Thursday, May 20, 2010

Customs Agency VS Moving Companies

If you have to move to another country you will have to contact the customs agency yourself. this way you know what fees you will be charged and can register your car in the new company.

Calling a moving company to find out what the fees will be and how to register your car in the USA will not get you any ware but directed to call Customs and/or the DMV.

Well, you will also probably get frustrated.

Due to Canadian law, US moving companies generally Can Not move you from Canada into the USA. I think it has something to do with taking work/money from the country, but don't quote me on that.

If you don't want to run around, or be run around, the best bet would probably be to contact the customs agency or either your country and/or the one you are moving to and deal directly with them. Then after, or while you are getting that information you should contact a moving company near you if you are planing to move your household goods.

Because contacting a moving company at your destination is a whole 'nother can of worms.

Canadian Customs

USA Customs & Border Protection

USA Department of Motor Vehicles

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Customers and the word No.

Telling a customer ‘no’. Some people dream of this day, others not so much. Then there are people in professions who absolutely dread even the thought of telling a customer ‘no’. That’s because a lot of companies have a ‘never say no’ policy. Or even worse ‘the customer is always right’ policy. Or because it sometime easier not putting up a fight and giving the customer what they want and when they want it at your companies expense.

Most customers do not like being told ‘no’.

Whether or not this is caused by the ‘get it now’ existence some are lucky enough to live or from children being raised to be the center of the universe… Customers just don’t like to be told that they cannot have what they believe is their due.

Personally I try for a method of saying ‘no’ that implies ‘you have my complete condolences but sadly that there really isn’t anything that can be done’ to the customer. Note that trying and succeeding are very far apart but fortunately if it gets to this point my voice can sound as if they have put the fear of god into me. I will generally sacrifice my dignity over the phone to have an easier time going about saying ‘no’.

But sometimes you get the more… determined customers will ask (see: demand) to talk with a supervisor, manager or even owner to get their way. This can be easier to deal with as it’s no longer on your head if they tell the customer ‘no’. Sometimes it can even be therapeutic when after your boss finishes talking with them, they agree that you were right in sending the customer their way.

Unfortunately if you ever get comfortable saying ‘no’… then you could be in for a whole lot of trouble. It is a double edged sword that should be wielded with caution.

Monday, May 10, 2010

About Me.

This is just a quick run-down of why I'm writing this Blog.

In the past I have worked in a factory setting and once with a parcel delivery service. 'Eye opening' doesn't even begin to describe working with some of the people that I worked with. But at that time there was little contact with customers out side of an order. Probably a good thing.

Currently I'm working as an Receptionist/Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep. Not always in that order and not always as cut & dry as it sounds.

Actually it's never as cut & dry as it sounds. Ever.

This Blog is about the things I learned, experienced or should have feared in dealing with the working world. Experiences range from the simple things to the not-so simple.

Most are stories on dealing with customers with the occasional 'how it works' or 'how it doesn't work' type segments. These will mainly be on planing, cost and possibly haggling in the business world.

There will also be some advice on dealing with upset customers. The customers will range from 'just a little put out' to 'screaming profanities'. Unfortunately most of it was learned during trial & error... So... Caution will be advised.

Actually, when dealing with the working world, caution is always advised.