We live in a fast-paced world where anticipating customers’ needs is often seen as the golden key to providing five-star service. With a background in Luxury Hospitality, I’m well-versed in these principles. However, discovering that not all businesses and industries operate with the same mindset was enlightening, to say the least.
If you think about it, we’ve always lived in a world where anticipating trends, needs, and consumer behavior was considered standard practice. In the fashion industry, for example, trends are predicted, and the same piece is produced millions of times, hoping that consumers will eventually buy them. However, this approach contributes to the staggering 92 million tons of waste generated by the fashion industry each year. Similarly, some companies within the industry keep inventory and rely on marketing strategies to predict what customers might want. Is this strategy successful? It can be, especially when you need a specific product quickly. However, there’s a significant risk that these products may become outdated and eventually discarded.
This approach, while effective in some cases, leads to a cycle of overproduction and waste. At House of Marbel, we challenge this norm by adopting a different philosophy — one that is centered on producing in response to our customers’ orders rather than anticipating them.
Why We Adopt This Approach
By waiting to produce until we receive an order, we ensure that every product we create has a purpose and a place. This not only minimizes waste but also allows us to focus on quality over quantity.
This method aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Instead of mass-producing items in hopes they’ll sell, we produce only what is needed, when it is needed. This approach is supported by research from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which advocates for a circular economy model that minimizes waste and maximizes the lifecycle of products. By adopting on-demand production, we reduce the environmental impact associated with excess inventory and overproduction, making our business practices more eco-friendly and responsible.
Moreover, studies have shown that just-in-time (JIT) x can significantly decrease waste by reducing the need for large inventories and minimizing the risk of unsold products. This method also helps in lowering the carbon footprint of businesses by optimizing supply chains and production processes.
The Relationship Between Customization and Loyalty
Our responsive production model also allows for a higher level of customization. When an order comes in, we work closely with our clients to ensure that the products we create are exactly what they envision. Whether it’s selecting the right materials, personalizing a design, or incorporating specific branding elements, we take the time to get every detail right.
This process fosters a deeper connection between us and our customers. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we deliver products that are uniquely suited to our clients’ needs. This level of personalization is not only appreciated but also strengthens the trust and loyalty our customers have in our brand. According to a study by Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it offers personalized experiences, and 48% of them have spent more when their experience is personalized.
Corporate Gifting Redefined
The corporate gifting industry has long been associated with generic, mass-produced items that often lack meaning or lasting value. A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) revealed that 57% of consumers feel disappointed when receiving generic promotional products, and 79% end up discarding them within a year. This highlights the need for more meaningful and sustainable corporate gifts.
At House of Marbel, we are redefining this space by offering gifts that are thoughtful, sustainable, and crafted with intention.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to this responsive approach and look forward to evolving. We understand that the key to success is not in trying to predict what our customers might want, but in listening to their needs and responding with products that exceed their expectations. By doing so, we not only fulfill their immediate needs but also conytibute to a more sustainable and thoughful future.