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Diamond Certified Blog
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A couple of summers ago, I was flying to France to stay with friends who had visited San Francisco in the past and fell in love with our foggy city. I thought I had found the perfect hospitality gift when I bought a fog globe featuring the Golden Gate Bridge. A fog globe is similar to a snow globe, but when you shake it up, instead of snow falling, the bridge disappears in gray fog. Because it was breakable, I carefully packed the globe in a carry-on bag, and that was my big mistake. It never occurred to me that airport security (TSA) would confiscate the gift because it contained too much liquid. I have since learned that fog and snow globes about the size of a tennis ball are allowed if they can fit in a clear, Read more
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Debtors, know your rights! In this video, Savvy Consumer Chris Bjorklund explains the rules and guidelines debt collectors must follow when they try to collect a debt. Read more
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When planning to sell your home, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find a Realtor. However, you don’t want just any Realtor—you want one who’s dependable and proactive. After all, nothing stifles a home’s chances of being sold like an agent who doesn’t put forth the effort. In addition to getting references, a good way to evaluate a Realtor is to ask a lot of questions and gauge their responses. Here are five good questions to ask: Read more
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Want to get the most out of your vehicle’s tires? Of course you do. However, you may not realize all that this entails in terms of ongoing care and maintenance. To help you, we’ve created this comprehensive, “rubber meets the road” guide to tire care. In it, we’ll cover the following aspects:
- Why tire care is important
- Maintaining proper tire pressure
- Rotating your tires
- Wheel alignment and balance
- Tire repair
- Knowing when to replace your tires
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Delivering feedback to a company is like landing an airplane on an old runway—it can be bumpy or smooth depending on how much work has been put into maintaining the area. Without the proper approach, asking a company if you can give some feedback can prompt a defensiveness that redirects your desired change into the weeds.
Unfortunately, some people’s definition of “feedback” is simply venting without consideration of the receiver’s good intentions. On the other hand, accurate and timely consumer feedback can be a company’s free ticket to a competitive advantage in the market. Read more
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When moving out of your home or apartment, you’re likely more focused on your new place than your old one. But before locking up for the last time, you’ll need to make sure everything is in good order for the next occupants. That’s where move-in/move-out cleaning services come in. In this piece, we’ll cover what move-in/move-out cleaning entails and why you may want to use such a service for your next move.
What is Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning?
Move-in/move-out cleaning is a specialized cleaning service that aims to remove dust and dirt from a home after the owners or tenants have moved out. It’s similar to deep cleaning in terms of thoroughness, Read more
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Welcome Aboard!
We are delighted to announce that these Bay Area companies recently earned Diamond Certified. That means each has passed our rigorous 12-step rating process and scored Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise™. Congratulations!
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Solar panels are popular with homeowners seeking environmentally-friendly energy solutions. But the reality of choosing and installing solar panels gets a little complicated once homeowners start learning about all the options that are available. Below, we define commonly used terms in the solar industry, discuss the pros and cons of going off-grid, and answer some frequently asked questions regarding solar power. Read more
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When was the last time you took the time to write a hardcopy letter of commendation after receiving outstanding service? I always respond to consumer surveys and offer feedback. I’ve written reviews on TripAdvisor and Airbnb. Recently, I received such good service over the phone that I asked to talk to the representative’s supervisor so I could share my appreciation for the employee’s patience and professionalism. But writing an actual letter and mailing it? It’s been a long, long time.
When my husband told me about his interaction with one of the California State Automobile Association’s (CSAA) field offices over dinner one night, we both agreed that the employee should be recognized for her effort. Read more
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Earlier this week, we posted an article featuring expert tips on preparing for a move. One recommendation was downsizing your belongings to avoid a steep moving bill. To learn more about the downsizing process, watch this informative video by Mario Batz, general manager of Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage in San Rafael.