January 7, 2012

►  Customer Feedback:  Ellie stated her general shopping experience with us was Excellent.  “Patrick is always helpful and friendly,    while maintaining professionalism.  Water analysis personnel are efficient.”  Sales help, operations, and communication were all rated Excellent. “Always friendly and polite.”  It is reassuring that, when there is a pool water problem, the help is available and almost always yields positive results.”

►  “Advertising” and specials continue from last week:  “Family Fun Sale”. 

►  I could use some help.  As we prepare to start closing on Wednesday (probably from January 18 to February 29), keep an eye out for places where we list our store hours, or even “Open 7 days a week”.  We have already handled changes on the website, the store hours on the front door, and our newspaper advertising.  If you see or remember something else, remind me. 

►  Our spare calendars are in the lunch room.  First, take them for use here in the company.  After January 10, you can take them for  yourself. 

►  I may start skipping Gull News from time to time during the winter.  There’s no reason to write one if there is not much new to say.  I’m not even sure how many people read it. 

►  The GE Outdoor Living Card rates have been reprinted.  There is a new option:  Plan #520, at 11.99% APR for a 7.05% Dealer Fee, with 20% higher payments than Plan #501.  The standard absolute minimum payment has gone up to $35; though usually higher depending on the actual balance.  The new rate page and store signs are pink. 

►  We have a new hand-out near the Target Super Shock, summarizing issues for customers looking for chlorine for their well.         Please read it now, so you don’t look like you don’t know what you’re talking about in front of the customer.  If you have questions, see me or Mia. 

►  From Coffee News:

      – I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

      – She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

      – A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

      – A backward poet writes inverse.

      – In a democracy it’s your vote that counts.  In feudalism it’s your count that votes.

      – A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons.  The stewardess looks at him and says, “I’m sorry, sir, only one

           carrion allowed per passenger”. 

►  Wanted:  Better clean jokes for the Gull News.  All the best ones you give me I don’t want to print!