Consumer protection

A lot of what we cover in this blog, aside from marketing and advertising, is how companies react to customer service situations. As we’ve seen, most companies are learning that one bad comment on one blog can hurt them pretty significantly. Instances like “Dell Hell” have opened the eyes of C-level executives. Therefore, companies are getting better about monitoring blogs and taking care of customer complaints in a timely manner. Although marketers and manufacturers have learned that they must address customer complaints in a timely manner, they also let some complaints go. They must believe that these customers simply don’t have the credibility or resources to drum up the support of others on the Internet, or it’s a business area that’s plagued by so many problems that others simply see it as something out of the ordinary.

When it comes to vehicles, customers do have a way of fighting back, from a legal prospective. You should be aware of state Lemon Laws, and how they can protect you. It’s also important to know what the limits are. For example, the California Lemon Law is limited to 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first. When it comes to your car, you should do your research and learn all that you can about Lemon Law information and how it impacts you. Every state has lemon laws, and you can get Lemon Law information on your state.

Remote Access

Whenever I travel to various conferences and other marketing and advertising events, I always take my laptop. However, most of the time, I work on my desktop PC – it’s faster, has more storage, etc. The laptop is really just for portability. Inevitably when I travel, I look for a file I’ve been working on, only to realize that it is not on my laptop, but it’s on my desktop PC at home. Usually, I’ll have to call my wife and have her email me the file, but after that happens 2-3 times, the reception I get when I call home isn’t very good.

I’ve been looking for a way to get remote access to my computer at home when I travel. I recently found remotepc.com which not only lets me access my home PC remotely, but has several other helpful features. First, it’s easy because it works through a web browser… so anywhere I can get connected to the Internet, I can access my home computer. Additionally, if I find something I want to print – but am sure I’ll loose it on my way home from the conference or seminar – I can remotely print it to my home printer hooked up to my home PC. I’ll no longer have to upload and download things using my web hosting, but can transfer things directly between computers.

The New iPhone

I’m still waiting for my last 2-year contract to run out so I can upgrade my cell phone, and I’m almost glad I’ve had to wait. The upgrades included in the new iPhone are things I was really hoping would be included the first time around. Aside from the faster connection with 3G, it will save me from having to buy a GPS, as the new iPhone finds its location by both GPS and by cellular triangulation. One of my biggest concerns with eventually getting an iPhone is protecting it. I haven’t gotten much chance to play with one, but it seems like it might easily get banged around or scratched in my pocket. However, I have done some research on an iphone case alternative that protects it, so it should be OK. My contract comes due in February, so I’m hoping I’ll have a new phone then… who knows what could come out before the holidays though.

Auto Refinancing

RateGenius makes your auto refinance easier on your car, truck, or SUV. They claim to have a proprietary electronic document process to complete your refinance, to help you begin saving money almost immediately. Their lender network – a collection of prominent national lenders – allows them to find a lender that will provide you with the rate, term, and amount to fit your lifestyle. You can even get up to 60 days until your first payment. Best of all, we do not charge our customers for our refinancing service.