They are so annoying.

Are you competitive? I don't take part in competitive sport (ok, I'm not a fitness fanatic either.) I do like playing scrabble, though - and I have been known to spend the odd £1 or two in the UK's national lottery. I don't gamble much (ok, it's limited to the lottery and an annual flutter on a big race - the Derby.) But I got hooked on online competitions.

Nothing wrong in that, you might say! My hubby probably disagrees when he thinks of the time I spend on them, but that's another story. Here's where I am having a problem with them now.

I have been entering competitions at myoffers.co.uk - and think that, on the whole, their site is great. Recently, the myoffers site has been running competitions which require me to complete a survey on what type of gambling site I would like to visit. I don't want to visit any of these, and there is no way to enter the competition without completing the questionnaire and becoming involved with the gaming web site. Now, my perception (and it could be wrong) of gambling sites is that they're full of pop-ups, adverts, sneaky ways of keeping me from escaping their clutches. If I'm wrong, I apologise. I always thought that competitions had to be run in such a way that an entry could be completed with no purchase necessary.



... not very happy with this one at all.

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Putting the "Service" back into "Customer Service"

By Sean Cohen
The future of customer service is here. Technology has made seeking out support faster and easier than ever. But, has your digital age company sacrificed true service in the name of automation?

Today, finding customer support is as simple as writing an e-mail or picking up the phone. But, even though you're not face-to-face with your customers, you still leave a lasting impression. Do you come across as caring and competent, or menacing and mechanical?

Offering stand-out service on the Internet isn't as hard as it is rare. Take these simple steps towards old-style service in the digital age:

Give Each Customer a Personal Response

Be Clear, But Sincere

Offer Live Customer Support

Make Sure Your Support Reps Have All the Answers

Give Each Customer a Personal Response

When a customer sits down to e-mail your company, it's because he needs help. He chooses e-mail because it's quick, but his request still warrants a satisfying and personal response!

Companies eager to save time and money often take automation too far in their customer support. Each customer has a unique question, and deserves a unique answer. Even if you save time by copying and pasting stock replies, change the opening and closing to make the message sound less robotic.

Be Clear, But Sincere

When responding to customers' e-mail, be sincere and to the point. Before sending a message, try turning the tables. Ask yourself, "Would this answer satisfy me if I were the customer?"

Take that extra moment to give your customer the help he deserves. It might mean the difference between a satisfied customer and a credit card chargeback!

Offer Live Customer Support

E-mail has become an acceptable form of communication. But, live customer support is still necessary. The plethora of information available online can be overwhelming to customers, especially those new to the Internet!

Single your company out from the crowd by providing customers with a real person to talk to. Live phone support is an invaluable way to foster trust. When your customer has reached the end of his Internet rope, and just needs help, your toll free number is the answer he's looking for.

Make Sure Your Support Reps Have All The Answers

The presence of phone support will do no good if your staff doesn't know your product! Customer support reps should be warm and friendly, and willing to help with any aspect of your product.

What a good feeling it is to talk to someone who feels confident in his product. It's even better if he's knowledgeable enough to solve your problem without transferring you all around the company!

Provide Stand-Out Service; Gain Lifelong Customers

Too many e-businesses skimp on customer service, hiding behind web sites and message boards. Customer support is an integral part of every company, even those operating solely online. Be one of the few to offer stellar service, and gain customers for life!

Customer Service is becoming a lost art, but Sean Cohen wants to make sure that never happens at AWeber Communications!

Find out what service is meant to be.