Dealers that don't e-mail or call

I have recently run into 2 dealers that won't answer e-mails or return a phone call. I just can't understand this. When someone makes an inquiry that person is a potenial customer.

I used to be in the Fashion Industry and I'll never forget I got a call one day inquiring about a product I was manufacturing. The person told me they were just getting started in the business and didn't have much experience. I took the time to tell them about my product and anwered other questions they had that didn't pertain to what I do.

0ne month later I get a call from a guy that owns 10 stores.
He tells me that I had talked to his cousin and how I was so helpful with him over the phone and gave him contacts for other merchandise he was looking for. Well to make a long story short that guy turned out to be one of my best customers. All I did was answer a phone call and tried to help someone out and it generated mid 6 figures sales over the next couple of years.

I have been out of that business for over 7 years and I still get a christmas card every year from that old customer.

The point of the story is it pays to be nice and try to help people out. You never know who your next great customer will be.