Michigan Programs for Businesses Affected by Covid-19.

Williams Distributing’s actions to help protect our customers,
employees, and communities in response to COVID-19.

Monday, June 1, 2020

RMA Returns Policy COVID-19

• All RMA’s must be submitted and approved for pick up. Product will NOT be picked up without documented RMA.
• RMA pickups will be scheduled by Williams Distributing on a dedicated truck for returns. Normal Route trucks will NOT pick up returns.
• RMA’s will be scheduled in order of oldest RMA date first.
• Williams Distributing truck will pick up, disinfect prior to loading on our truck.
• RMA returns will be placed in “special area” for three (3) days, meeting CDC Guidelines for proper time for the virus to disperse.
• After three (3) business days, product will be again disinfected and returned to inventory. Credit will be issued based on our standard return policy, with normal restocking charges applied.
• Our first priority is the safety of our employees.
• Our goal is to provide the best service possible, and meet the CDC Guidelines for safety for all parties.

Regards,


Jeff Beaton
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Monday, April 27, 2020

RE: Kitchen & Bath Operations Update

To Our Valued Williams Distributing Customers:

On Friday, April 24, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended her stay at home order (EO 2020-59) through May 15th.  While showrooms and most construction jobsites in Michigan are to remain closed during this period, the new executive order does provide for a change in our delivery policy.

Effective today, our delivery policy is as follows:

• We will deliver to a customer’s place of business as long as it’s a warehouse or business curbside. An essential services form is not required.
• No in-home deliveries at this time.
• Deliveries to new construction and remodel jobsites in Michigan will occur for essential orders only. An essential services form is required. Jobsite deliveries in
Indiana and Ohio will occur as normal.
• Customers can pick up orders at our Richmond warehouse, but please provide 2-hour advance notice. Customer pickups do not require an essential services form.

Please contact your Williams account representative or our Customer Service Team at 800-748-0503 for assistance with orders or questions. We will continue to communicate any changes in policy as we work to adapt to the new rules.

As always, safety remains our top priority. Our drivers and warehouse teams will continue to take every precaution and utilize proper PPE. We are not requiring customer signatures for any deliveries/pickups at this time, and will utilize pictures to demonstrate proof of delivery. To avoid unnecessary contact, we ask that customers please do not assist drivers or warehouse teams during product delivery.

We will continue to serve and help you through these unprecedented times. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Dan Smith
Vice President, Kitchen & Bath Division

Friday, March 27, 2020

RE: Customer Returns

Dear Valued Customer:

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, and in our continued efforts to keep our employees and customers safe, effective immediately, Williams Distributing will no longer be accepting customer returns. We will continue to issue RMAs but returns will be suspended until further notice.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, however the safety of our employees and customers continue to be our top priority.

Regards,


Jeff Beaton
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Monday, March 23, 2020

RE: Kitchen & Bath Operations Update

To Our Valued Williams Distributing Customers:

As you are likely aware, Governor Whitmer has issued the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, directing all non-essential Michigan businesses to temporarily suspend in-person operations. Under the executive order and in accordance with federal guidelines, Williams Distributing will remain open to continue providing products and services that are essential to building functions.

In remaining open, we have implemented operational changes to further protect the health and safety of our employees and customers.

Showrooms Temporarily Closed
All of our showrooms (Grand Rapids / Outlet, Kentwood Studio, Holland, Lansing, Mecosta) are temporarily closed due to the governor’s executive.  However, our sales and showroom teams are working remotely and ready to assist you.

Remote Workers
Most of our employees are now working remotely to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Rest assured, we are still here to help meet your needs, from sales and design, product questions and ordering, to deliveries and account questions. Our remote teams remain connected and available by phone and email.

Placing Orders
We offer several options for working with our design teams and placing orders, including phone, email and Zoom.

Home and Jobsite Delivery
Home and jobsite delivery are still ongoing and available for nearly all our products.

No Contact Pick up
Pick up your orders at our Grand Rapids warehouse without any contact. Our customer service professionals can also assist, if needed, while maintaining safe social distancing.

We will continue to serve and help you through these unprecedented times. Please don’t hesitate to contact your account team with any questions, and stay safe.

 

Sincerely,

Dan Smith
Vice President, Kitchen & Bath Division

Saturday, March 21, 2020

RE: HVAC Operations

Dear Valued Williams Distributing Customer,

We appreciate your business and share your concerns for the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. To ensure the health and safety of our customers and associates, we have made a difficult decision to temporarily close our wholesale showrooms, however, we are still OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Placing Orders
We offer several options to place orders – online, phone, email and fax.

Picking up Orders
Pick up your orders at your local branch during our NEW hours of operation, Monday – Friday between 7:30AM – 4:30PM (Saturday hours remain the same). Call in advance and we’ll have your products waiting for you. Our branch customer service professionals will also be available to assist with loading larger products, while taking precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team.

Delivery
Take advantage of delivery to your business or jobsite. Simply place your order and let us do the rest. Our drivers will take precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team while unloading your order.

Rest assured, we are continuously monitoring this situation and will continue to communicate any additional steps we are taking to provide a safe and healthy environment for our customers and associates.

Regards,


Jeff Beaton
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Monday, March 16, 2020

The spread of COVID-19 is affecting all of us and its impact continues to evolve rapidly. At Williams Distributing (the parent company of Williams Kitchen & Bath), we are taking additional safety measures to protect the health and well-being of our employees and customers, while continuing to supply products to our business partners. All our locations remain open, our inventory and supply chain are strong, and our trucks will continue to make regular deliveries.

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we have implemented the following precautionary measures to ensure the safe, uninterrupted operation of our business:

•   We have increased our hygiene measures at all locations and implemented enhanced sanitization protocols, including more rigorous disinfection of counters, bathrooms and high-touch surface areas regularly.
•   We have suspended nonessential events through at least early April.   We will continue to monitor and communicate any further postponements or changes.
•   Our employees will make every effort to maintain social distancing while serving your needs and unloading product in a safe and responsible manner.  While avoiding handshakes is awkward for us, it’s necessary to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect everyone.
•   If you have any questions regarding your orders or need special consideration, please contact your Williams sales associate or customer service representative.

Over the years, as our industry has faced difficult challenges, we have evolved and made decisions consistent with maintaining your trust and our values. We have emerged stronger and with an even deeper commitment to our customers. We will persevere through this challenge, too.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Williams Distributing. We will continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation and share any updates that may affect you.

Sincerely,

Mike Koster
President & CEO