Close encounters with real life customers

“With so many funny, endearing and immensely encouraging stories and quotes from customers, I thought I’d start a collection and share them here to warm the heart. The photos are different ways I’ve prepared Pink Muesli plus some contributions from real life customers, market scenes, production photos, etc. (Note: Reviews/Comments welcome here)

I’m calling this PINK TALES. Enjoy!”  – Marita (founder/producer)

(Note: Linked pix have recipes too!)

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Pink Tale #98, Hater’s Paradigm Shifts

This Pink Tale happens all the time and we love it!

At Bendigo FM

A colourfully dressed lady came over to my stall and started oohing and ahhing over my display.

CDL: So beautiful! Oh! Beetroot! (her smile immediately crumpled into a scowl) I hate beetroot!

Me: And you come here to tell me that? (amused much)

CDL: I thought it was something else! (embarassed much)

Me: And you didn’t see my sign (I pointed to the large “beetroot muesli” sign)

CDL: I just saw “Pink Muesli” and I like pink! (we share lolz)

Me: That’s too bad you don’t like beetroot! It’s so good for you.

CDL: I knooooowww (embarassed more)

Me: You must have had a traumatic experience with beetroot as a child.

CDL: Yes! I first had it from a tin and it was awful! And people hide it in so many food, I gag!

Me: Oh that’s not good. I can understand why you hate it. Well, my products might surprise you. This might help desensitize you from your beetroot aversion because there is nothing like it.

CDL: No no no, I know it’s beetroot and I know I won’t like it.

Me: It’s all in your head you know. Just give me a go.

CDL: Oh alright. (she accepts the sample of PMCitrus & Ginger, pops it into her mouth and slowly her frown transforms into a look of surprise)

Me: What do you think?

CDL: Ummm, that’s not bad, not bad at all. I can’t taste the beetroot. It’s so different from what I remember. (her paradigm has shifted yay!)

Me: There you go!

CDL: Just give me a small sample bag and I’ll put it in my yogurt. I’ve been looking for something different to put in my yogurt.

Me: Different it is! It’ll go perfectly with your yogurt! (I hand her a bag) Thank you for giving me a go! (we share lolz again)

#HappyCustomer

(Note: Found this article that explains her beetroot aversion.)

SallyRose
pinktubs
Pink Tale #97, BnB fave?

At Castlemaine FM

If you’ve ever stayed in a Bed & Breakfast, you would know that it’s the little touches here and there that make your stay more pleasant and would probably make you keep using the same thoughtful little home away from home. That is so with Sally Rose’s cozy little BnB. She supplies guests with locally sourced amenities and a wonderful selection of artisanal goodies in her breakfast hamper, which includes sample packs of Pink Muesli. The fact that she personally knows each and every maker of these goodies is no surprise as she is also the incumbent indefatigable President of the Castlemaine Farmers Market. Talk about supporting your own, she does that quite literally! And all to good results. Guests always leave great feedback in her guest book and often mention the yummy basket of gourmet surprises that they feast on throughout their stay. And if they happen to be there when the market is on they more often than not pay a visit to this wonderful country market and shop for the now familiar goodies.

Thank you Sally Rose for spreading the pink goodness!?

Bart
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Pink Tale #96, Granddad in the Pink

Meet Bart (yes, as in Simpson ?), grandfather to four young girls who are all gaga over anything pink. He was taking a slow stroll through the farmers market, not intending to buy anything. He couldn’t believe it when he spotted the bright pink tent he just had to come over to tell me his story.

Bart: Pink! (looking incredulous)

Me: Yep! Beetroot makes it pink!

Bart: Do you eat this? (still looking incredulous)

Me: Of course! You can also just stare at it, it’s so pretty don’t you think? (we share lolz) Here have a taste, it actually tastes as good as it looks but you be the judge. (I hand him a sample)

Bart: Hmm, not bad (nods approvingly). I have 4 granddaughters and they’re all crazy about anything pink. They won’t believe me if I tell them I found muesli that’s pink!

Me: So you know what that means.

Bart: Which one is your best one?

Me: Depends on your palate. But to introduce them to this fabulous pink food, I suggest you start with my very first product Pink Muesli with Berries.

Bart: Ok, I’ll get one big bag and they can all share.

Me: Thank you very much!

Bart: By the way, I hate pink, but look at me now. (lolz)

Me: You’re a good granddad Bart. (I hand him his purchase in a bright pink bag, but of course ?)

Granddad is in the Pink?

strawberries fresh
Pink Tale #95, Savour Every Bite!

At Ballarat FM

A return customer was browsing the pink tubs deciding on which flavour to try next.

RC: I love this! I know how much work goes into making it.

Me: Thank you so much! Means a lot to us when customers appreciate that it’s a labour of love. (we share a nice chuckle)

RC: You can clearly see the artisanship! Just take a look at this (reaches for the Premium Dark Cacao Puffs & Strawberry) those wafer thin slices of strawberries! You must have spent hours on it!

Me: Yes, it is labour-intensive. The final product takes from 2-4 days. (She shakes her head in amazement)

RC: That is why I savour every bite. (She settles for a new flavour, Cinnamon Carrot Apple & Raisin.) And look at this, so beautiful! I shall look forward to eating it!

Me: Thank you so much, you have made my day!

This happy customer made my heart sing ?

 

 

John Moama
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Pink Tale #94, Such determination!

John drove all the way from Moama to get his very own bag of Pink Muesli! That’s over two hours! What inspired him to do that? He just had to meet the maker of the most exciting muesli he’s had since forever!

It all started at breakfast at a friend’s place in Melbourne where he got served Pink Muesli with Berries. He was so impressed by it that his friend ended up giving him the rest of the bag to take home. Once home, he read more closely the back label, spotted my number and called me.  He wanted to know my story and after a good long chat, he decided to make the trip the following week. He arrived one rainy wintry day with the empty packet and was thrilled to discover that there were five other flavours! After trying them all, he opted for his new favourite Pink Muesli with Citrus & Ginger. He was so pleased with his new find that he urged me to come to the Echuca market to spread the pink goodness thataway. Well John,  If Echuca had folks as lovely as you, you may just find us there some day. Thank you so much for making the trip and your heartwarming determination  ?

John is in the pink ?

SFM Mother Daughter
SFM
Pink Tale #93, Maman loves it too

At Slow Food Melbourne

This was our very last market for the year 2017 and faithful customers have come in early to stock up on their favourites for the long Christmas break. The crowds have steadily thinned out as the hours ticked on. It was nearly closing time when a familiar pretty face popped in, bringing with her an older version of herself.

Chloe: Hi! Remember me? I was here last month and I love your muesli! This is my Maman! She just arrived from France and we came here just for you!

Me: Oh wow! That’s great, thank you! (introductions all around)

Beatrice: Chloe was so impressed with your muesli she wanted me to meet you and taste your wonderful products!

Me: That’s awesome Chloe and of course, I’d be delighted to have you taste them Beatrice!

We proceeded with the tasting of all six products and with each one an incredulous ummmm and a nod of the head. A rapid exchange of French between mother and daughter ensued, so melodic I was mesmerised! After some debating, they settled on their favourites and gladly posed for a photo for me.

Warms my heart. Thank you Chloe and Beatrice! Please come back for more!

Maman et sa fille sont dans le rose? (thanks Google for translating ha!)

 

Santa
PMCoconut Bulk
Pink Tale #92, Quality over Quantity

At Boroondara FM

Mature aged lady approaches the stall, smiling big.

MAL: I bought a variety pack from you last time and ate all of them. They are all so good but there is one that is my favorite, the Coconut Crunch. Now tell me, how did you get it so crunchy? Did you bake it?

Me: I dehydrated it over low temperature for a verrrrry loooong time! Baking browns it and I lose all that lovely colour.

MAL: A-MA-ZING. I don’t cook but I am very interested in what I eat and how it’s made. I look for good quality food and would rather spend on something small but very good than on something not-so-good but a lot. That is why I don’t like buffets. I prefer ala carte that is good. Yours is very good, very high quality.

Me: Why thank you so much! That means a lot to me.

MAL: I am very impressed with how you make your products, the amount of effort you put into them shows in the high quality. I told myself I must support you as you are making such a good product. So please can I buy a large packet this time of your Coconut Crunch?

Me: Most definitely! You have made my day! Thank you so much!

MAL: No no, no. Thank YOU for making such a wonderful product. See you next month.

Me: Yes, for sure and have a lovely Christmas!

MAL: I will. I have this (showing her bag of PM).

I am so tickled pink?

 

 

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Pink Tale #91, Happy Jig

At Boroondara FM

Young hipster couple strolls through the market, spots the Pink and walks purposefully towards me.

Hipster F: Wow! What is Pink Muesli all about?! I’ve never seen this before!

Me: It’s all about beetroot. Raw organic beetroot combined with all these nutritious ingredients (I direct them to the ingredient lists) which soak up the juice. And of course you know that beetroot stains everything (they nod vigorously), hence the pink!

Chorus: Amazing! (admiring each product)

Me: Here have a taste (I hand them a sample)

Hipster M: Ummm, delicious! (HF savors the PM with her eyes shut and then does a little jig!)

Me: I like what you did there, you did a little jig!

H F: Oh did I? That was completely involuntary! (she said a bit embarassed and we share lolz)

Me: Even better! Your body responded to good food! That is how I react too every time I eat something yummy, I do a happy jig! (we all laugh some more)

HF: It IS absolutely yummy! I must have that. (they purchase a couple of bags) Will you be here next month?

Me: Yes, every third Saturday. You can also purchase online if you can’t come to the market.

HF: We shall. (smiling big) I will enjoy having my breakfast now. (they walk off happily)

Happy customer in the pink ?

(Note: Couple featured here is not the same couple in this Pink Tale, but they showed the exact same reaction to eating PM 🙂 follow link it will take you to actual market they found PM)

Pink Tale #90, Exciting Food

At Boroondara FM

Fit-looking young woman in active wear approached the stall, looking incredulous.

FLYW: Oh wow! Is it really made with beetroot? I’ve never seen this before!

Me: Yes, of course, the only one of its kind! At least 40% beetroot mixed with all good stuff (pointing to the ingredient lists) It’s our first time here. Would you like a taste?

FLYW: Would I? Yes please! (I hand her samples) That is de-li-cious! I’ve just been telling my husband that I need something to get me going in the morning as I haven’t been enjoying my breakfasts. They haven’t been exciting. I have no problem with lunch or dinner, it’s breakfast that I find really boring. And I need to enjoy my food. (she said emphatically)

Me: Tell you what, a bowl of this would be far from boring, just have a look! (we share lolz)

FLYW: Definitely! They’re all so pretty!

Me: You can sprinkle it on porridge for added nutrition. I have a friend who puts it on her toast with a bit of cream cheese. Really yummy!

FLYW: Oh wow! Cream cheese…how about smashed avo?

Me: Absolutely! That would be awesome! If you go to our website there’s a link to an entire album of ways to enjoy Pink Muesli. The possibilities are endless!

FLYW: I am so excited now! I think I’ll try your variety bag as it’s so hard to choose! At least I get a sample of each so I know what to get next time!

Me: Excellent choice! Now you can look forward to brekkie!

FLYW: For sure! Thank you so much! Will you be here again?

Me: Yes! See you next time! If not, find us online!

Happy customer in the pink ?

Bendigo Ladies
Giant Beetroot
Pink Tale #89, So Sold

At Bendigo FM

It was closing time already so I left the stall to get my car. On my return, a smartly dressed lady was inspecting the products keenly.

Me: Hi there!

SDL: What IS this? It’s so pretty! (in an incredulous tone)

Me: It’s beetroot-based muesli.

SDL: Wow! That’s different! What on earth gave you the idea of using beetroot?

Me:  (I go into my story about the high blood pressure returning to normal because of beetroot  to my captive audience.) So that’s the story. Here have a taste (handing her a sample of each)

SDL: Oh my goodness that is so delicious! Amazing. I am impressed, I’ll take these two flavours please (Citrus & Ginger and Cinnamon Carrot Apple & Raisin).

Me: Here you go, enjoy!

SDL: I will! Thank you!

At this point a friend came and she proudly shows off her purchase. They both indulge me with a photo. They then join a group of friends and start walking off into the CBD. I could see her excitedly show them the Pink goodness. She was clearly so sold she was telling everyone!

So sold, she is so in the pink ?