoid overused words such as “kind understanding” and “appreciated”.
And oh, let’s not go into the grammar, in case you think I’m picking on Emicakes- Singapore’s No 1 Durian Cake Maker.
respect!!!
i totally second whatever you’ve said about poor business replies. i cant stand it either. nobody needs a diploma/degree to know how to reply clients properly.
wah… So expensive… I thought there should not be any fuel surcharge with free delivery… and… for their letter, you forgot No 7. They should not use “gonna” in their reply…
Happy Birthday to your mum!
“Having taken the Written Communication module while doing Business Studies at Ngee Ann, I’m very distressed when I see this sort of business replies. ”
not the same course but the same school,and i bet it should be the same amount of torture.
LOL.
you should list out how much was the cake in total, to be more bombastic.LOL!!!
Hahaha, I thought you want to take a recipe from my site and bake your own cake. Really, it is very easy to bake one, if you have the oven. Anyway, happy birthday to your mom!
Happy Birthday to your Mom.
Never mind the cake, so long as she is happy, and you are a good filial son and you love her. The $2 fuel surcharge is ridiculous, I have to say.
heh was having bcomm (aka as ur Written Comm) and learning how to write business msg. Yeah & what u listed out is what we were taught to!
same course as u!
the cake should be yummmmy!~
I saw you at causeway & you are so much more gdlooking. I was like looking until I walk past then realized it you.
the 1st thing i noticed was the grammar.
i love to proofread haha
hey cruz,
i share the same birthday as ur mum!
but definitely different year! XD
hahahahha~ :p
and i’m living at woodlands.
too bad i wasn’t aware tt u are hosting an event at causeway point.
if not, i definitely will go support u!
hehehehehe~!
take care!
(*.<)y
OMG….
think they need to be send for trainning…
hahahahahaha
its just too funny!
another thing to add on…
28 June was also the date Ishi, a member of superband “Soul” passed away.
and… 1 year has just passed…
Haiz..Alrdy 1 yr ler..alot of fan miss ishi so much
I Wish u all happiness dun be so upest
aiyo..as long as you understand can le ma…
haha
i think you should try the durian cake from GoodWood Park hotel next year. its worth dying for!
seriously i think emi is annoying.. its tarnishing its own image by being so money-faced.. money is not the only thing that makes the world go round.
honestly, the grammar sucked. 0_o
Goodday….Woohoo!
I’m not sure what should i say here.
But, i’m sure that i enjoy listening to your morning talk!
“Add Oil !!!!! ” Ha Ha !!!
Cheers!!!
I think emi cake r over priced. Maybe u can try the durian cake from Chocolate Cake House @ amk 625.