April 14, 2012
► A Seasonal Specialty Stores Report Card was received from Peter D. in Nashua, NH. He stated that his general shopping experience with us was Excellent, “Pat M. was very knowledgeable and helpful. He took a lot of time with us to explain set up, maintenance, and chemicals.” Sales help, operations, communication and products were all Excellent. Product performance was Good, “We use the RELAX system. Although pool is clean, we had trouble keeping the “free chlorine” within normal range.” Pool school, in-store advice, free water testing, and at home tutoring were all rated Excellent. He would recommend us to a friend “because of the customer service”. As to what we do really well, “Follow-up after the sale of our pool. Great at teaching first time pool buyers.”
► Advertising continues from last week: “April Pre-Seasonal Sale”. Everything else also continues.
► Don’t hold up lines. If a customer wants to know more about Seasonal Reward$ and there is a long line, give them the Program Rules to read. If it’s not too late, put today’s purchase under their name. If they sign up, and tell us about a purchase previous to signing up, the office will be able to find it and add it to their account.
► We have special order books behind the Design Center for Saffire Ceramic Grills and Napoleon Stainless Steel Grills.
► There are two plants (shrubs) in the Napoleon Grill area to prevent someone from bumping into the open side-cooker or beer cooler cover.
► Mia saw a ceramic grill at Costco for $569. A Chinese knock-off of a good brand. Seems small and light. I’ll tell you more as I learn more about it.
► Remember, we do not install replacement slings under a furniture company’s marketing program – just under warranty.
► From Patrick:
– ECDE 90 tank only comes with 2 glued fittings. When selling them as replacements for a different filter you will have to retro fit every single one in order for the customer to hook it up.
– A reminder: The third page (first flip) of the register book has all of the items that require a name for warranty. There is absolutely no excuse or reason not to put the customer’s name in.
– Reminder: All heater service requests should be given to the manager in charge and not to Paul. We have a separate company that does our gas heater repairs.
– If you have not done your water test test yet, please do so as soon as possible.
– There is a list posted at Parts to let you know what products we are a service center (warranty center) for.
– If you have questions, please let me know.
– You are allowed to punch in 5 minutes early for your shift and only 5 minutes, per a memo everyone received last fall. If you have questions about what you can and cannot do, please see me.
► Five-Minute Management Course from Anne-Marie:
Lesson 4: An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do nothing?” The eagle answered: “sure, why not.” So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Added by Dennis: I am never “sitting and doing nothing”. Obviously, I am sitting and thinking….very deep thoughts!!!