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by @VRider

Why Small Business Owners Don’t Ask for Feedback from Customers

One of the most important things you can do as a small business owner is to find out what your customers really want from your company. Without customers, of course, you have no business. Your bottom line every month depends on whether they decide to give you their money, So, how well are you taking care of them – from THEIR perspective?

To find out, you need to ASK them. But I’ve found that many small business owners don’t make this a priority, for three main reasons.

1. They just haven’t thought about it. They don’t realize how important it is to ASK – and what they’ll learn.

2. They’re afraid of what they’ll find out if they DO ask. That’s understandable. The only kind of feedback many of them have ever gotten is when customers complain, so they may be afraid that’s all they’ll hear. But if they don’t get at the truth, they risk losing customers, which is very costly to a business.

Research from SCORE shows that for every customer who bothers to complain, there are 26 others who say nothing. The good news is that if you make an effort to remedy a customer’s complaints, between 82% and 95% will stay with you. Think about that for a minute. What money is your business losing by NOT finding out what the problems are and fixing them?

And in doing a customer feedback survey, you’ll find out what you’re doing well that they want you to continue doing. You may have blind spots about your strengths as well as areas for improvement.

3. Some small business owners think doing customer feedback surveys is too hard and complicated. Maybe you don’t know what kinds of questions to ask or how to set one up. But it can be easy, fast and automated with survey software that’s available today. Some programs even have done-for-you templates for surveys – like customer feedback, employee opinion and even individual performance – that make it easy for you to ask customers for their input.

The sooner you start asking your customers for their input, the quicker you can make changes to your business that attract and keep customers for the long-term.

by zutaten

Market your business effectively using a good carrier bag printer by printing carrier bags that stand out from the crowd

For many years carrier bags have been a good form of advertising. Using plain bags without your business information do not do any justice. Carrier bag printers often do not have in-house designers who can help you to maximise your advertising potential. A well designed bag which reflects your business image and branding with your products and services, contact information will effectively market your business. Printed carrier bags are an essential marketing strategy for retail businesses. If you have a business which sells physical products and you provide a carrier bag for the customer to take away their purchased product why not use this packaging to further advertise your business? Once the customer leaves your shop or retail unit with your bag it immediately exposes itself to the public eye. If your shop or retail unit is located in a busy shopping area, your bag will be seen by many passing by traffic. Design is an important factor in any form of advertising in. Using a professional design with attractive colours and good use of fonts will attract the public eye. Using complimenting branding relating to your business name and shop signs will make a psychological effect on people making them appreciate the fact your business is making sales and increases credibility to your business. If you use a design that will attract the public interest with your business branding you are effectively increasing the awareness of your business. Promotional offers and the use of the word ‘SALE’ also gives a lot of awareness which will draw people to your business whether it be a retail unit or a online trading website. There are very few packaging companies who offer you a professional design service along with an in-house printing facility. More distinguishing are companies who offer a no minimum quantity on yout order. PSK are established Carrier bag printer based in Kidderminster and have been in the packaging business for decades. They offer a service second to none with a design service, in-house printing facility offering a wide range of packaging supplies and a professional service. PSK is a recommended carrier bag printer who can consult you in the best design to maximise your advertising/marketing potential. The PSK website is simple and easy to use and gets to the point. It promotes a no minimum quantity guarantee on a range of carrier bags printed to your specification. PSK as a carefully designed site with appropriate information about carrier bags, printed carrier bags, packaging supplies, plastic carrier bags, carrier bag printers, carrier bag, eco friendly carrier bags For More information on Carrier bag printers Visit printedcarrierbags.co.uk. And also here you will find a range of Printed carrier bags to suit all customers needs.

by spinster

Animal Marionettes and Hand Puppets Help Get Proper Attention From Your Child

Raising a child can be a difficult task for anyone, no matter how much education and training you’ve had you will still not ever completely understand everything there is to raising a child. Unfortunately, children do not come with instruction booklets, so we have to figure things out on a day-to-day basis. Many people do not realize the role that animal puppets can play in a child’s life. Hand puppets have been enticing children for as long as we can all remember.

A small child’s face will light up when they see the puppet talking to them as they believe that magic is happening. This is a great tool for parents to use to help their children learn valuable lessons. A child will be more apt to sit and listen to a puppet has to say, versus what a parent has to say, as the puppet is more down on the child’s level of thinking than the parents, or at least that is what the child believes.

There are many different types of hand puppets or animal marionettes to choose from that you can use to teach your child and help them grow. If you really want to get your child’s attention, then you need to go with a puppet based on a character that your child loves. Take for instance, if your child loves alligators, and go with an alligator animal puppet. Your child will be fascinated and listen to every word that the puppet has to say.

Puppets have even been used for therapy purposes for children that have been abused. Small children have a hard time dealing with traumatic events, and therapists have found that by using puppets they can help a children express themselves and help the child to understand what they went through.

If you look at most of the children’s television shows today to you will find that many of them have some form of hand puppet on the show. You will also find that those are the shows your children are most drawn to. The ones that seem to be the most favorite are the ones with bright colors on them as they promote happy thoughts.

If you want to help your kids learn faster and learn to express themselves better, you may want to incorporate the use of animal puppets. You’ll find your child will have a much easier time relating to you when you get down on their level with the puppet. From Monkeys, to Tigers, to Lions and Bears the puppets you can choose from are endless.

Animal marionettes and animal hand puppets come in many shapes and sizes. You can get them life size and all the way down to miniature puppets, small enough to fit on your fingers. You want to be sure that you go with a puppet or marionette that your child will love. Some young children might be attached to large puppet like dog puppet or cat and consider them as their real pet. Incorporating these animal puppets into your child’s life will definitely be an added plus and you both will flourish from them in the end.

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by traed mawr

Looking for Best Quality Festival Tents From Gelert? Opt for Pop-up-tent

If you are thinking of going out for holidays along with your family members or if you are planning a memorable hang around trip with your friends, the most important thing that you need for sure is a tent. Tent is one such thing that is must for enjoying your trip in the best manner.  Looking on the utility and demand of tents there are several online as well as offline stores available from where you can buy tents of all kinds like pop up tent or festival tents.

Where to buy: pop up tent and festival tents?

As stated above also there are various online as well as offline stores available from where one can buy tents of all shapes and sizes. However if you want to save your precious time and want to find one such online store that not only offers best quality pop up tent and festival tents but also various camping accessories, then Pop-up-tent is the name you must trust upon.

Why Pop-up-tent only?

There are various online shops available from where one can have pop up tent and festival tents but what makes Pop-up-tent the premier choice is a long list of various important features. Some of the most important features that explain why Pop-up-tent is regarded as the one stop shop for pop up tent and festival tents are stated as under:

1.      Offers latest Gelert tents: The first and the most important reason why Pop-up-tent is considered as the best online shop for various tents and camping accessories is because of the fact that it offers the latest Gelert tents designed by the most innovative designers. Thus it is sure to get the most innovative as well as pleasing designer tents at Pop-up-tent.

2.      Makes available all sorts of tents and camping accessories: The second most important feature of Pop-up-tent is that it is an online store that makes available all sorts of tents and camping accessories. It maintains a very good stock of classy and durable tents, however in case there is any specific variety of tent that is not there in its stock then it arranges that on request also within 7 days. Thus you can take the charm of buying any sort of festival tents or other tents from Pop-up-tent.

3.      Offers best quality and at very reasonable prices: Price is one such factor that is considered very important for everyone. It is because of this factor also Pop-up-tent is considered as the best tent provider as it offers best quality durable tents and camping accessories that too at very good prices. So what else you need?

4.      Offers easy to buy options: The forth most important feature that puts Pop-up-tent ahead of other online sites offering tents is that it offers very easy to buy payment options. This site understands that the time of customers is very valuable and so it cares for their convenience. It is because of this reason it accepts both debit as well as credit cards and enables them to buy any sort of tent or camping accessories instantly.

The above mentioned are just few features that are enough to explain why thousands of people opt for Pop-up-tent for buying tents and other camping accessories.

Related Gelert Tents Articles

by quinn.anya

Shaggy Rugs from Simplayrugs.co.uk

There’s something about shaggy rugs that no-one can resist. They urge you to curl up on them to feel their true luxury, and they can create the ultimate centrepiece by looking effortlessly stylish in any room in the house. Shaggy rugs have the ability to perfectly coordinate with all kinds of decor, and if you choose wisely you can give you room an instant makeover.

Shaggy rugs for everyone

Luckily there are shaggy rugs for all tastes and preferences too, letting you easily find something to suit your style. You’ll be able to find shaggy rugs that have the traditional feel or more modern rugs to suit a contemporary home, perfectly catering to all ideas of what makes the perfect rug.

The range on offer means that there’ll be options that complement all rooms no matter the colour of your walls or the style of your furniture, and they can be one of the best ways to give your room a lift without having to spend a fortune updating everything.

There are plenty of materials that you’ll be able to find as well, whether you’re after the sheer luxury of wool rugs or you want the texture, softness and price of polyester. There’s something for everyone as well as their accompanying budgets, and whichever one you choose you’ll be left with truly stunning modern rugs that you can’t help but show off.

Shaggy rugs from the best

Of course, you’re only going to be totally happy with your shaggy rugs if you can find those that suit your own unique requirements and your impeccably high standards. Quality should always be at the top of the agenda and that means you need to buy your shaggy and wool rugs from the best, and if you’re looking for rugs to meet your precise needs you’ve come to the right place.

Here at Simplayrugs.co.uk we can give you shaggy rugs of the highest quality, and with plenty of options to suit all colour schemes and decor choices you’ll have no problem finding something that perfectly complements your own unique tastes. We can offer contemporary and modern rugs or something with a more traditional feel, and with all budgets catered to you’ll easily be able to find a rug in your price range.

So, for shaggy and wool rugs to really make a statement, you know where to come. We’re confident that you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for, so why go anywhere else?

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by The_Admiralty

Prom Dresses From Overseas Auction Sellers: Five Things You Need To Know

Browse online auction sites and you’re sure to be amazed by the number of bargain prom dresses being advertised. However many people fail to factor in shipping charges, customs duty and VAT before purchasing a gown and end up with a prom dress which costs more than they expected. In addition to this, buying overseas may make it harder to get a refund if you receive a gown that does not match the description.

The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the things to bear in mind when buying prom dresses from overseas auction site sellers.

1. They may be making money on the shipping charge, not the purchase price

Does the price of the gown seem too good to be true? Many sellers offer a very low price on prom dresses and make their money from charging very high shipping charges. They do this because they know that many consumers will focus on the purchase price, treating the shipping price as an incidental cost. In some cases, by the time you’ve added on shipping costs, you can end up paying more than three times as much as you expected.

What to do: Many people focus on the bargain purchase price and try to put the postage price out of their mind. When ordering a prom dress from overseas the cost of shipping becomes part of your cost of purchasing the item. Always check the postage price and calculate the total amount that ordering this dress will cost you before making the decision to buy.

2. Overseas Prom Dresses will cost you 30% more than you think

If you’re importing a prom dress into the UK from a county outside of Europe you will be charged VAT and Customs Duty by HMRC if the amount you pay (for the item, shipping included) is over £70. VAT and Customs Duty are calculated based on the shipping and purchase cost. Once added on these taxes will normally increase the price of prom dresses by around 30%. This means if you pay £50 for the dress and £70 for delivery the total you will end up paying will not just be £120, it will be close to £160.

What to do: Contact HMRC for advice on how to work out the VAT and customs prom dresses attract.

So let’s say you receive a gown and wish to return it.  What are your options with regards to prom dresses which don’t fit or don’t meet their descriptions?

3. It will cost you money to return the Dress

If the factory agrees to let you return your prom gown then don’t forget that you’ll be the one who has to pay out for international postage to send it back to them.

What to do: Ensure that you bear this risk in mind when purchasing your gown

4. You may find UK law unenforceable

What happens if the factory refuses to allow you to return an item? If you were buying from a UK seller you have the options of contacting Trading Standards or taking the seller to small claims court. However, while UK law is enforceable in the UK, you may find it very difficult to enforce if you’ve bought prom dresses overseas.

What to do: Be aware of the risks involved; the greatest protection you have are therefore the threat of negative feedback or using a protected payment method.

5. Raising a dispute may not be successful

If worse comes to worst and the seller won’t refund your money for a dress which doesn’t match the description then you have two options. You can either threaten the seller with negative feedback or (if you’ve used a secure payment method) you can raise a dispute. However do bear in mind that such disputes are often difficult to settle and it is by no means a guarantee that you will definitely get your money back.

Buying prom dresses overseas from online auction sellers not only has hidden customs and VAT costs, it also has inherent risks. Be aware that buying abroad often means paying high shipping costs, customs duty, VAT and can affect your ability to return an item with which you are not satisfied. With this in mind you will be in a position to make an informed decision about whether the costs and risks involved in buying from an overseas seller make it a good option for you.

Visit www.promroyalty.com to see the whole Prom Royalty Prom Dresses Collection.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

by goldberg

How Do Massage Chairs Differ From Regular Treatment Tables?

As a massage therapist, you likely wonder which equipment is the best for your business. Perhaps you have seen massage chairs and treatment tables and wondered if there was a benefit of one product over the other. Both massage chairs and treatment tables have benefits, so you will need to evaluate your business’s needs when choosing between these products.

Main Differences Between the Two

There are several main differences between massage tables and massage chairs. First, massage chairs can be portable, whereas massage tables are stationary for the most part. Portable tables do exist, but are not as common as portable chairs. Massage tables require patients to lie down in order to receive a massage. Massage chairs allow patients to receive massage therapy from a seated position. Finally, when you give a massage with a massage chair, you will not have to bend over quite as far as you will with a table.

Benefits of Massage Chairs

Massage chairs have many benefits over massage tables. They are far more portable than tables. Whether you are visiting a local fair or taking your business into corporate offices or malls, you can do this so much easier with a massage chair.

Also, massage chairs allow you to give a massage to someone while they are fully clothed. Some patients are uncomfortable removing their clothing for a massage, even though you handle the massage as a trained professional. With a massage chair, this is no longer an issue.

You will not have to bend over as far when you use a massage chair. This can make it easier on your back to give the massage. Sometimes bending over the massage table creates strain on your back, and this is limited somewhat with a massage chair.

Benefits of Massage Tables

Massage tables also have many benefits as well. Because clients usually remove their clothing to receive a massage on the table, you can use therapeutic oils to help the muscles relax. Also, you will have easier access to the major muscle groups with a table.

Some massage chairs, particularly portable ones, do not hold up well under the repeated strain that comes from multiple clients. Keep in mind that you may have some clients that are overweight, and your massage apparatus needs to be able to withstand this weight. Massage tables, particularly permanent ones, tend to be sturdier and can handle the stress of repeated usages much better than chairs.

Massage tables are made out of one main surface. This makes them easier to disinfect between clients. There are fewer crevices and folds in a massage table than in a massage chair.

Special Types of Massage Chairs

If you decide that massage chairs are the best fit for your business, or if you decide to use both chairs and tables for your business, you should know that there are a variety of massage chairs on the market. Portable massage chairs are made out of aluminum so they are strong while at the same time lightweight. They can be adjusted when you set them up to accommodate patients of different shapes and sizes.

You can also choose a desktop massage chair. If you visit offices to deliver your services, this can help. These chairs sit on the top of your client’s desk or any other flat surface in the office. You can deliver your massage without taking too much time out of the client’s day.

Finally, you can choose on-site massage chairs. These are more durable than portable chairs. They also can be adjusted for different sized clients. If you wish to give seated massages at your clinic, this is the type of chair to use.

Whether you use a chair or a table, you are providing important services to your clients as a massage therapist. Take the time to evaluate the differences between massage chairs and tables. Then you will be able to decide which is best for your business.

www.massage-chair-relief.com president, Dr. Alan Weidner, demonstrates the HT-1650 massage chair by Human Touch on KSL’s Studio 5 Television program. http

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by neltek

From Avante Garde To Fantasy – Luxury Holidays With Outwell Tents

Of all the tent suppliers in the UK, Outwell has to take the prize for originality when it comes to names. Yet Avante Garde, Fantasy and Montana aren’t empty marketing ploys – they describe the integral concepts of Outwell tents perfectly, which is why we at Outdoor World Direct sell so many of them.

Names like Bear Lake, Vermont and Montana sum up perfectly the “great outdoors” concept of Outwell. However remote the destination, buyers are secure in the knowledge that their spacious living accommodation will stand up to all weathers, while offering pure luxury and comfort via a range of integrated living features. Camp fires and grizzly bears are entirely optional, of course. These tents stand up just as well to a blowy weekend in Norfolk as a break in the Canadian Rockies.

When it comes to cutting-edge luxury, spaciousness and innovative design, Outwell’s Avante Garde range is all the name suggests. These latest tunnel tents are ideal for modern outdoor living, reflecting the designs of trendy Avante Garde loft apartments.

If you’re used to city dwelling, you’ll love the Ohio, with its chic interior colourways, solid steel construction, large, weather-protected porch and sewn-in groundsheet. Like all the tents in the Avante Garde series, it has a spacious, unique interior arrangement with bedrooms arranged along one side. This, together with the extra-wide dimensions and panoramic windows, creates an immense living space with instant open-plan appeal. Avante Garde is all about living in style and entertaining in luxury. With walk-in privacy wardrobes, add-on guest bedrooms and a large, luxurious porch for evening cocktails, you and your friends can live a bourgeois lifestyle – on a budget.

Of course, if you have very young children you’ll be mainly entertaining them, and we at Outdoor World Direct would be hard pressed to find a better solution than the new Fantasy range of Outwell tents. They come complete with outdoor games sets and integrated, brightly coloured playrooms – something Outwell is already famous for, and which can be found in our accessories department. Yet that’s not all – whereas most tents come in drab, khaki colourways, the Fantasy range is designed in a bright, vibrant blue that makes your tent easy to spot, whether it’s on a busy summer campsite or a festival ground.

Bad weather is the one thing that can spoil an outdoor holiday. However, Outwell Fantasy tents are built around tried-and-tested standards like the Montana 6, known for its ability to stand up to all weathers. The built-in groundsheet, large vented windows and robust construction ensures fun and comfort whatever the climate.

Today, more people than ever are turning to camping as an alternative to self-catering or hotel accommodation. There are literally thousands of sites to choose from across Europe – and beyond. Outwell realise that, for many families, camping is a new prospect – which is why their tents are made to be as pitch-friendly and comfortable as possible.  We at Outdoor World Direct stock a full range of Outwell tents, and thoroughly recommend them for both seasoned campers and newcomers – whether they’re trendy couples or young families.

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