May 7, 2016
► Customer Feedback: An anonymous customer rated their general shopping experience as “excellent”. They stated “Accommodating to help with pricing and explain options.” When asked if any of our team members did an unusually good job they remarked “Dennis (furniture)”. No team members did a bad job and our sales help was “excellent”. Our operations people, our communications, and our products were rated “good”. They would recommend us to a friend.
Added by Dennis: Note in the review above, who did an unusually good job in furniture. I don’t get it either!
► Advertising, specials, and promotions continue from last week: “Because our Mother’s Said So.” This month’s color is gray.
► There were 37 One-of-These Awards for April; 14 for customer service. Kristine received the most – 6 for total and for customer service. Finalists were Kristine (twice), Patrick, Mia, Anne-Marie, Joe and Paul. The most finalists I’ve ever had. Anne-Marie received Owner’s Choice, and Stephanie won the drawing. Congratulations to all.
► Happy birthday to Jonathan on Thursday, May 12.
► Events during the next couple of weeks:
May 8: Mother’s Day ~ FREE Gifts for mothers, future mothers, and mothers-at-heart,11:00 PM – 5:00 PM
May 11: Pool School 102 ~ Introduction to Pool Chemistry, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
May 14: Jonathan’s Birthday: FREE birthday cake in the coffee shop while supplies last.
May 21-22: FREE Food. Add cookies & pastries to your FREE coffee and tea in the Coffee Shop, while supplies last.
May 25: Pool School 202 ~ Easy Pool Opening, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
May 28: Customer Appreciation Day: Free Gifts with any purchase, while they last.
May 30: Memorial Day: Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ONLY.
► We do not accept tips. Our prices include paying our employees more than minimum wage. It is your responsibility to turn down all tips and explain that it is against company policy. You only accept a tip if the customer insists three times; and you refuse twice. Then the tip goes into the “Tip Jar” by giving the tip to me. I’ll update the “Tip Jar” list, and we will spend that money on benefits for everyone – like ice cream, lunches, or raffle prizes. We do add recycling money to the Tip Jar also.
► From Ann A.:
Telescope Lead Time:
Effective immediately the lead time for special order Telescope patio furniture should be quoted at 8-10 weeks until further notice. Telescope, is again, experiencing production delays and is completely out of stock of marine grade polymer in color Kona. Due to this shortage and their current production problems we have decided to revise their lead time. As soon as I see a consistent improvement in their shipping of product I will advise of a new lead time. Until then please use this revised lead time of 8-10 weeks when speaking with customers. If you have any questions on specific order please see me!
► I apologize for the condition of the warehouse. We tried to hire enough help earlier, but it did not work out. We tried again. We have the ability to fix this in five days, if we work very hard. If we do not, and it gets hot, the warehouse will become difficult and crowded – and may stay that way all summer. So please, make every effort to work extra hours – probably even nights – for just a week. If we work hard, and together, we can fix it. And just a reminder that in the meantime, to pay attention and exercise caution when in the warehouse.
► That’s Outrageous! from the Reader’s Digest:
“My understanding is that they’ve rescinded the offer of employment,” said a police officer, after a job seeker, having landed a coveted position at an Illinois company, accidentally texted a naked photo of himself to a human resources manager.