An Easy Way To Make Customer Service Easy

/

Everyone says that they want to offer excellent customer service, and most-often think that they do. But when they find out that customers are unhappy there is a laundry list of reasons why “it’s not our fault.”

It’s Not That Hard to Make Your Customer Happy

Seriously, I can give you one easy step to turn those customer grumbles into customer grins. Heck, those unhappy customers will start signing your praises. You just need to do One Little Thing.

And I’m such a sweetheart, I won’t even charge you for this secret. Yep, I’m that wonderful!

OK, got your pen and notebook ready? Do you maybe want to sit down for this?

Follow up

When you say you are going to do something, DO IT. For example, if you tell a customer that you will put a note on their prescription to hold it until the customer can get in to pick it up, DO IT.

When you tell a customer that you will look into a problem/request/etc. and let them know - DO IT. Check out what needs to be researched, and contact the customer with the information right away. If it turns out that it will take longer than you thought, contact the customer to let them know you are working on it; that you did not forgot them.

Go on, give this a try. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised at the results.

Tracking Microsoft Edge (Windows 10 browser) in Google Analytics

/

[UPDATE 08/25/2015: Over the past week or so I’ve noticed that Google Analytics is now reporting Windows 10 and Edge browser traffic! Whoohoo!]

The quick answer is…you can’t (yet). At least not easily, or cleanly.

But, there are a couple of thing things you can do.

1) Look for the new Microsoft Edge user agent string, which will look something like:

Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/42.0.2311.135 Safari/537.36 Edge/12.10240

Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/42.0.2311.135 Safari/537.36 Edge/12.10136

Note: The last numbers, the part after Edge/12, will vary.

2) Compare the Windows NT traffic you were getting before Windows 10 launched to what you see now. Any increase could be signs of Windows 10 users, who are most probably using MS Edge.

3) Grab or create a custom segment. For example: http://tinyurl.com/ngua99w

4) Wait a bit for Google to catch up. (Although, I really don’t understand why they don’t already have this in place. You’d think that they would have been working with the early releases, right?)

Here are a couple of interesting articles to watch - they’ll probably update as new info comes in:

First Try: AmazonFresh

/

Yesterday (4/6/15) I got an email letting me know that AmazonFresh is now available in my area.

The timing was great, as I had forgotten to submit my usual order for ShopRite From Home and I was running out of the important basics. You know, stuff like bread, milk, toilet paper, and the like.

So, I quickly placed my first AmazonFresh order, selecting the option that doesn’t require me to be home for delivery. But, just to be on the safe side, I selected the earliest delivery window, 7am - 10am, so hopefully the delivery would arrive before I had to leave.

Sure enough, at 7:01am I heard a vehicle outside… my delivery arrived! I went about my usual morning routine, then when I finished I went to check out the delivery. Despite that fact the all the emails had stated they would leave the order someplace other than the location I specified, the delivery person put them exactly where I had requested when I placed the order. Step 1: Success!

I brought everything inside, and every item I ordered was there - no problems at all. And all of the cool/cold stuff was at the perfect temperature. Step two: Success!

Pro

  • If you place an order before 10AM, they’ll get it to you in time for dinner.
  • You don’t have to be home when they deliver. They package the items that need to stay cool in dry ice. (Of course, that’s only good for a a couple of hours, so you do need to make sure you’ll be home within the windows.) Or you can schedule delivery for when you are home.
  • You can order a wide variety of items, including produce, meats, veggies, and frozen items.
  • You can also get non-grocery items included with the delivery.
  • You can also get items from some local businesses.
  • Delivery was free because I’m a Prime member. You do include a tip.
  • Everything arrived fresh, in good condition, and the produce lasted the usual amount of time.
  • Most prices were the same, or very close, to what I usually pay.

Con

  • They didn’t have a lot of my usual brands, but I was able to find suitable replacements in most cases.
  • The items from local businesses are a bit pricey.
  • Your order is delivered in green bags that need to be returned to Amazon. If you are tight on space in your home, this may be a problem.
  • The cold items are packed in styrofoam, which needs to be returned to Amazon. (The do come apart, kinda like a puzzle, so they take up less space.)

To Wrap Up…

At this point, I don’t think AmazonFresh will replace ShopRite from Home for me, even with the $20 fee ShopRite charges. But it will come in handy from time to time; and if AmazonFresh starts to carry more of my favorite brands, maybe more than that.

I was able to put all the AmazonFresh delivery bags and containers into these 2 bags.

Don't forget, February Is National Pet Dental Health Month!

/
Dental healthcare is an important part of taking care of your pet, and it can be easier than you might think!

Want to learn more about brushing your dog’s teeth?

Check this out: http://tinyurl.com/4mrd8lp Learn more:

Recommended Supplies

For us, the winning combo was a flavored dog toothpaste that Bailey loves (don’t use human toothpaste, it’s not safe for pets!), and the finger toothbrush (see below).

This is our fav!

These are handy too!

Saying Goodbye to Bailey, My Perfect Little Dog

/

Bailey was always all smiles.

After she fought multiple medical issues so hard, for so long, I had to say goodbye to my much loved dog, Bailey, on Friday. It comes as no surprise to anyone who knows us, or any pet lover for that matter, that this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

They’re Not Kidding, Denial Isn’t Just a River…

When you have so many close calls, you just start to believe that “she’ll beat this one too” - even though logically you know that sooner or later, luck will run out.

In the end, her little body just couldn’t push on any more. Our vet, who had worked tirelessly for us, coming up with solution after solution, said what I already knew, there was no more we could do for her.

Ironically, it wasn’t the congenial heart and lung problems that we’d dealt with all her life that took Bailey from me, it was tumors on her brain and lungs (and probably elsewhere too).

My Little Weirdo

Yes, you read that right, I’m calling my beloved pupster weird, in the best possible ways…Bailey was always her own dog. She wasn’t going to be defined by conventions.

She was never the least bit food motivated, what she really wanted was love and attention from people. Old, young, even wheelchairs and canes and such - things that often freak out other dogs - never mattered to Bailey. If you were a person, she loved you and expected that you would love her too. The only thing that baffled Bailey was people who would pass her by without giving her love. (Me too, for that matter!). And oh, if we went out for a walk or out to run errands and she didn’t score love from at least one person, she would visibly pout about it.

Who could pass up this face?

It always cracked me up when people would try to offer Bailey a treat, and she’d ignore it while staring at them intently. People always looked at me confused. Then I’d explain what she really wanted, and she’d soak up the attention they’d lavish on her.

At the pet store, Bailey’s favorite section was the cat aisle, followed closely by the fish tanks. She didn’t try to get the fish, she just seemed to like to watch them and enjoy the sound of the water.

Bailey loved her pool time.

Water was an all-time favorite for Bailey. It didn’t matter if was a a bath, rain, the beach, the baby pool my friend bought for her, joining me in the shower (uninvited, I should add),or just messing around with hose - Bailey loved water in all forms. Bailey loved her pool time.In a pinch, she’d dunk toys into her water bowl for a bit of splashy fun.

Bailey playing “flower” in the hope I’d “water” her (I did!).

Most of all, Bailey loved snow. She’d run in it, play in it, roll in it, rub her face in it, and even eat it. Bailey got quite skilled at tricking me into believing she needed to go out when all she really wanted was more play time in the snow.

Bailey, my snow bunny

So, of course, when the universe was looking for a way to stomp harder on my heart, it snowed the day after Bailey died. 

There should be paw prints here, but there’s not.

I could go on and on, and I probably will in the upcoming days. But for now I just want to let those who knew Bailey IRL or online know that she’s gone. I need to start to learn how to live without her. No easy task, to be sure.

Hug your pets for us tonight.

My girl, Bailey

Get a 10% Discount at A Book Apart

/
A Book Apart is running a digital holiday flash sale! Today (12/19/2014) through Sunday only, use the discount code EBOOK10 at checkout to get 10% off all ebook orders. Get while the getting is good!! (Psssst, these make awesome holiday gifts!)

Child's Play Charity - Let the Power of Play Help Kids in Hospitals

/

Do Something Nice: http://www.childsplaycharity.org

In their own words: “Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play.”

Happy children opening holiday gifts

Yes, things are tight this year; very, very tight. But while you’re shopping this holiday season, if you can find a few extra dollars, this a great cause.

Think about it, won’t you?


You can donate gifts from the wishlists or cash, it’s up to you!

Great deals on Kindle Educational Books Today

/
Great deals on Kindle Educational Books Today - up to 80% off! I’m going to indulge a bit, my brain needs the boost! http://tinyurl.com/lzu9r38

7 Ways to Keep Pets Safe in Winter!

/

That chill in the air means it’s time to bundle up. But don’t forget to help your pets deal with the cooler temps. Here are seven ways to help your pets in winter - share your other tips in the comments!

  1. Keep cats and dogs indoors. If they must be outside for a period of time, ensure that they have a warm, dry place to hang out and access to water (you may need to use a heated dish!).
  2. Clear a path in the snow/ice and use a pet-friendly, no-salt ice melt such as Morton 7834 Safe-T-Pet Snow & Ice Melt, 8-Pound Jug .
  3. Keep your dog on a short leash and stay out just long enough for the dogs to relieve themselves.
  4. Remove snow and ice from the paws and fur after walks/playing outside.
  5. Check warm spots on cars, such as hoods, where animals might seek shelter from the cold.
  6. Be sure pets are wearing identification tags and proper outerwear as needed.
  7. Protect short haired or sensitive dogs during walks by using coats and boots. (or something like Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protector Wax, 7-Ounce , which protects pads)

And here’s a bonus tip for my fellow humans: great doggie DIY idea for winter!

Do Something Nice: Donate to Child's Play Charity

/

Do Something Nice: http://www.childsplaycharity.org

In their own words: “Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play.”

Happy children opening holiday gifts

Yes, things are tight this year; very, very tight. But while you’re shopping this holiday season, if you can find a few extra dollars, this a great cause.

Think about it, won’t you?


Did you know...Free Photos and Illustrations

/

Did you know that every month you can download a free photo, illustration, audio file, and/or video file from www.istockphoto.com? All you need to do is:

  1. Create an account with the site (it’s free too!) Just visit: www.istockphoto.com
  2. Visit the site every month to check out the free goodies and download the one(s) you like.

Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me!

Full disclosure: This is not a paid posting (not that there’d be anything wrong with that!), other than I did use a referral link, but I’d only get credit if you use the link and then buy 30 files in 30 days, which would be a bonus but is totally not the point. The point is, this is such a great resource *and* they give away free stuff every month, and who doesn’t love FREE? I mean, seriously, it’s a good deal.

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month!

/
Get tips and info about Responsible Pet Owners Month:How to Participate in Responsible Pet Owner Month Another thing to consider - tracking your dog’s health! If your pet is healthy, documenting what’s normal will help you and your vet clearly identify when things take a bad turn. If your dog has health issues, tracking will help you better manage his/her care! Check out for an easy, online tracking tool that you can use from your browser, Android, or iOS device (iPad, iPhone, etc.). Oh, and did I mention that it’s free?

December 22 is “National Keep Pets Safe in Winter Day!”

/
Have you heard? December 22 is “National Keep Pets Safe in Winter Day!”
  • Keep cats and dogs indoors. If they must be outside for a period of time, ensure that they have a warm, dry place to hang out and access to water (you may need to use a heated dish!).
  • Clear a path in the snow/ice and use a pet-friendly, no-salt ice melt such as Morton Safe-T-Pet.
  • Keep your dog on a short leash and stay out just long enough for the dogs to relieve themselves.
  • Remove snow and ice from the paws and fur after leash walks.
  • Check warm spots on cars, such as hoods, where animals might seek shelter from the cold.
  • Be sure pets are wearing identification tags and proper outerwear as needed.
  • Protect short haired or sensitive dogs during walks by using coats and boots. (or something like Musher’s Secret, which protects pads)
Check out the ASPCA site for more info: ASPCA National Keep Pets Safe in Winter Day page

Do Something Nice: http://www.childsplaycharity.org/

/

Do Something Nice: Happy children opening holiday giftsYes, things are tight this year; very, very tight. But while you’re shopping this holiday season, if you can find a few extra dollars, this a great cause.

Think about it, won’t you?


Superstorm Sandy Resources - List Updated With NJ Transit Info

/

I’ve added the following to the main the list, under the “Find Gas” section. But I’ll also post it here for quick reference…Here’s the link to the main list: /blog/2012/11/2/hurricanesuperstorm-sandy-find-gas-hotels-food-in-nj-other-r.html

NJ Transit Post-Hurricane Service Updates and Travel Options

NJ Transit has posted an update for the following (click on the links to see the latest details):

  • Rail and Light Rail Service: http://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=CustomerNoticeTo&NoticeId=2304
  • Bus Service
    • Emergency Shuttle Bus Service to Ferries/Manhattan: http://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=CustomerNoticeTo&NoticeId=2310
    • List of NJ TRANSIT bus routes that parallel NJ TRANSIT rail stations:http://www.njtransit.com/adminTemp/busservicerail.pdf
    • List of NJ TRANSIT bus routes by town:http://www.njtransit.com/adminTemp/busservicetown.pdf
      • Access Link Service: All service will resume on Wednesday, November 7 pending local weather conditions.
      • RideShare Information: http://www.njtransit.com/adminTemp/rideshare110712.pdf
      • Additional Customer Tips: http://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=CustomerNoticeTo&NoticeId=2313

          • You can also get updates via the My Transit alert system (www.njtransit.com/mytransit), which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager; or ny calling their automated line: (973)275-5555

Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy - Find Gas, Hotels, Food in NJ + Other Resources

/
Here are the sites I’m finding most useful. Feel free to pass along others; I’ll update as I get new info! [Updated: Added NJ Transit info 11/7/2012]

Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy Resources

Find Open Gas Stations

NJ Transit Post-Hurricane Service Updates and Travel Options

NJ Transit has posted an update for the following (click on the links to see the latest details):