2010 Texas Sales Tax Holiday

It is that time of year again – the annual Texas sales tax holiday held in Texas each August in conjunction with Back-to-School.  The break in taxes was originally started due to the surpluses the state was showing.  A little give back to the people who had contibuted via taxes.  Many other states also enacted such plans.  However, most states are now fiscally constrained and the sales tax holidays are not as prevalent.  Fortunately for Texans, the state continues to be relatively prosperous and the tax break continues.  For most in the sate, that means a savings of 6.25% to 8.25% by not having to pay taxes (on necessary items like clothes, shoes, etc. under $100).  Many stores also help spur spending by offering great sales.  One thing I like about this week is that Groupon offered a nationwide Gap Groupon (a $50 gift card for only $25 – a 50% savings).  Adding in the tax savings, it will be $25 well spent.

 

The Subliminal Starbucks Message

Earlier in my career I remember Janet Mitchell (our CMO at SmartPrice.com) sharing with us a presentation about what Starbucks really sells – essence. Essence is the time we take to slow down. Essence is enjoying the cup of coffee. Essence is life. The point was taken and the concept was brilliant. Not only has it stuck with me, but I am constantly looking beyond what I do/buy/say and explore behind it.

One Friday I was sitting in my local Starbucks enjoying some essence and having discussions about business and life. Usually meetings like these last an hour or so and then it is off to (or back to) the office for work. This time, however, I headed home. When I got there, my middle daughter came to give me a hug, then turned to go back to her Barbie, but paused – “Daddy, you smell like coffee”, she said. Sure enough, I grabbed the sleeve of my shirt, took a whiff and it was as though I, myself, had just worked a shift as a barista. It wasn’t a bad smell, but it was enduring and aromatic.

That got me to thinking. Starbucks sells essence. They are also pushing the message to come in to Starbucks, relax, and stay awhile. Perhaps they know that they are infusing the olfaction siren into soon-to-be-walking billboards. People going back to offices or other public places emanating the coffee beacon. Preying on the unsuspecting. That may be a little far-fetched, but movie companies know a thing or two about the effect of smell and popcorn sales.

 

Getting Back to Even – Cramer

Some love him, some hate him; many have no idea who Jim Cramer is.  Mr. Cramer is an energetic, knowledgeable, pragmatic stock and investment aficionado.  Two years ago I read his book “Stay Mad” that highlighted conservative ways to get into the stock market and make money realistically.  Then a little thing called “The Great Recession” came along.  Though I was not heavily invested in the market, many took major hits to their long-built financial portfolios.  Cramer came out with a new book to address how to get square again – “Getting Back to Even”.  In it, he suggests ways to take advantage of depressed stock prices, but to be smart in evaluating those stocks to avoid getting caught up in the wrong mentality – greed.  The best advice I read (and will soon be putting to use) is to only own as many stocks as you can comfortably do one hour of research and homework on per week.  He says five is the typical amount.  I have recently subscribed to his daily TV show that is available on video podcast via the iTunes store.  Check him out.

 

Great Comfort Food in Richmond, VA

Our parent company for DealTaker.com is in Richmond, VA.  Our team was there the week before last and were treated to dinner at a local restaurant called Comfort on Broad Street.  The restaurant itself was homey and relaxing.  The home-cooked food was amazing.  From the Surrey Sausage for an appetizer to the mouth-watering pulled pork (I had the mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese for sides) to the chocolate mousse, every bite was awesome.  When in town there, definitely check it out.

 

Kstraw Walks AGAIN

I have been a little less public about my upcoming Avon Walk this year.  When I walked last year with the Affiliate Marketers Give Back Team I wanted to make sure I could keep up with that amazing group that was assembled.  Walking with Missy, Chris, Brook, Melissa, and Lynette was an awesome experience.  I was proud to support such a great cause and humbled by the giving spirit of our team.  Because I know better what to expect this time, and because many people have already graciously donated to the prior walk (and this one), I have focused more on the training and am trying new fundraising efforts.  This year the walk is in Chicago June 5-6, 2010.

To that end, this Saturday (5/29/2010), I am partnering with Jersey Mikes Sub Shop in Frisco/Plano and a portion of the proceeds from the 11-3 lunch hour will be donated to our cause.  I love their food and it is great that a business like this will partner with its patrons for charitable causes.  If you are in Dallas, please come by and help support this cause just by eating lunch (as you normally do).  In addition to the food, we will be giving away DealTaker.com t-shirts and other swag.  It will be a fun time.  If you have read this and cannot make it by, please consider a direct, tax-deductible donation – Avon Walk Chicago Kstraw - thank you for your support.

 

The BMW Welt is Amazing

When it comes to German automakers, I have always tended to appreciate Porsche more amongst the others.  Thanks to a friend of mine, and a visit to the Nurburgring in 2007, I have a strong fondness for the Porsche Cayman.  However, on my most recent trip to Munich, I found myself at the BMW Welt (BMW World – pronounced “BMV Velt” in German).  Just walking in and looking around is amazing (and that is free).  They have all the current cars and styles.  The building is an architectural wonder.  They show off their technology in an interactive way.  And there is even a guy that rides and does motorcycle stunts in the building as the patrons watch (rides through the building, up and down the stairs, quite surreal).

Within the building is also the delivery area for customers that come to the plant to pick up new vehicles.  The cars are delivered to the second floor via an elevator (right off the assembly line) where a specialist walks the new drivers through the amenities of the vehicle.

We lucked out and were also able to get into the BMW Factory Tour.  The cost is only 6 Euros and lasts a little over 2 hours.  We were able to get into an English speaking tour and the guide uses a microphone to communicate to headsets we all wear so nothing is missed.  We got to see steel being pressed into parts, robots assemble components, the paint shop, internal assembly, and the end of the line where the cards are finalized and tested.  It really is the epitome of German manufacturing.

While I still like the Porsche Cayman, I am now a BMW fan.  I don’t know that I will ever buy one, but I will always take a look at them.  Before, I saw BMW’s as an overstatement by those that probably could not afford them.  I now see them as well built machines – several of which I stood less than 100 feet from while being built.  The BMW Welt experience coupled with the plant tour shows that BMW has an end-to-end understanding of marketing and building customer engagement.

 

Valentine’s In Valentine, TX

In this month’s issue of the Texas Co-Op Power magazine there was a very interesting little snippet to use for Valentines Day. If you mail your valentines to their post office a few weeks beforehand, they will postmark them and mail them from Valentine, TX.  Just put your stamped and addressed cards into a larger envelope and mail to Valentine Post Office, Valentine, TX 79854-5400.

That reminds me to do a quick plug for my previous employer – CardsDirect. When I was there I had customized cards printed for my daughters to take to school. You can upload a picture and include a personalized valentines message.

 

My Column – Seven Tips For Saving When Shopping Online

One of the great things I get to do each week is write a column for Media General that gets published in multiple outlets in the SE United States.   This week’s column is good one for everyone to use.

KEVIN STRAWBRIDGE TIMES-DISPATCH COLUMNIST
Published: November 15, 2009

Ten years ago, online shopping was finally taking shape after a few years of experimentation. A few companies had ventured online to see if there was a new frontier to reach consumers, and a little company called Amazon.com was in its fifth year of selling books and diversifying into a broader range of products.

It was not the first time retailers tried to reach consumers beyond brick-and-mortar stores – catalogs had long offered the chance to shop from the comfort of home. But technology to make shopping easier was growing, and now anyone could go online, click from store to store and find products and services in a sea of Web pages.

But the Web lacks an overall organization of information, which can lead to wandering around. Today, with online shopping being a way of life, the key is navigating quickly through a wealth of information to find what you are looking for, at the best possible price, and for it to be delivered as soon as possible. Here are some suggestions:

• Step 1: Have a general idea of what you are seeking. If you know what you need, you are likely to stay focused and home in on the right item. Specific items are good, but you also can broaden searches to categories such as apparel, home, shoes, etc.

• Step 2: Use a search engine to narrow down ideas. Everyone knows Google, but other search sites exist and could lead to better choices. Check out Yahoo.com, Ask.com and Bing.com (Microsoft).

• Step 3: Look for deals; they are not always apparent. Narrowing your search by adding terms such as “coupons,” “promotional codes” and “deals” to your primary search terms can yield a wealth of savings.

• Step 4: Check the home pages of retailers. Sites like to show storewide offers on the home page but may not refer to them again at other parts of the site. This is where you may be able to find promotional codes for savings at checkout.

• Step 5: Pay attention to purchase details/requirements. Make sure you understand what is needed to get the best deal – “buy one, get one free” (BOGO’s), gifts with purchase, quantity price breaks, etc.

• Step 6: Be alert at checkout. If you did not do step 3 above and the site has a box that says “Promotion Code” or some other coupon input, open a new browser tab, go to a search engine and do a search for that store name and the term used on the site (e.g. Buy.com and Promotion Code).

• Step 7: Always look for free-shipping offers. Other alternatives include shipping to a local store for pickup or shipping directly to a recipient to save the cost of reshipping (many retailers offer gift wrapping and split shipments). This is a great way to save.

Online shopping is a great way to save time and money. Use the medium for its primary strength – information. Consumers today are more informed than at any other time in history. That knowledge is the best advantage to have when shopping.

Along the way, you may find other steps. Share those with me and your friends so everyone can save.

---

“King of Koupons” Kevin Strawbridge is president of DealTaker.com, an online shopping Web site owned by Media General that collects and shares online coupons and deals. E-mail KingofKoupons@gmail.com or follow @dealtaker on Twitter.

 

The Great State of Cabana

As I have done from time to time on this blog, I recount customer service experiences (good or bad) to highlight companies that either get it or don’t. This time, it is Taco Cabana (a place I have enjoyed for close to 20 years now – OK, now I feel a bit older). This particular location was in Frisco, TX.

Craving TC’s queso (it is real cheese, unlike others who are less than cheese), we drove thru last night to pick up some dinner to take home. We placed our order and were given a large single bag of multiple items. I never seem to learn to check my order at the window and usually face the consequences. We get home and the one thing missing from the order is the bowl of 8 oz. queso. I figured “oh well” and called the number on the receipt to just ask them to refund me the amount for the missing item and avoid driving all the way back over there. However, noone answered the phone. At that point, I decided I might as well go back and get the queso and ask for a discount for the trouble.

When I get there, the assistant manager was receptive to fulfilling the order, but confounded me when I suggested it would have saved us both a hassle had someone just answered the phone. He responded by saying “we don’t answer the phone between 6-8. We need to focus on the customers”. Not really the answer I expected – I was a customer and my order apparently did not get the “focus”. So, I saw this as two negatives – not handling the initial order correctly and not answering the phone to help a customer.

Luckily the manager was there and she quickly suggested not only fulfilling the order correctly, but also providing a full refund for the order. I did not expect the latter (a “nice to have” would have been a refund for the item and then a complimentary order of queso). Therefore, Taco Cabana went above and beyond and has now successfully retained me as a customer. This ended up being a bad initial experience with a good ending.

 

Avon Walk ’09 Over – Personal Video Here

Awesome!