Shopping & Services

Best blogs for ranting on customer service

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, January 9th, 2012, 11:19am

Let them have it -- in a way they'll actually listen.

I taught you a thing or two about using social media and websites to get a company's attention when it's not paying you any (read/watch my Investigators: How To Get A Human Being here: http://www.wmctv.com/story/15936046/the-investigators).

One of my best sources in customer service advocacy from that story, STELLAService.com, shared its top seven customer service blogs -- the ones the retailers make a point to read:

* STELLAService blog (www.stellaservice.com). Of course, STELLAService.com would have to brag about its own blog, and I agree wholeheartedly. From enterprise reporting to respectful-but-aggressive accountability of all sizes of service businesses, this blog's one of the best.

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Eco Expo!

Submitted by Kym Clark on Friday, January 6th, 12:50 pm

The hugely successful Eco Expo is back with even more exhibitors showing us how to treat our earth more gently with green products, materials, services, and organizations.

Exhibitors will be offering ideas and information, and some will be selling their products and services.

The Expo is Sunday February 5th, 2012 from 11am until 3pm at Temple Israel--1376 East Massey Road...Memphis, TN.

For kids and adults of all ages, there’s something for everyone!

Learn, eat, explore, or just visit with some really nice people.

Remember the proverb, “Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children.”

We are working together with our fellow community leaders and congregations of all faiths to help save the planet.

E-mail TIMemphisEcoExpo@msn.com or call Linda Kaplan 482-6473 for more information.

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Best deals on Free Shipping Day

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, 12:42pm

You cyber-savvy shoppers have another holiday to celebrate: Dec. 16.

That's Free Shipping Day for online purchases. More than 2,000 retailers are expected to waive shipping fees that day.

Jordy Leiser, co-founder of the customer service rating site STELLAService.com, got his network of mystery shoppers working their keyboards to find the e-tailers who are throwing in a few extra freebies on Free Shipping Day. They also offered these insider tips:

* TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL PERKS LIKE GIFT-WRAPPING. The mystery shoppers of STELLAService.com gave big props to Gap.com and Apple.com for their free gift-wrapping. They also praised Nordstrom.com and VictoriaSecret.com for including free do-it-yourself gift wrap kits with purchases (Nordstrom.com offers free shipping all of the time).

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Consumer Reports: 5 things to knock out before New Year's

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, December 5th, 2011, 12:20pm

While you're knocking out your shopping list, Consumer Reports' MoneyAdviser magazine recommends you check this one off, too:

* Review your investment portfolio to see if you might want to take investment losses to offset capital gains or apply against your income. That might benefit you at tax time. Consult a licensed CPA.

* If you're headed for college or have a child headed there, MoneyAdviser said now's the time to fill out student financial aid applications, which should be submitted immediately after Jan. 1.

* Start checking out seasonal sales on bikes, gas grills, GPS systems, appliances, electronics, toys and TV's.

* File rebate applications for the holiday gifts you bought. MoneyAdviser said keep photocopies of them in case the company rejects your rebate claim or loses your application.

* If you have adult children, it's time to talk to them about your finances, wills, living wills, etc.

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BBB: Tips for a safer Cyber Monday

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, November 28th, 2011, 1:57pm

I like to call Cyber Monday "Sober Monday."

It's a calmer, gentler shopping experience. Hunting for deals from your desktop sure beats the beat-downs of Black Friday.

There are, however, a few dangers while shopping Cyber Monday deals, too.

"Don’t let your guard down," said Randy Hutchinson, president of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South. "Take the necessary precautions to avoid fraudulent websites, scammers and other ‘Grinches’ who would just love to ruin your holidays.”

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10 things you should not buy on Black Friday

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, November 21st, 2011, 5:25pm

10 things you should not buy on Black Friday

Not every item will be at its lowest price on Black Friday. Not even close.

Lindsay Sakraida, features director for dealnews, wrote in one of her recent columns that these are the 10 items you should not buy on Black Friday:

* TOYS. Sakraida said toys typically are discounted deeper about two weeks before Christmas. For other guidance on good times to buy toys, click here.

* TOP-BRAND TV'S. Sakraida said Black Friday is fine for shopping cheaper TV's with deep discounts, but she said don't expect bargains on brand-name sets. For shopping the deals on the top brands, consider this advice.

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Consumer Reports: 5 steps to successful holiday returns

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, November 14th, 2011, 6:31pm

Consumer Reports: 5 steps to successful holiday returns

Black Friday is two Fridays away.

Getting the deals is one thing. But getting an exchange, cash or credit when the deal turns out to be a dud depends on how well you follow Consumer Reports' five steps to a successful return.

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