Patriotism at Work

Posted by Frank under Business News, Service Providers

By Rich at Independent Appliance Installers, Inc.

I received the below email yesterday, which seems to be going around the Internet.  I thought other ServiceLive providers might like to read it if you haven’t already.  It makes me proud to be associated with Sears.

Sears - Christmas shopping has already started!

I know I needed this reminder since Sears isn’t always my first choice. Amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and they haven’t withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it’s cheaper at that store.

I wrote to Sears to see if this was true and here’s the response I received from Sears Customer service:

Dear Customer:

Thank you for contacting Sears. The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback. Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.

Bill
Sears Customer Care
1-800-349-4358

Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!

Source verified by Snopes.com.

Tags: Holiday, Military, Patriotism, Sears, servicelive

The Road Ahead!

Posted by Val under Business News, Tips

By now customers are aware of the difficult times that our economy is facing and the need to cut expenses. Many companies are now focused on better understanding their customers and transferring that information to the people at the frontlines of their businesses.

The online service industry is heavily dependent on that frontline, which includes contractors, providers, sales associates, etc.

To be competitive in many industries, and to be able to create revenue, many online service companies are reducing their prices. At the same time, some companies are hiring online service providers who do not have a license, insurance, background checks, or additional skill requirements, to make up for those reduced prices.

So how are online service companies growing in the market place? Their front-line representation is made through partnerships with providers and contractors!

Here are a few tips:

• Hire licensed providers and contractors
• Perform background checks and screening services
• Engage qualified and experienced prospects
• Provide training to cover company business model and how to treat your customers
• Charge no enrollment fees
• Promote and market the service provider’s business
• Introduce the service provider to your customers prior to the service call
• Provide online forums for providers to learn while sharing their experiences

Here at ServiceLive we look forward to continuing to build the road ahead. In order to continue to succeed, we are focused on recruiting qualified providers, while assuring that our customers receive the best experiences.

Tags: Business News, Contractors, Jobs, servicelive, services

A Homeowners Testimonial

Posted by Frank under Homeowner

Recently, I needed a new kitchen garbage disposal installed and decided to give ServiceLive a try. I registered and submitted my project and within a couple hours, I received a response from a service provider with a counterproposal, which I subsequently accepted. The service provider called me the next morning to schedule a date and time for the service call, and he was willing to come early in the morning to accommodate my work schedule.

He and his associate arrived as scheduled and were very professional, courteous and careful to keep the area clean. The disposal was replaced in no time and works perfectly. They also took time to answer all of my questions which I greatly appreciated.

Although I was very pleased with the overall experience, I had some difficulty navigating through the ServiceLive website. I was told that these issues are being resolved and the site will add changes to improve usability and performance.

ServiceLive is convenient, as you can request services in the comfort of your home over the internet. ServiceLive is a perfect tool for homeowners who need repairs or new installations.

Highly recommended…

Tags: garbage disposal, home improvement, Installation, servicelive, services

Honesty is the Best Policy

Posted by Frank under Homeowner, Service Providers

Here’s a story about a provider who accepted a service order for $500, but refunded $350 back to the buyer.

The story:

We have a provider who accepted a service order for $500, but he closed it out at $150 because he discussed the situation with the buyer and they collectively agreed there was no need to retile the floor as the buyer would be remodeling their kitchen shortly (Buyer saved $350). Bottom line, I think this provider has a customer for life and I also like the fact that the delivery company recommended ServiceLive.

The service order:

A repeat customer and a recommendation can go a long way for any business.

Tags: customer service, flooring, honesty, service provider, servicelive