Van Design Research

Hands Free Research

Warwick Branding

Analysis Warwick's online presence:

https://www.warwick.com.au/

Driven by a desire to be at the cutting edge of fashion trends, Warwick will continually seek to design products that inspire people to redefine their interior landscape.

Our motto, ‘the only limit is your imagination', underpins our operations from inception to delivery. We will first find the way, and then make it the best product in the market.

We don’t like ‘average’, we like ‘mediocre’ even less. We will always strive to be exceptional.

We have a collective vision for this industry and it is one that we are going to realise with creativity and imagination.

We are Warwick.

Interview.

Brief: Part A: Project Scope Proposal and Presentation
Students are required to attend a briefing from a ‘live’ nominated
corporate client.

I was lucky enough that at work we are sourcing cushions for a client and re stocking our sample room, I was able to grab lunch with the Warwick rep after he was done.

(Planned questions are in black bold, questions that came up talking to Fergus are in black italics).

Company: Warwick Fabric.
Client: Fergus Wong, on road rep.


Interview:

How long have you been a rep on the road?
I worked in store for 3 years in Sydney and then moved to Melbourne to be close to my partner. I have been a road rep for about 1.5 years in Melbourne.

What is the difference between working in the store and on the road?
In store its alot of answering phone calls from our distributors we chase up if fabrics are still in range. I would collect different samples also to send out to customers.
We would spend time with interior designers, or companies that deal with our products. Funnily enough i would collect the list of fabrics that the firms needs to see and collate them for the on the road crew. I was able to go out every now and then if needed. My boss would talk with the suppliers also to chase up orders.

Which do you enjoy more?
I love being on the road, i just hate navigating, and need to allow longer in case I get lost. But I love talking directly to the clients and seeing their work.

What is the most difficult part of your daily activities?
Navigating to jobs. Im getting better as now its alot of the same places. I pull over to take calls also because i need to take notes. Sometimes i get bookings from the store while i am out. I can make my own times directly with the companies or in some cases just show up. Hardest thing for me also is carrying all the samples to the sample rooms if its needed. I generally get big orders delivered to save me time. But i have had samples not turn up also.

Do you work alone or with a partner?
I am alone on the road, there are other guys on the road too but i don't communicate with them often.

How often are you in contact with the guys in the store?
Each morning i go in and collect the packages for the day, then try to plan out what meting i have for the day. If i have no meetings which is rare i help out in store sorting the samples or updating lists. I might get a phone call during the day and sometimes i call the girls in store to help my with directions.

What would be the items you use all the time?
My mobile is always on. It has my calender on it. Ive always got some order forms and my business card. I always use my car haha. I use my car and keep a log of the travel and fuel so I can get the money back.

How many clients a day would you see? What is involved with this?
I can see alot in one day.
sometimes i just bring in a few sample hangers and let clients get a feel of the new collections  sometimes a client has asked for specific colours. so i bring in the booklet of the ranges and samples. Sometimes i hardly talk to anyone, i just set up the fabric and leave.

What is your favourite type of fabric?
I like the astek look, earthy colours and crazy patterns, it brings life to a space.

What qualifications have you completed?
In Hong Kong when I was younger I completed my diploma of interior decoration.

Fergus and his favourite fabric in my work office.

Fergus was kind enough to allow me to have alook at his current car and how he has his materials displayed.

***Will upload Image****


He has the samples on the back seat in a box with the different clients he has. in the back he has a cox of the different cards he uses and different sample swatches. To me is looked un-organised  but he seemed happy with it and said it works fine. The biggest thing i noticed was there was no hands free, im not sure if Fergus knows how to use it but when asked I was told he was not given one and should he buy one. This would explain why he pulls over to do his phone calls.

Reaserch

Brief: Part A: Project Scope Proposal and Presentation
Students are required to attend a briefing from a ‘live’ nominated
corporate client and research their marketing strategy, brand
evolution, competitive environment and potential future trends.