May 14, 2009
Written By: Phyllis Cox

Every day we deal with customer service in one way or another.  We are either on the receiving end or the giving end.  I want to talk about the receiving end.  And, I'm wondering what has happened to customer service in many places.  I recently went to a very nice restaurant, sat at the bar, ordered a drink and visited with friends.  Now, if you're sitting at the bar I would expect the bartender/waiter to ask you if you want a refill, water or maybe a menu.  But, on this particular occasion I had to ask for those things and I felt like I was "bothering" the server.  That's not how you're suppose to feel.  I'm not sure what some of these people are doing working in a field where customer service is their number one priority.  Then, on the other hand, I can pull into my local Sonic and order a drink during "Happy Hour" and receive the best customer service available.  The girls are friendly, seem happy to be at their jobs and make you want to come back.  I think that's what customer service is all about.  Making the customer feel like you appreciate their business or simply appreciate that they stopped by even if they didn't purchase anything at that time.  They will remember how they were treated and that will ensure that they return and hopefully purchase something next time.  In your business...how do you think your customer service is rated...just something to think about.

 

Remember that the NTPDA is YOUR Association for used, rebuilt and new agricultural and industrial repair parts

 

Until next time...

April 15, 2009
Written By: Phyllis Cox

Is this a great Association or what?  I just think that occasionally I should talk about what an asset it is to be a member of the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association.  Example...last week we got word from Carl Vande Weerd with Worthington Ag Parts that a possible scam was taking place with an unidentified person using an NTPDA member's email as reference to gain access to information and parts from other NTPDA members.  And, as part of our responsibility to all of our members we sent an email out to everyone warning them.  There was feedback from other members thanking Carl and the Association for letting them know. 

 

As an Association we want to offer our services to our members in whatever capacity we can.  So, we thank Carl for letting us know and thank Kim for getting the email out promptly to all of our members! 

 

Remember that the NTPDA is YOUR Association for used, rebuilt and new agricultural and industrial repair parts.

 

Until next time....

 

April 7, 2009
Written By: Phyllis Cox

I'm not sure how I'm going to relate my thoughts today to the tractor parts industry...but I'll try.  If I don't...then know this is just me talking to you! 

 

I'm a little behind the times and just purchased my Wii.  If you don't know what it is...it might be better if you leave it that way.  It's an interactive "toy" that you hook up to your TV and you can play games.  Last night I went bowling, played a few rounds of tennis, hit a few golf balls and made at least one homerun!  I was busy!  Then...I had to spoil it by taking the Wii Fitness Test...let's see how old you REALLY are!  Well...if my true age was what Wii Fit said was my age then I would already be laying back enjoying my retirement.  Or maybe I should say I would be retirement age but maybe not enjoying my retirement!  Depends on how much money I had been able to save and how the economy was doing.  But that's another story.

 

Anyway...maybe we can relate it to our businesses by asking if your company is on track by its "true age".  Are you up to date with technology?  Do you have a website?  Are you blogging on your website (How was that ML?)  Do you have all the tools that allow you to keep up with the times?  I can't answer those questions for you...it's just something to think about. 

 

Now...I think I'll go turn on my Wii and check my "true age" again and see if I've improved overnight!

 

Remember that the NTPDA is YOUR Association for used, rebuilt and new agricultural and industrial repair parts.

 

Until next time...