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
Savvy Consumer Tip: Debt Collection Rules
Posted on August 23, 2018 by Chris Bjorklund
Posted in: Consumer News, Consumers, Savvy Tips
Tags: Video Savvy Tip, professional, consumer tips, debt
Best Practices for Giving Feedback to a Company
Posted on August 13, 2018 by Joy Lanzaro
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
Posted in: Uncategorized, Consumers, Customer Service
Tags: consumer advice, professional
Welcome Our New Diamond Certified Companies
Posted on July 31, 2018 by Suzanne Carroll
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!
The Power of the Pen
Posted on July 24, 2018 by Chris Bjorklund
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
How to Be Their Favorite Customer
Posted on July 10, 2018 by Maria Onrubia
Today, we’re revisiting a subject important to anyone embarking on a home improvement project: how you can help streamline the process by being a good customer. Below, Greg Louie, CEO of American Ratings Corporation, discusses what you can do to help foster the success of any project.
How to Be Their Favorite Customer
When you work with a local company, it’s ultimately their responsibility to perform a thorough and complete job, but you play a big part in the success of your project, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be their favorite customer:
- Be clear and upfront with the company representative.
- Outline the problem,
Posted in: Consumers, Home Improvement
Tags: home improvement, consumer advice, greg louie, professional
Summertime, Ticks and Tweezers
Posted on June 27, 2018 by Chris Bjorklund
“I hate nature,” my 12-year-old daughter mumbled years ago as the urgent care doctor removed a tick embedded in the middle of her back. She’d been away at a week-long school camp in Northern California, so we had no idea how long the tick had been there. Fortunately, she didn’t contract Lyme disease from the bite.
I’ve always been afraid of ticks (along with snakes and poison oak), and I was reminded of my fears last month while taking a nature hike in the redwoods near the Russian River. Read more
Posted in: Consumers, Personal Stories, Savvy Tips
Tags: pesticide, insecticide, summer tips, summer, consumer tips, health, consumer advice, ticks, tick advice
The 2018 Summer Diamond Certified Directory Update is Here!
Posted on June 19, 2018 by Matt Solis
Have you received your free copy of the 2018 Summer Diamond Certified Directory Update in the mail? It provides instant access to hundreds of local, top rated Diamond Certified companies across a wide range of service industries, from auto repair and landscaping to optometry and dentistry.
Every Diamond Certified company must continue to deliver on its promises to you, the consumer. That’s why we conduct ongoing customer satisfaction research, perform credential-based ratings, monitor each company’s performance, and back you up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Read more