Stephanie at Rhodia Drive:

Every now and again we receive a letter asking whether or not the signature Rhodia violet lines have become darker. Rob Morrison sent us the photo above and said that the seemingly darker lines “really disguise the writing.”

The lines on the new pads do appear darker because Rhodia is now using a 100% natural ink as opposed to a chemical one.

Little posts like the above on their own are largely inconsequential, but they serve to reinforce a person’s relationship with the manufacturer of their tools.

Rhodia care about a rapport with their customers, value their feedback and engagement, and actively seek input. They want to build a relationship with you, however small, in a way that certain other, more fashionable companies wouldn’t even dream of doing. And they want to build that relationship with more than just the contents of your wallet, and their customers as something more than mere “consumers”.

This sweating of the details, their tree-to-pad traceability, and above all, their bullet-proof quality is what separates Clairefontaine from all the lesser stationery companies whose products I’ve ever bought. I know when I buy a Rhodia pad or notebook, that I’m going to get Rhodia quality; I know what to expect. Something as simple as consistency in your supplies can make all the difference between getting your work done and not getting your work done.

And at the end of the day, that’s what’s important to me.