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Airline Customer Service - A New Morality Tale For Businesses Large And Small
By Charles Cooper
There really does come a time when, as a pair of trains are getting close to each other and picking up speed, that you know you should turn away, or at least wince meaningfully, in anticipation of the crash and explosion of flames and flying metal that you know is just moments away. You know you should, a part of you wants to, but you cannot turn away.
That is the feeling that I have these days as I watch the airline industry. There they are, flying along with absolute, reckless abandon and it is just a matter of time before they hit something. I am not sure what they will hit-reregulation, economic reality, unlooked-for competition from upstart airship companies-but I do know that when they hit it, it will be spectacular.
So what is fueling all this talk of crashing trains and dire predictions vis-à-vis the airlines? Two words: Customer Service.
Any good businessman understands one thing-if he understands nothing else-that customer service is vitally important to the continued survival of a company. In fact, ask any small business owner the secret of his success and the answer will usually have something to do with customer service. You can have the greatest product in the world, but if you don't work on customer service-making the customer's experience as good as it can be-then you are not going to sell very much. If a recent survey from the University of Michigan is correct, this seems to be a lesson lost on the majority of airline executives these days. In fact, with the lowest scores since 2001, this is the worst of three straight years of decline.
The worst in terms of customer satisfaction were United Airlines and US Airways, finishing next-to-last and last, respectively. Continental and US Airways had the largest overall decline with double digit percentage drops. At the other end of the spectrum, Southwest remained on top, a position it has enjoyed for the last 15 years.
What's Wrong?
The problem is about living up to expectations. According to Claes Fornell, a University of Michigan business professor and the director of the research center that compiled the data, "There's no other industry anywhere that has so many basic mishaps in terms of not delivering the basics. They're supposed to deliver passengers with their luggage to a particular destination within a certain timeframe, and they frequently fail to do that."
Unhappiness with the airlines is nothing new, but the terrible results from this year's survey have put the spotlight on management in spite of the problems of higher fuel prices, crowded airports and other factors that are legitimately out of their control.
The Low-cost Business Model
Unlike many other goods and services, airline passengers shop primarily according to price. This leads to a business model where cost-cutting to allow reduced fares is simply more practical than a model that supports improvements in service and amenities that would help justify more realistic ticket prices. While this may seem like a case of blaming the victim, one must remember that the airlines are very sensitive to why people fly on certain flights and carriers and why they don't and the choice usually comes down to price. However, while this may be the seed of the problem, it does not excuse airline management for some terrible lapses that have made the existing systemic problems worse.
Fees, Fees and More Fees
The airlines have learned that cut-throat price-cutting on tickets often means that the throat being cut is their own. After all, you do reach a point of diminishing returns and you have to make up lost income somewhere else. There are two ways of doing that: honestly and openly or under the table. In-flight meals were curtailed on many flights and soon other amenities either vanished or were assigned fees (remember when you got your earphones for free?). Once those things happened and the pressure of unrealistically low airfares was not eased, under the table tactics was the way the airline executives chose to go. This explains why such a big part of the outrage that travelers are feeling toward the airline industry comes from the hidden cost of travel, the unadvertised fees that take the bloom off the bargain ticket prices. Aviation.com and airfarewatchdog.com worked together to come up with the "Top 10 Most Obnoxious Hidden Airline Fees." According to the results on Aviation.com, they include:
10. Making a reservation on the phone or in person. Fee: $5-$20. US Airways is among the greediest on this count: $10 to book over the phone, or $20 to book at the airport or at a city ticket office (if you can find one). Can it possibly cost US Airways that much for a simple 10-minute call? Surely the airline doesn't pay its reservationists that much. United levies $15 for the privilege of speaking to a human. American, JetBlue, and Southwest $10 (for internet-only fares in Southwest's case, but we're told Southwest does make exceptions). Northwest and Virgin America charge just $5.
9. Cashing in frequent flyer miles without sufficient advance notice. Fee: $0-100. Who says frequent flyer tickets are free? Some airlines will let you book a frequent-flyer seat even up to the day of travel with no fee. These include Airtran, JetBlue, Northwest and Southwest. But others (Continental, Delta, and United) charge $75 if you book without enough notice (defined as 3 days on Continental but an unreasonable 22 days on Delta); and American charges an insane $100 if you book 6 days or fewer before departure.
8. Bringing a pet onboard in the cabin. Fee: $50-85 (each way). These fees have skyrocketed lately. Muffy and Buffy won't be ringing the call button for a glass of milk, and they won't be carrying bags or imposing on the airline's bottom line in any way; but their fare might end up costing more than yours. Most airlines now charge $80 each way. On United you'll pay $85, on JetBlue 'just' $50.
7. Re-banking frequent flyer miles. Fee: $50-100. If you cash in your miles and decide not to use your ticket, you'll be hit with a fee to place the miles back into your account. Why? What cost exactly is involved here on the airlines' part? These tickets are issued electronically, so what's the big deal?
6. Checking luggage. Fee: $3-$25 (each way). We're talking here just about checking even one bag, even if they're not oversized or overweight (that's a whole other story). Spirit Airlines charges $5 for each of the first two bags if paid for online, $10 each otherwise. The third bag costs a whopping $100, more if it's oversized or overweight. Skybus also charges $5 for the first two, and $50 for each additional. Allegiant charges $3 for the first, $5 for the second. Air Canada gives you a discount for not checking baggage, which is a sneaky way of charging you if you do. It's not like the airlines are giving us bigger overhead bins, so that's the big idea here? Don't be surprised if you see other airlines following suit.
5. Getting a refund when a fare goes down. Fee: $25 to $200 or more. If you bought a TV from Costco or BestBuy and they lowered the price the following week, chances are you could get a refund, no questions asked. Even Apple gave credits when it dropped the price of its iPhone soon after launching it. But most airlines either will refund nothing (British Airways and most other international carriers) or they'll charge an 'administrative fee' of up to $100 on a domestic ticket, and even more on an international one. What justifies this? Does it actually cost them $100 to spend a few minutes to rewrite your electronic ticket? I doubt it.
4. Flying standby on the same day of travel. Fee: $0-50. Time was, if there were empty seats on a later or earlier flight on the same day as your original, the airline would confirm you for free. But now, most airlines charge to take an earlier or later flight on the same day as your original flight if you want a confirmed seat (you can still take your chances on many airlines and standby without a confirmation for free, but that's not the same thing). Only AirTran, among the larger airlines, charges no fee if you show up at the airport before your original departure and wish to take an earlier flight, or ask to change to a later departure. American, Continental, JetBlue, Northwest, and US Air charge $25; Delta (always the fee leader) and United sock you for $50. Southwest is a different animal altogether: there's no fee to fly standby as such, but you'll have to pay the 'walk up' last minute fare, which could be hundreds of dollars more than your original discount fare
3. Paying for lap children. Fee: $10 to 10 percent of the adult fare (international flights). What on earth is the meaning of this? Your kid isn't taking up a seat, and certainly isn't partaking of the free food and booze (if any). Is the little tyke responsible for consuming extra jet fuel? On a fare of say, $1,200, you'll be billed $120 or more for the privilege of holding the child in your lap for 10 hours (on a business class fare of, say, $5,000 you'll pay $500). Domestically, Skybus, never to miss the chance to line its pockets, charges a $10 'administrative fee' for lap children. Is that to compensate for the oxygen your infant will be breathing during the flight? By the way, if there's a fuel surcharge on your flight, your kiddie will pay that too: as much as $90 each way.
2. Getting a seat assignment. Fee: $5-$11 each way. Air Canada, AirTran and Allegiant are some of the carriers that now charge for this 'perk.' AirTran charges $5 if you're on a discounted coach ticket; Allegiant charges $11. AirTran charges $15 if you want to grab an exit-row seat and Northwest recently upped the charge from $15 to $20 (but I still think it's worth it).
1. Using the lavatory. Fee: OK, airlines are not installing pay toilets. Yet. But the way things are going...
Sure, that last may be a prediction, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility. Add these and other fees to the fact that the Airlines have, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inspector General, failed to live up to the commitments they made in 1999 to improve customer service-low fares, a decent level of service, treating people right-and you can see how customer satisfaction can take a real hit.
Crowds, Delays, and Maintenance Issues
It is a rare thing to see an empty terminal at a major airport in this country and it is a rarer thing these days to see an empty seat on an aircraft. Many airlines are cutting back on the number of flights they offer and stuffing their remaining flights to capacity. It goes back to the forces that drive airline tickets down: The less you charge per seat, the more seats you need to break even. This, of course, makes the flight experience, which was once such a luxury regardless of what class seat you had, into something more akin to pigs stuffed into a railcar. This trend has led to other problems as well, including delays for the additional luggage on each flight, lost bags and so forth.
One reason for these cutbacks is fuel, but there is another reason as well-maintenance. America's airliners are not exactly new. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that the average age of a commercial aircraft in the U.S. is 11.7 years. That is the average. Some are considerably younger and others are much older. Older planes are not, in and of themselves dangerous, but they do tend to require more maintenance than newer aircraft. Consider that the modern airliner is, perhaps, the most complex machine ever built with numerous structures, systems and subsystems, most of which can have an effect of the airworthiness of the aircraft.
The major problem here was identified by Consumer Reports in their investigation entitled "An Accident Waiting to Happen?" which detailed the way major airlines were outsourcing more than half of their repair and maintenance activities, often to foreign repair stations. However, to make matters worse, they discovered that the FAA was relying on the airlines themselves to inspect the aircraft. That, and a very cozy relationship between the airlines and the FAA made for a dangerous situation for the flying public and an expensive problem for the airlines.
For example, on March 6, 2008, the FAA levied a record $10.2 million penalty against Southwest Airlines. The reason was maintenance failures. They had operated 46 aircraft without performing mandatory inspections on the fuselage for fatigue cracking. The FAA's investigations found fatigue cracks in 6 of the 46 airplanes, which could have proven disastrous. Later, the FAA launched a review of Southwest's maintenance practices. At the same time, Southwest grounded 41 airliners to verify that they had been inspected correctly in response to an "ambiguity related to required testing" that they had discovered. More recently, American Airlines and Delta inspected more than 400 of their respective aircraft, canceling more than 700 flights.
The Bottom Line: Resentment
Consider the following comment, found on consumerist.com:
Airlines seem to have been waging a war of attrition on the whole idea of customer service for the last 20 or 30 years. When it gets to the point that it's less painful to take two days to drive across the country with all of horrors of inflated gas prices, fast food, nothing on the radio but Rush Limbaugh and country music, and the state of Nebraska, you know something is terribly, terribly wrong.
The author of this comment is right, there is something terribly wrong-not just with a single airline but with the entire industry and their captive audience, the flying public, is getting sick and tired of it. With every new cut or fee, the airlines cry "poverty" and yet United was one of the top 10 most profitable companies for the first quarter of 2008. The airlines (with the notable exception of Southwest) have, in their drive to squeeze every last dollar from their customers, forgotten that business is more than that. It is about building a mutually beneficial relationship with customers that keeps them coming back. There was once a time when people had brand-loyalty to airlines the way they had with cars and other products. You had people like my parents who would only fly United; others would only fly American, or Delta or Continental. Those days are gone.
What are you doing to keep your customers? How are you enhancing their experience and turning them from "one-timers" into repeat business? The lesson of the airlines, an industry that once enjoyed tremendous prestige and has now become one of the most despised, is that without a concerted effort to create repeat customers, to create a great customer experience, you soon change from being the solution to a problem to being the problem itself.
Which one would you like to be?
Charles Cooper is the Web Editor and blogger for http://www.gowithabc.com, the Web site for America's Best Companies. He is also a staff writer for America's Best: The Magazine for Small Business Owners.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Charles_Cooper/190976
http://EzineArticles.com/?Airline-Customer-Service---A-New-Morality-Tale-For-Businesses-Large-And-Small&id=1208057
Bathroom Remodeling: Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom
By Michael Orehowsky
It doesn't matter whether you have a big home or a small home. Your bathroom is one of the rooms you should invest in as many luxurious fixtures and amenities as you can.
Why A Bathroom is Worth Going Big
The bathroom can be a haven, a place where you take long soaks in the tub at the end of tiring days at work. Reason enough why a bathroom remodel is one of the best things you can do for you and your home.
On top of that, bathroom remodeling gives you an 80% to 90% return on investment should you ever decide to sell your home. Whether it's a partial upgrade or a complete overhaul, a bathroom remodel is one worthwhile project you should seriously consider investing in.
Deciding on the Scope of Your Bathroom Remodeling Project
The minute you start on your bathroom remodeling project, it can result in either one of two things: you'll have that gleaming, tiled paradise of a bathroom you've always wanted to have or you'll end up having a half-assembled mess of old and new bathroom fixtures. To prevent the second scenario, you should decide on the scope of your bathroom remodeling project before you start anything.
Based on your budget, the span of time you have, and the size of your bathroom and its current state, you have several options for remodeling your bathroom:
- Option 1. Do a surface-level bathroom remodeling. This is an option when your bathroom fixtures, the knobs on the faucets and such, are still in good condition but your bathtub and/or your shower stall is looking a little shabby. When that's the case, a surface-level bathroom remodeling can give you the feel of a whole new bathroom, without the price tag. It's a great project to take on if you don't have the budget for a complete overhaul just yet. The rule of thumb to follow here is, "Cover, don't replace." Replacement adds to the time and costs of a remodel because you're paying to have what's there already removed. Covering uses the structure of what's already there and simply gives it a new face. Some of the not-so-pricey items you need to invest in when doing a surface-level bathroom remodeling include prefabricated shower units, bathtub or shower liners, bathtub refinishing, and easy-to-install wainscoting.
- Option 2. Change the layout of your bathroom. Similar to how you sometimes rearrange the placement of furniture in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom to give it a new feel, you can rearrange the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom. This project is a bit more difficult to take on than a surface-level remodel. Bathroom fixtures such as the sink, shower stall, bathtub, and cabinets are not easily moved, and will require the services of a licensed plumber, a carpenter, and possibly an electrician. However, once the professionals are done, you can save a little money by rearranging things like towel racks and bars, shelves, trash cans, and miscellaneous bath accessories yourself. There will be a bigger change to the overall look of your bathroom once you're finished.
- Option 3. Be American - Make your bathroom bigger.If you're feeling patriotic, and have the space to spare, you can extend the area of your toilet and bath. It's as American as apple pie. If you only have a shower stall, you can tear down a non-load-bearing wall and give yourself a proper bathtub. If you already have a bathtub, punch out some closet space from the next room, and give yourself a whirlpool tub. Whatever size bathroom you've got, there are always options for going bigger. (A sauna maybe...?)
- Option 4. A complete bathroom overhaul. If nothing else is going to do it for you, there's always the final option of a complete overhaul of your existing bathroom. Tear everything out, right down to the bear studs, and completely redo the space. Of the bathroom remodeling projects we've discussed, this is potentially the most tedious, the most expensive and the most disruptive to you and your family. However, if done properly, you can create a perfect place for you to escape your everyday, and add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.
Factors to Consider When Remodeling Your Bathroom
After you've determined the size and scope of the bathroom remodeling project you're going to take on, there are several things you're going to need to contend with before work can even begin:
- Your remodeling budget Life is full of the unexpected. That's why most people have an emergency fund. Too often people look at the money sitting in their emergency fund and decide to include it in their remodeling budget. This is a mistake. Remodeling projects are a favorite for Murphy 's Law. If you decide to invest your emergency fund in your remodeling project, you all but guarantee something will go wrong in the middle of the project that'll drain that fund and leave you with a half re-finished bathroom. If you don't have the funds for a complete bathroom remodel in your account right now, settle for something less ambitious that you can afford and still improve the look of your bathroom. You don't want to have to stop the contractor from coming in your house when the project's only half way done because you no longer have the funds to pay for labor.
- Designing to YOUR dream bathroom This has more to do with design than anything else, but it is the foundation on which the rest of your decisions will depend. To help yourself through this process, go through the following mental exercise. Close your eyes. Picture your dream house: the lawn, the fence, the windows, the door. In your mind's eye, walk through the door, up the stairs, through the master bedroom and into your perfect bathroom. Now this is your dream house. Your idea of a perfect bathroom is completely up to you. For you, a great bathroom may be simple; a bathroom with gleaming, all-white surfaces and brass for all the fixtures. On the other hand, it could be something more chic, like your own personal spa. The point is, the idea for this perfect bathroom is yours, and yours alone. Everyone else involved in the project from this point forward should be focused on giving you your vision, not theirs. Whatever scope of project you've chosen to undertake, the end should be as close to your dream as it can be.
- The materials to be used The choice of materials for your bathroom remodeling project will be driven by your budget and the remodeled look you want your bathroom to have. You can choose the color, design, and type of materials used for the bathroom's countertops, faucets, flooring, shower, sink, and other parts. Whether you're hiring a contractor or doing the bathroom remodeling yourself, you have the final say as homeowner on the materials to be used for the project, but a lot will be dictated by your budget. Even though you may want travertine marble, be prepared to compromise. Porcelain tiles can look pretty good when you're staring at your bottom line.
A Final Word About Bathroom Remodeling
All in all, the success of a bathroom remodeling project boils down to planning. As long as you know what your budget limitations are and the scope of the remodeling project, there's no reason you can't have that tiled, cool, gleaming haven of a bathroom you've always wanted.
Michael Orehowsky was all but born to be a plumber. His father, Mike Sr., began his career as a professionally licensed plumber in 1986, when Mike was four years old. Growing up, Mike learned from his father the keys to running a successful plumbing company in Northern Virginia: Take care of your customers, and be true to your word.
In 2004, Mike joined his father in business and in 2006, they founded 4FastPlumber together out of their Woodbridge, Virginia home. With Mike's mother, Susan, running the office, Mike and his father worked together over the next four years to grow 4FastPlumber into one of Northern Virginia's leading plumbing companies. Starting as a basic plumbing service company, the father and son team grew the company into comprehensive plumbing and drain, able to tackle even the largest of plumbing jobs, including sewer service installation, maintenance and repair.
In 2010, in recognition of his leadership and drive to succeed, Mike Sr. stepped aside and passed control of the company over to his son.
You can read more of Mike's plumbing and drain tips on his blog [http://virginiaplumber.info/] or find him on Facebook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michael_Orehowsky/1042012
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bathroom-Remodeling:-Things-to-Consider-Before-You-Remodel-Your-Bathroom&id=6232242
Outdoor Woodworking Projects - Tips For Planning Your Next Outdoor Woodworking Project
By T L Warrington
It is of no doubt that outdoor woodworking projects have a certain appeal to them that may attract many woodworkers. While the ideas may be endless and the inspiration constantly arriving, the process of actually building the project can easily become overwhelming and frustrating if you try to undertake the task without informative guidance.
One thing to consider of course is not only which materials you use, but the price of materials you choose to use. Lumber expenses are already somewhat high, but your projected project budget will need to be increased by quite a bit if you plan on using woods such as redwood or cedar, which generally have nice finishes for the outdoor woodworking projects. Using these expensive woods though has a drawback though, since a single wrong move (whether it's cutting a piece too short or at the wrong angle) can drastically increase the cost of your project. Luckily, there are products and services that exist solely to keep you informed on the proper techniques to use in order to avoid those mistakes.
Since outdoor woodworking projects differ so greatly in comparison to the indoor variety, it is doubly important that you match the specs just right. Any project that is to be kept outdoors is subject not only to the occasional wear and tear, but also weather effects such as extreme temperatures, raining, and snowing if you live in that type of climate. If the nuts and joints aren't attached just right, then the expansion or contraction that takes place in high heat or cold weather could possibly fracture the woods.
Because of these dangers, make sure that the plans you are looking for take these factors into account. Other important things to remember when selecting your outdoor woodworking projects and their associated plans do exist though. For example, you will want to ensure that you have a large variety of projects to choose from. Some good ideas include benches, bird-feeders, garden rows, and others. Once you've selected your project, make sure you have the necessary tools. Also make sure that your plans have easy, simply to understand instructions. Outdoor projects require a lot more finesse than indoor because of the aforementioned conditions, so skipping or cutting corners simply because an instruction is difficult to understand could be disastrous.
Find out how to download literally thousands of the best woodworking projects and plans for mere pennies each by clicking here. ---> Outdoor Woodworking Projects [http://www.OUTDOORWOODWORKINGPROJECTS.INFO]
Learn more woodworking tips at our Woodworking Carpentry website. In addition to carpentry ideas, you will find hundreds of woodworking ideas to get the ideas flowing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/T_L_Warrington/364227
http://EzineArticles.com/?Outdoor-Woodworking-Projects---Tips-For-Planning-Your-Next-Outdoor-Woodworking-Project&id=4597082
Cabinet Refacing Cost Compared to New Replacement Cabinets
By Dwayne Richard
Cabinet refacing can be performed in both residential and commercial settings. All cabinetry can be refaced (wood, laminate, thermofoil, even MDF). Worn, outdated cabinetry can be easily transformed to rich cherry, maple, hickory, pecan and alder cabinetry in a variety of door styles and finishes including paints, glazes and distressed finishes. Cabinet refacing will transform any outdated kitchen into a modern, custom looking kitchen at half the cost of new cabinets.
The refacing process involves replacing the old doors and drawer fronts with new full overlay doors and drawer fronts for a modern, updated look. Four and six-lite doors are also available to accommodate glass inserts. In some instances specialty glass, such as stained glass, can be reused in the new doors. Cabinet boxes usually remain in place, which is environmentally friendly and preserves existing countertops. Home and business owners often have expensive granite or solid surface countertops that they want to preserve. However, preserving existing countertops is often not an option when installing new replacement cabinetry.
During the cabinet refacing process, matching genuine wood veneer is applied to the exterior cabinet frames. Wood veneer is very expensive and has been used in the production of fine wood furniture and musical instruments for hundreds of years and will last many years. To ensure proper adhesion of the wood veneer, the cabinet frames are thoroughly cleaned and abraded and commercial waterborne adhesive is applied to both surfaces, to the wood veneer and the cabinet frames. Request your refacing contractor to use an environmentally friendly, low-VOC waterborne adhesive to reduce the odor and fire risks associated with solvent-based adhesives. As a final step in the veneering process, the three-quarter inch interior cabinet frame lips are painted with coordinating commercial paint to seal the edges of the wood veneer and to provide a professional look - make sure your refacing contractor includes this important step.
Since cabinet frames are the least attractive part of cabinets, when refacing it is important to use full overlay doors and drawer fronts. The overlay affects how much of the cabinet frame remains showing after the new doors and drawer fronts are installed. Full overlay means that there is very little cabinet frame showing around each door and drawer front (one-quarter to three-eighths inch compared to two inches with standard overlay doors and drawer fronts) creating a modern, seamless appearance to the refaced cabinetry. In addition, exposed end panels, including oversized refrigerator, island and peninsula panels, are covered with matching quarter-inch flat wood panels or three-quarter inch solid wood, full overlay decorative panels for a custom, high end look.
Most of the features available in new cabinetry are also available in cabinet refacing. Concealed soft close hinges, replacement drawer boxes and rollout trays with full-extension soft close glides, blind corner pivoting lazy susans and full-extension soft close trashcan units are just a few of the many features available in cabinet refacing. To further customize the refacing project, solid wood trim, including upper crown molding, light valance (lower crown molding), corbels, table legs and bead board, can be added to the refacing project. Following are many of the standard features included in cabinet refacing projects:
1) Full overlay, solid wood doors and drawer fronts (avoid less expensive, standard overlay, vinyl and thermofoil doors and drawer fronts, if possible)
2) Concealed soft close door hinges
3) Matching genuine wood veneer for the cabinet frames
4) Matching quarter-inch wood end panels and kick plates
5) Matching solid wood trim including decorative base molding for exposed lower panels
6) New cabinet hardware (knobs, handles and pulls)
7) Commercial silicone bumpers to protect the new doors and drawer fronts
8) Disposal of the old doors, drawer fronts and trim
As a bonus, certain U.S. cabinet manufacturers also offer replacement doors, drawer fronts and trim in addition to new cabinetry, which allows home and business owners to add new cabinetry to their refacing project. A new utility or pantry unit, a new pullout trash unit, a new all-drawer unit, or even all new 42-inch upper wall cabinets can be easily added to the refacing project. The new cabinetry is usually installed during the five day refacing process. Best of all, your friends will think you spent thousands more than you did!
Cabinet Solutions serves Greater St. Louis, Southern Illinois and surrounding areas. In addition to cabinet refacing, Cabinet Solutions offers several lines of American-made, solid wood replacement cabinetry. Visit our website at http://www.cabinetsolutions-stl.com, or call 314-305-0976 for a free consultation. Let Cabinet Solutions make your dream a reality!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dwayne_Richard/1897971
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cabinet-Refacing-Cost-Compared-to-New-Replacement-Cabinets&id=8491977
Do You Need a Maid Service or Commercial Cleaning Company?
By Alex Pupkin
Keeping your company offices clean is an important aspect of running a business. Whether you operate a small, local business or you manage a retail giant, cleanliness is critical to maintaining and growing your business. Would you want to do business with a company that can't even maintain its offices or work spaces? As you can see, keeping things clean is crucial to your company's success. Many small business owners rely on a local maid service for weekly or monthly office cleanings while larger, commercial businesses will likely hire a commercial cleaning company for more extensive (and generally expensive) cleaning. So, do you need a maid service or a commercial cleaning company?
First, let's take a moment to try to understand commercial cleaning. Local maid services generally offer basic services which include vacuuming, dusting, bathroom cleaning, and wiping of work surfaces. You can usually schedule a maid as frequently as you see fit, but maid cleaning will usually be limited to the most basic tasks. On the other hand, a larger, commercial cleaning company will offer you a wide range of janitorial services. From washing and polishing floors to carpet and upholstery cleaning, and even changing light bulbs, removing trash and recycling, and responding to emergency cleaning needs, commercial companies do it all when it comes to cleaning.
Ultimately, you need to take some time to explore your own cleaning needs. A professional janitorial company will be able to review your offices or work spaces and recommend some of the cleaning tasks that you will need. Moreover, commercial cleaners offer a complete and all-encompassing cleaning package whereas a maid service will offer fewer services. Still, while you need to consider your cleaning needs, you also need to consider your budget. So if you are operating a small office and all you really need is some light cleaning to keep things in check, a maid service might be best for you. On the other hand, if you have more advanced cleaning needs, you should hire a commercial cleaning company.
Just remember, before you hire a commercial cleaner, you should take some time to clearly define and outline your expectations. Will you need cleaning staff present during the day or only after hours? How often would you like the recycling removed? Do you want your cleaners to focus on the inside of your offices, or do you have external cleaning needs as well? When you hire commercial cleaners you have a lot more flexibility to define your cleaning needs, the cleaning schedule, and any special considerations that need to be made. Most likely, regardless of the size of your company, you can benefit from the extensive cleaning services offered by commercial cleaners.
Integrated Property Maintenance is Vancouver's leading janitorial service provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Alex_Pupkin/464140
http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-You-Need-a-Maid-Service-or-Commercial-Cleaning-Company?&id=8423453
Concrete Vs Pavers
By Cory Grant
Poured concrete is the most common material used for outdoor spaces and offers the advantage of a durable surface with plenty of design options to match any landscape. Pavers are individual pieces that could have an interlocking or square-edged design and can be made of different materials such as pre-cast concrete, bricks, stone slabs, or cobbles. Pavers are used as an alternative to concrete in paving driveways, patios, walkways and other exterior areas.
Cost and Installation
The cost per square foot of concrete is lower than any type of pavers, making it a more affordable paving material. Concrete also offers savings on labour costs and time because its installation is relatively easier than installing pavers, which require tedious site preparation as the base must be packed extremely well so the pieces will not settle.
Visual Appeal
Without question, pavers look a lot better than a plain grey concrete paving. The colours and texture of pavers exhibit natural charm. The great thing is concrete is such a versatile material that many techniques can be done to it to completely transform its appearance. Being able to resemble real pavers is just one of the effects that can be achieved with concrete, without the price tag of pavers. Concrete can be stamped, stained, engraved, scored, stencilled, and embedded with stones, to name a few possibilities.
Maintenance
Concrete slabs are practically maintenance-free, especially if they are sealed which makes the surface impervious to all kinds of spills and stains. With pavers, the material itself is also low maintenance but the spaces between each piece often need regular care because weeds, grass and moss will grow in these joints. Aside from regularly removing weeds before they infest the area, the owner should also watch out for shifting pavers and cracks on mortared pavers. Brick and concrete pavers are also susceptible to stains. The gravel or sand in between the joints
Durability
Concrete slabs are significantly more durable than pavers but ground movement greatly affects concrete, making it more prone to cracking if the soil underneath it becomes unstable although its surface will still remain flat. Pavers, however, will not crack when the ground settles because the settling will affect individual units. However, they could become tripping hazards when some of the pavers shift up as a result of ground movement.
Repair and Replacement
This is where pavers have an advantage over concrete. Since pavers consist of separate units, if a couple of pavers get damaged, you just take out those pieces and replace them with new ones - easy and not expensive. It's the opposite with concrete if the slab suffers severe damage and calls for replacement. The whole slab would have to be removed and a new concrete surface installed. Such a problem can be greatly avoided by hiring a professional concrete contractor to do your concrete work to ensure quality base prep and concrete installation. Also, do note that concrete replacement is always the last resort and is done only when the structure is no longer sound. Cosmetic problems on the concrete's surface can be repaired or the concrete resurfaced at reasonable cost.
Combining Pavers and Concrete
As you can see, concrete and pavers have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you're having a hard time deciding which to use, why not combine them? Concrete makes a great base for pavers. Laying pavers over concrete will eliminate problems with pavers moving out of place and creating uneven surfaces. Consult with a professional concrete contractor to explore this option.
Cory Grant is a second generation Decorative Concrete Professional. He is an enthusiast and enjoys sharing his knowledge on what he learns in the industry with other professionals and those who are seeking advice for their Decorative Concrete Project.
Take the time to visit his site http://www.affordableconcrete.co.nz and visit his blog to keep up to date with all the latest stuff happening in the industry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Cory_Grant/379348
http://EzineArticles.com/?Concrete-Vs-Pavers&id=3769165
Why Granite Countertops?
By Michael Dahan
When choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen, bathroom or bar area, you have a wide variety of choices. And a wide variety of price points! Educating yourself on the options and their costs - both initial investment and lifetime value; will be an effort most worthwhile. In this article, we will outline the various options, and show you how granite can be a high-value option, without the high price.
Laminate Countertops
Let's start with laminate. Laminate countertops are your basic, low cost countertops. Typically made of a plastic laminate material glued to a pressed wood surface, laminate countertops offer a seemingly limitless array of color and pattern options. Today's laminate can even mimic the look of natural stone with photographic representations of granite, and edges that are similar in style to those you see on natural stone countertops. But because laminate is the lowest priced countertop option, it has its limitations. Laminate is easily damaged, and not easily repaired. Knives and other sharp objects can scratch or gouge laminate, and heat from hot pans and dishes can scorch or bubble its surface. Since laminate is like a veneer, there is no room to buff out damage. Laminate countertops will not last a lifetime, either. You should expect to need to replace laminate within 10 to 15 years.
Solid Surface Countertops
Next we have synthetic solid surface countertops. The most widely known solid surface countertop product is Corian. Solid surface countertops are composed primarily of plastics with flecks of glass, plastic and other materials to provide color and pattern variations. While solid surface countertops do not look like natural stone, the do provide a seamless look. Because solid surface countertops can be custom fabricated to near any size and specification, long or oddly shaped countertop areas can be covered with one solid piece. Solid surface countertops are scratch and scorch- resistant, and can be repaired if damaged. Many people believe that solid surface countertops are a 'step below' granite from an aesthetic perspective, and therefore its pricing may surprise you. Pricing for solid surface countertops; starting at about $40 per linear foot; is actually higher than many granite styles!
Quartz Countertops
Somewhere in between natural stone and synthetic countertops is engineered stone, or quartz countertops. DuPont's Zodiaq countertops are a popular quartz countertop choice, and are available in stunning color and pattern variations. Quartz countertops are composed of ground quartz which is blended with coloring, synthetic and other materials to form a unique, natural look not found in solid surface countertops. Quartz countertops are pricey, though. With pricing starting at about $45 per linear foot, it too is actually higher in price than some granite.
Recycled Glass Countertops
A new countertop option that is gaining popularity is recycled glass countertops. For homeowners choosing to 'go green', recycled glass countertops not only look good, but feels good! Recycled glass is exactly what the name implies. Used glass of all types and colors is broken and ground, and combined with adhesive agents and coloring to form one-of-a-kind colors and patterns. But because there are only a few recycled glass countertop manufacturers; and the product is in high demand - pricing is on the high side.
Granite Countertops
And finally, we have our personal favorite - granite countertops. Granite's elegance is second to none. Walk into a kitchen with granite countertops and you will immediately take notice. Because granite is natural stone, its color variances and random patterns are unmatched by any man-made material or process. Shopping for granite is fun, too. To choose the right granite for your home, you can visit quarries and showrooms that have large slabs to see. By viewing the granite slab in its entirety, you can see wide patterns and variations not visible in small swatches. Granite is highly durable and resistant to staining, scratching or scorching. Granite can be repaired n some cases, unless the damage is deep or cracked throughout. Granite is a solid value, too. Because it is considered by most to be a luxury item, granite countertops will add resale value to your home. And what most people don't realize is that this 'luxury item' can actually cost less than other less expensive-looking materials.
Save On Granite
Save On Granite offers 10 of the most popular granite styles at just $35 per square foot installed. Of the countertops mentioned above, when it come to price, granite countertops comes in second only to laminate! How's that for value?
So after you do your homework, visit some showrooms or quarries and talk to others about their experiences, consider granite countertops for your kitchen, bathroom or bar remodeling. You will be glad you did!
Save On Granite [http://www.saveongranite.com/].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michael_Dahan/642622
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Granite-Countertops?&id=4374998
What Is an Appliance Repair Service?
By Sandy Rocky Wilson
An appliance repair service does what seems basic to many people-repair electrical appliances. Every now and then, however, it is an excellent idea to examine the ordinary and look at what a repair service exists to do. To this end, the words "appliance," "repair," and "service" will all serve valued roles in defining an appliance repair service.
Prior to defining an appliance repair service, an individual must first know how to define the word "appliance." An appliance is a device used to perform a certain task. In most cases, appliances are used for home tasks, such as cooking, slicing, cutting, mixing, washing, drying, heating, cooling, and so on. Appliances exist in many places, such as business offices, employee desks, and in the conference rooms of businesses and corporations. With that being said, appliances are not just in existence at home; they also exist in the workplace.
Next, before defining an appliance repair service, an individual must know the meaning of the word "repair." To repair something means to "re-pair" it-to pair it together again. The word implies that when something is broken, it is broken in a "pair" or in half. To repair the appliance means to bring something divided together and make it a whole item once again. Appliances may not be broken in half or down the middle, but they are certainly out of operation until they can be fixed and restored to their former conditions.
Lastly, before defining an appliance repair service, an individual must know the meaning of the word "service." To "service" something is to do a favor for someone or to fulfill a need for a client. Those who perform services for others fulfill a need by way of their skills in a given task. Mechanics "service" clients by fixing their vehicles, inspecting them, or installing car parts. Cooks "service" customers by making great food that provides energy for customers to continue the various tasks that come with the day. To service does not mean to fulfill a need for someone only; rather, in its fullness, "service" means to supply a certain skill of which an individual has need. A mechanic may be effective in fixing cars, but if a consumer needs his or her digital phone fixed, the mechanic cannot "service" the client. No consumer needs car-fixing skills when his or her digital phone needs repair.
Put together, an "appliance repair service" is one that fixes devices designed for both the workplace and home that are broken in their capacity and need the skills of someone who is certified and trained to fix them.
Appliance Repair Experts is a appliance repair service provider in Las Vegas, Nevada that specializes in appliance sales, delivery, installation, and repair. If you want to buy an appliance, need a delivery and installation, want a repair, or simply want technical advice, visit ApplianceRepairExperts.com.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sandy_Rocky_Wilson/1192311
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-an-Appliance-Repair-Service?&id=6933529
How to Choose Between Elder Home Care Services and Nursing Homes
By Rhiannon E. Acree
Deciding whether elder home care services or a nursing home is the right choice for your loved one is important when considering the best type and amount of care. Both options for senior care have their benefits and drawbacks. Cost is often a deciding factor, but so is the level of care needed.
According to U.S. News & World Report, while nursing home costs have continued to rise in recent years, in-home care costs have remained stable. This is good news for families whose elderly loved one needs regular assistance but not around-the-clock nursing care. Elder homecare services are charged by the hour and only provide the services your loved one needs. This keeps costs low compared to the much higher annual costs of nursing homes, especially when you consider the fact that many seniors don't actually require twenty-four-hour nursing home care.
When choosing between elder home care services or a nursing facility, most seniors say they would much rather be independent and live in their own homes as long as they are able. Home care agencies make it possible for seniors to maintain a higher quality of life while receiving the type of personalized in-home care they need.
Elder Home Care Services Vs. Nursing Homes: What's Best for Your Loved One?
The factors you need to consider when weighing the pros and cons of in-home services and nursing facilities include:
• Health: The senior's physical and mental health conditions are the most critical factors. If he or she needs skilled nursing care on a daily basis, a nursing home may be the best option. However, if he or she is relatively healthy and needs help with daily tasks, such as bathing, toileting, hygiene, shopping, cooking, and medication management, home care is a better choice.
• Quality of care: Generally speaking, your senior loved one is going to receive the same high-quality of care regardless of whether it's provided by an elder home care services agency or a nursing home. However, you should conduct thorough research and interviews with homecare agencies and nursing homes alike. Each will offer different services, benefits, conveniences, and activities.
• Cost of care: Unless money isn't an option, the cost of care is always a deciding factor when making these difficult decisions. Nursing facilities can be very expensive and, although Medicare may cover some of the costs of nursing homes, elder homecare services are almost always more affordable.
• Quality of life: Unless the senior is bedridden and requires regular nursing care, most people agree that your loved one will benefit most from elder homecare because he or she can still live at home surrounded by family and friends.
These are some of the many factors to consider when choosing between elder home care services and nursing homes. As they are critical decisions you will need to make as your elderly loved one ages, speaking with professionals about the benefits of both kinds of care is important. Evaluate your options and learn more about the type, quality, and costs of care by visiting http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or calling 877.422.2270.
Rhiannon Acree is the founder and president of Cambrian Homecare, a homecare agency started in Long Beach, California in 1996. Cambrian Homecare serves Long Beach, the South Bay, Orange County, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Bernardino, and the San Gabriel Valley, employing professional caregivers that provide customized, flexible, non-medical homecare services seven days a week. Visit http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or call 877.422.2270.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rhiannon_E._Acree/1275928
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Choose-Between-Elder-Home-Care-Services-and-Nursing-Homes&id=7090974
Personal Injury - Car - Auto Accidents - Slip & Fall Rhode Island FAQS by a RI Lawyer
By David Slepkow
Question: When I meet my personal injury lawyer for the first time, are there any particular documents I should bring with me?
Answer: You should supply your attorney with as much information as possible. If your attorney has more information, he will be better able to properly advise you of your legal rights. You need to bring in all documents pertaining to your case. The accident report is a very important document that you should bring your attorney. Article by attorney David Slepkow (401) 437-1100.
Also, if you have any eye witness statements or medical records or reports from your doctors, you should bring those to your lawyer. If you have any photographs of the accident or of your injury, please bring those to the attorney meeting. If you don't have the documentation, your attorney may collect the documents for you.
Question: What type of information will the attorney request at the initial consultation concerning my Rhode Island personal injury or automobile accident case?
Answer: Your attorney will request general information related to your medical treatment. The attorney will attempt to compile a list of the name and address of all treating physicians and medical providers. This includes physical therapists, chiropractors, visiting nurses and other medical providers. The attorney may also ask you for a list of prior medical providers.
Question: What usually happens at the first consultation:
Answer: The personal injury lawyer that you have selected will tell you whether you have a valid legal claim. If you decide to hire that lawyer, then the lawyer will request that you sign a retainer agreement. The retainer agreement is an important legal document which a lawyer is required to obtain. At the initial consultation, it is extremely difficult for your lawyer to tell you the value of your case. The value of your case is dependent on many circumstances which include the amount of your medical bills, and the nature and extent of any pain and suffering. The value may be depend on whether or not your injury is permanent, whether or not there were periods of partial or complete disability, whether or not there was any disfigurement, scarring or other physical injury and the amount of your lost wages, etc.
After you have completed treatment or have reached a certain point in your medical treatment, the lawyer will provide a settlement demand with all relevant medical records and documentation to the insurance adjuster. If the insurance company believes the claim has merit and the insurance adjuster and the attorney can agree on a figure, then the case will be settled out of court. Despite the fact that the attorney will attempt to settle the case, the attorney will be preparing the case for court in the event that the case does not settle.
Question: What is necessary to have a valid personal injury case?
Answer: If you were injured as a result of another person's or entity's negligence or intentional act, then you have a potential personal injury cause of action. It is not always required to have a physical injury to bring a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can be pursued based on the diminution of your reputation or an intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Question: What exactly is a settlement in a personal injury case?
Answer: If you settle a Rhode Island personal injury car accident or slip and fall case, you are agreeing to accept a sum of money in exchange for either not pursuing a personal injury case against the person or entity or dismissing a personal injury case against a person or entity. If the case settles, you will need to sign a release releasing any parties of any potential future liability. In order to determine whether or not you should accept a personal injury settlement, your attorney needs to assess the amount of damages you have suffered, the likelihood of prevailing at trial, and any other factors that the attorney deems appropriate.
A settlement can be reached at any time prior to the filing of the lawsuit or after the lawsuit is filed and any time up until the jury's verdict. The case can even be settled after the trial if the case is on appeal.
At Slepkow, Slepkow & Associates, Inc. it is our firm philosophy that it is the client's decision on whether or not to accept a personal injury settlement. We will certainly help you in making that determination by providing all of the essential information and answering any relevant questions that you have. We often will give our recommendation as to whether or not a settlement is fair. We always let our clients make the final decision whether or not to accept a personal injury or auto accident settlement.
Question: What if I am unhappy with the lawyer who is handling my case? In Rhode Island, do I have the right to obtain a new lawyer? If I obtain a new lawyer who will pay for the legal services rendered by the old attorney?
Answer: In Rhode Island (RI), if you are dissatisfied with your attorney's legal representation, you have the right to obtain a new attorney at any time. Your old attorney may have a statutory lien against your personal injury case. If you prevail or the case is settled, your old attorney will have a right to be paid for the legal services that he provided you. However, you will not be required to pay the old attorney upon obtaining a new attorney. When your case is settled or when you receive funds as a result of a verdict, the old and the new attorney will equitably divide the contingent legal fee. In other words, it will cost you no additional funds, if you retain a new attorney. The old and new attorneys must come to an agreement as to the equitable share to be received by the old attorney.
Question: Is it a good idea to wait a period of time before I hire an attorney?
Answer: You should contact a Rhode Island personal injury attorney immediately after the accident. It is not a good idea for a person to be dealing with the insurance adjuster concerning their personal injury or car accident claim.
Question: Am I required to give a recorded statement to the insurance company upon their request?
Answer: There is no legal requirement for you to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. However, if the insurance company is your own insurance company, you may be contractually obligated to give a recorded statement. You should not give any statement unless you have legal representation present and you should acquire a copy of the transcript.
Question: What types of cases are typically handled on a contingent fee basis?
Answer: Car/auto accidents, slip & fall, trip & fall, premises liability, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, uninsured or underinsured, motorist claims, intentional infliction of emotional distress, dog bite claims, etc
David Slepkow is a Rhode Island (RI) lawyer practicing in personal injury, automobile / car accidents, slip & Fall, premises liability & insurance claims as well as divorce, child custody /support and family law. No fee unless successful. Home and hospital visits available. Evening and weekend appointments available. Please go to Official Website of Rhode Island Personal Injury lawyers for more information or call David Slepkow at 401-437-1100. Please go to Information, Links and FAQS Concerning Personal Injury and Car Accidents
Also please see another article written by David Slepkow:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Rhode-Island-RI-Personal-Injury-Law-FAQS---Automobile---Car-Accident---Damages---Pain-and-Suffering&id=486527
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Slepkow/81103
http://EzineArticles.com/?Personal-Injury---Car---Auto-Accidents---Slip-and-Fall-Rhode-Island-FAQS-by-a-RI-Lawyer&id=735504
Auto Body Paintless Dent Removal
By Fred A Selby
Dents make your car look tacky. You can be as careful as you like with your own car, yet it takes just one other person to 'accidentally' bump into your car and before you know it your car care level decreases with large auto body technician bills not affordable. Well, depending on the size of the dent, a simple affordable technique called paintless dent removal could be a great option to look into.
Repairing dents in your car sooner rather than later is your best approach. Dents get worse without auto body attention ultimately causing your cars value to decrease. Paintless dent removal does not require extensive work therefore the costs and benefits are generally worth it.
There are various techniques that come under the paintless dent removal umbrella. The reason they work is due to the flexibility of paint. As long as the dent is small and there are no sharp corners, the paint simple stretches when dented.
Despite the relative ease of this technique, it is highly advisable you do not become a DIY auto body technician overnight to fix any small dents as the possibility of cracking the paint is high without the right tools.
While a technician may be able to get to work right away, you can go through a check list of your own that will ensure you do not go to the auto body shop without a good chance of paintless dent removal being possible. Checklist:
- Cracks not openly visible in the paint
- There is good distance (5" minimum) between dents and car edges
- The depth of the crack is fairly shallow
Auto body repair shops will be able to identify quickly as to whether or not they will be able to fix it right away with their techniques. If any of the above three points are clearly not fulfilled, then you can save time and have the auto body work repaired at a more affordable time.
If you do go to the auto body technician, call ahead and let them know you are coming. The process can be completed quickly (ask if they have right equipment) and you will not even need to leave the site to return at a later date with wads of cash.
You may not have herd of dents being repaired in this fashion before. The technique has been used since it was founded by Natalio Balderrama. Originating in Europe, she bought the technique to America in 1983. It has been traditionally used for commercial auto body work but is becoming increasingly popular to fix the dents.
Dents in your car, whether they are big or small, can leave you disheartened especially after you have been so careful to keep your car looking good. However thanks to advances in auto body techniques, it is quite possible to have small dents repaired while you wait with minimal out of pocket cost.
http://www.northwestdentrepair.net
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Fred_A_Selby/1585468
http://EzineArticles.com/?Auto-Body-Paintless-Dent-Removal&id=8093742
Purchasing the Best Car Insurance
By Robert A Jenkins
In the past, car insurance was not a necessity, as some people went for it and some did not. However, today an auto coverage policy is one of the crucial things in your life, if you own a car. People need proper coverage, no matter how luxurious or modest their car is.
The way people buy insurance has also changed. In the past, buying a car insurance just meant to meet your neighborhood agent and ask him for it. But now, it is somewhat different, as you have got lots of other options at your disposal from where you can get your vehicle insured, with some entirely new coverage choices.
Buying car insurance: Which method to choose?
When you want insurance for your car, you might be puzzled as from where you should get it. Should you deal with an insurance agent or should you go online? You can choose among different options for getting your car insurance. This includes:
- Buying from captive agents
- Buying from independent agents
- Buying online
People, who prefer personal services and like to form face-to-face relationships, should certainly purchase their policy from an agent. But, since there are different agents, they need to decide which one is the best for them.
Among these, some are called 'independent agents,' who sell insurance for numerous companies and some are 'captive agents,' who sell insurance for just one firm. Let us see the different features of these agents, so that you can decide easily and quickly the right agent for yourself.
1. Buying from captive agents
You should buy your coverage from a captive agent, if you are dedicated to a specific insurance firm. Since captive agents deal with only one company, they will know all the different insurance options offered by that company. And, thus they can assist you to build the right package based on your needs. However, captive agents may take more time to respond to your questions and to know your needs as compared to independent agents who work for commission.
2. Buying from independent agents
You should buy a policy from an independent agent, if you want to check out the different insurances provided by different companies, as independent agents deal with several companies and not just one particular insurance firm. This way you can get a better rate.
And, since independent agents are not directly employed by any one firm, they would not push one specific product and will tell you the right things about all the insurances. Thus, independent agents can aid you to find inexpensive coverage for your car. However, since they work for commission, they are under more pressure to grab a deal as soon as possible.
3. Buying online
The third option is to skip insurance agents completely and to work directly with the company online. However, for this you have to do most of the work yourself. You have to conduct a thorough research on different coverage providers, what they offer, the rates of their insurance, and what all their policies covers. Then, you can talk to the company, that best fits your needs to procure the coverage itself.
Among these, some insurance companies that employ agents do not necessitate you to work with them and a few of them do not employ agents at all. Buying auto insurance online is one of the best options for you if you do not have much time and want to get inexpensive car insurance, as it saves you from paying commission to an insurance agent. If you are not sure about your car insurance needs, then buying car insurance online, without an insurance agent can cause you to buy the wrong, too little, or too much insurance.
Select your type of coverage
Besides deciding which company to go with, you must also consider which policy you want. There are three main types of policies, including traditional, usage-based, and per-mile car insurance. So, have a look at these three car insurance coverage programs before you settle for one particular car insurance.
1. Traditional auto insurance
In this type of auto insurance, the insurers determine the quotes for the policy with the help of various personal factors, such as your age, driving history, gender, credit score, etc. Generally, the more risk you have as a driver as per these factors, the more high your insurance rates will be. In this, you can opt for a minimum coverage amount as per the state law or else you can select from a long list of different types of auto insurance coverage.
2. Usage-based auto insurance
As opposed to the traditional car insurance, where insurers presume your driving skills depending on a list of different risk factors and your accident history, usage-based car insurance providers offer you car insurance by seeing you in action in real. In this type of car insurance, like Allstate's Drivewise or Progressive's Snapshot, you get a telematic device, which you have to plug-in your car. This device records how you drive and your driving behavior, especially your bad driving habits like accelerating or hard braking.
So, if the device records that you are a low-risk driver, then you can save your money with usage-based car insurance. However, if it records that you frequently drive late at night or you drive fast, then it would not help you save money with your car insurance. Additionally, many usage-based car insurance programs are not available in each state. Therefore, if you are devoted to one insurance company, then you may have to switch your company, in case you move to a different state.
3. Per-mile auto insurance
Per-mile auto insurance providers also use a telematic device, but they focus on just one thing, that is how little or how much you use your car. However, this car insurance type is still new and is not available in every state. Among others, Metromile is the best provider of per-mile car insurance and is available in seven states until now, which are California, Illinois, Oregon, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington, and Virginia.
Additionally, per-mile providers use the same elements as traditional insurers in determining your car insurance rates, but you can save some money through its telematic device. If you do not use your car much and use it only for emergencies, then your premium may be cut significantly. However, if you normally drive your car, then there are fewer chances of you saving money from it.
Shop around
No matter how you purchase your insurance, whether you go for a dedicated agent or you directly sign up with a car insurance provider, you must shop around in order to get the best rates. Do some homework and do not just settle for the first deal that comes your way. This is because rates for the same policy can differ from one company to the other by thousands of dollars. Therefore, comparing different car insurance offers is the best possible way to land up a good deal.
Taking the time to pick the right insurance coverage can definitely save you money and hassle down the road. Buck and Affiliates Insurance can help meet your auto insurance needs in the Spokane, Washington area.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_A_Jenkins/720993
http://EzineArticles.com/?Purchasing-the-Best-Car-Insurance&id=9392201
Finding Your Auto Repair Shop
By Mike Jones
Every household in urban and suburban cities own at least one automobile. They are an important part of the family. With time, automobiles have become advanced and complex technological beings. It is not as easy to maintain them at home as it used to be. With the advancement in computers and engine systems, it is critical that an expert with ample experience and training get involved. This is also because the consumers lead a very fast life. Therefore, it is important to identify a trusted and reliable auto repair shop for your vehicle needs.
Before looking at how to find a resourceful auto shop for vehicle repairs and maintenance, let us understand the difference between these two terms. Maintenance items are shared with the owner at the time of purchase. These are to be checked as part of preventive maintenance at regular intervals. Repairs deal more with a problem that has to be fixed. Both go hand in hand. If you have a good auto repair shop who can do the maintenance check well, then the need for car repairs will reduce. Scheduled maintenance can also be done at your dealership.
A key thing to remember is to find a suitable auto repair shop as soon as you get a car. Do not wait for the need to arise. This will give you less time to choose a shop. If you already have a trusted mechanic, then stick to that shop. An internet hunt can let you know the auto repair shops in your area with reviews and customer responses. Try to avoid choosing a place that is too far away and becomes inconvenient during emergencies. Another option is to do this old style. Talk to friends, family and even directly to different mechanics.
Look for an auto repair shop that suits your car brand. Many shops today have a brand or model of vehicle they specialize in. Use this information to narrow down the shops that will work for you. Once you decide on a shop, ask for two important things -
- Ask them about guarantees and warranties they offer. See if the options are making sense to you as a consumer.
- This is important, ask for the shop's certification. The auto repair shop should be certified and have relevant authorization.
My name is Mike Jones and I have been in the sales and retail business for over 30 years. For more information on this and other automotive topics, please be sure to visit me at: [http://www.mikejonessellscars.com]
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_Jones/2554552
http://EzineArticles.com/?Finding-Your-Auto-Repair-Shop&id=9955486
Windshield Repair: What Everyone Needs To Know
By Steve Leydiker
WINDSHIELD REPAIR: WHAT IS IT?
Your vehicle's windshield is composed of three layers: two pieces of glass separated by a thin layer of "PVB" (polyvinyl butyrate). PVB is the plastic film that essentially holds it all together. Depending on the density of the outer-layer and the force of a rock impact, the glass can flex and break. Unless the windshield is completely shattered, most often the damage is in the form of a rock chip. These are generally in the shape of a star, bullseye, or tiny crack. Although it may appear innocuous, over time, a rock chip will more likely than not spread to form a crack. Studies have shown that over 90% of rock chips continue to grow. Fatigue stress due to temperature changes and road conditions work to accelerate this process.
The first company to introduce a rudimentary system for windshield repair was 3m, with a product called "Scotch Weld." This system produced an ultrasound vibration to clean the break while injecting an adhesive. It was relatively effective; however it failed to repair many types of damage.
In 1972, Dr. Frank Werner invented a device that could substitute the air within a rock chip with a resin that could prevent a crack from developing. Over time, the science behind windshield repair evolved. Today, windshield repair is considered a favored alternative to windshield replacement in many circumstances. And although the science has evolved, the objective remains the same: to completely substitute the air within the break with an acrylic resin that will improve optical clarity, prevent further damage, and restore the structural integrity of the windshield.
THE WINDSHIELD CONUNDRUM: REPAIR OR REPLACE?
Windshield repair is essentially preventative maintenance. However, most motorists whose windshields suffer rock damage pay little or no mind to it. This is especially true where the damage is outside of the acute area of the windshield - not directly in front of the driver's view. Hence the saying: "out of sight, out of mind."
Once the rock chip spreads to become a large crack, windshield repair is no longer a viable option. Unfortunately, the cost of a new windshield can range anywhere between $300 to well over $1000, depending on the vehicle and the type of replacement windshield. OEM windshields, those made by the original manufacturer, are significantly more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts. In addition, many modern windshields offer features such as heating elements, sun coatings, and antennae, which significantly inflate the cost. Even with insurance, the deductible can be so high that it would be pointless to file an insurance claim. Thus, it is easy to understand why a $50 windshield repair is a favored alternative.
But cost is not the only issue. Once a factory windshield is replaced, other problems can surface. Windshield replacement compromises the factory seal, which is nearly impossible to replicate. Not only can an improperly replaced windshield lead to leakage and possible water damage, it can fail in the event of an accident.
Together with the air bags and seatbelts, the windshield plays a significant part of the vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS). In an accident, the windshield works to maintain the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. As you can imagine, this is especially important in the event of a roll-over accident. It also cushions the occupant's impact and prevents the possibly of being ejected from the vehicle. An improperly installed windshield could fail on all of these fronts.
An investigative report conducted by ABC's 20/20 shed light into the dangers surrounding improperly installed windshields. It found that millions of windshields have not been installed properly and have contributed to serious injuries and even death.
So there are many reasons why a vehicle owner should opt for windshield repair early on. Ignoring the small and seemingly unintrusive rock chip could prove to be a mistake.
WINDSHIELDS: THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Every year about 15 million windshields - about 600 million pounds of waste - are replaced in the United States. Until recently, much of it has ended up in landfills due to logistical obstacles, difficulties with separating the glass from the PVB, and lack of facilities.
Only recently have companies begun to take up the environmental cause. In 2010, JN Phillips Auto Glass launched its "Green Shield" program and began recycling windshields. To date, over a million pounds of used windshields have been successfully recycled. Still, the process is slow, cumbersome, and expensive. It also involves the transportation of massive amounts of windshields, adding to the carbon footprint.
What is more, windshield recycling is not required by law, so most replaced windshields continue to end up in landfills. The reason is simple economics: lack of incentive to recycle. As of yet, windshield recycling is not subsidized by the government, nor is it given considerable preferential tax treatment. Since the cost of recycling eventually shifts to the consumer, the cost of a new windshield would increase significantly. To compete in the competitive free market world of windshield replacement, recycling is simply not cost effective.
Windshield repair, on the other hand, leaves almost no impact on the environment. Whereas about 250,000 BTU's are necessary to manufacture a typical 30 pound windshield, windshield repair requires practically no energy. What is more, the amount of waste generated from windshield repair is negligible. Thus, windshield repair is always a greener alternative to replacement.
INSURANCE COMPANIES: THEY GET IT
Insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against risk of contingent, uncertain loss. The insurer agrees to indemnify the insured in the event of a loss. Overall, it's a pretty simple process. However, a significant portion the claim may not be covered by the insurer. This is known as the deductible - the amount that must be paid out of pocket before an insurer will cover any expenses. The average deductible for both collision and comprehensive claims is roughly around $500. This can be difficult to digest when the time comes to file a claim. In many cases, the insured will simply forgo filing the claim to avoid having to pay the deductible and possibly risk an increase in premiums. Not to mention, if a new windshield costs $400, filing a claim would be pointless with a $500 deductible.
Today, most insurance companies understand the importance of having the windshield repaired before it's too late. To incentivize motorists to repair rock chips and small cracks, a majority of comprehensive policies carry with it a 100% indemnity on windshield repair. No deductible is required. Insurance companies realize that most rock chips inevitably will require a new windshield if left untreated. In most cases the rock chip will be a certain loss.
So from a risk management perspective, insurance companies benefit by paying the full cost of a windshield repair. First, it eliminates the risk that the insurer will be required to pay significantly more for a new windshield. And second, it eliminates the risk that a damaged or replaced windshield could fail to provide the structural integrity necessary in the event of an accident.
DO IT YOURSELF KITS: DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME
There are many inexpensive DIY (Do-It-Yourself) windshield repair kits on the market. Those that come to mind include "Liquid Glass," "Pitstop," and "Fix-A-Windshield," to name a few. These are simple plastic devices that essentially use the same process. Most cost around $10 to $20 and have a one time use.
Reviews on DIY kits vary greatly. Some report good results, while others regret making their own attempt at repair. The only certainty is that a successful repair is not certain.
According to Edmunds.com, these kits are essentially "inexpensive band-aids" that don't provide a complete repair. The reason is simple science. The basic idea of windshield repair is to remove the air contained within the rock chip and completely substitute it with resin, which can be up to 2000 times as dense as air. Removing the air is essential to minimize the pressure inside the rock chip, allowing the resin to flow and reach the entire break. Unfortunately, cheap DIY kits simply are ineffective at removing all of the air. What is more, they do not provide the amount of pressure necessary to force the resin to reach tighter areas of the break, leaving much of it untouched. What may appear to be a decent repair job may in fact just be a band-aid that will fail to prevent a crack from spreading.
Finally, cheap windshield repair kits are just that: cheap. It follows that the resin used to fill the break is also cheap. Acrylic resin used by professional windshield repair technicians can range from $50 to $100 an ounce, depending on the manufacturer. So it makes sense that the resin from a DIY kit repair can dislodge over time or become discolored, which has been reported by many users. Also, once the repair is complete, it is impossible to re-repair.
Steve Leydiker is the founder/owner of The Rock Chip, San Francisco Bay Area's premier windshield repair company.
For more information, please visit us at www.therockchip.com [http://www.therockchip.com]
Phone: (800) 944-7932
Email: [email protected]
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Leydiker/1035483
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What You Must Know About Choosing a Bankruptcy Attorney
By Leland Abraham
Before consulting with a bankruptcy attorney, it will be helpful to know that there are four main types of bankruptcy: Chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13. Only two, chapters 7 and 13 are personal bankruptcy options. The remaining two forms of bankruptcy, chapters 11 and 12 and for corporations and agricultural purposes respectively.
The first step you will want to take when choosing a bankruptcy attorney in the Kansas City area is finding out the practice areas of your attorney. Some attorneys practice specifically in bankruptcy related matters. Other attorneys have a more general practice where they may cover several practice areas with bankruptcy being one of many.
Other attorneys may have a general practice but they want to try bankruptcy out because of the recent developments in the economy. If this is the case and the attorney is a solo-practitioner, you will want to make sure that you ask if the attorney has a reference source by which he or she is able to get help concerning the things he or she may not know. The practice of bankruptcy law is extremely intricate and sometimes the slightest mistake can be the difference between whether the debtor receives a discharge or a dismissed case.
The next thing a potential debtor will want to know is which type of bankruptcy law the attorney practices. Again, there are some attorneys who concentrate specifically on chapter 7 bankruptcy work. Those attorneys may choose to concentrate on chapter 7 work because it is less complicated than the chapter 13 work. Generally, chapter 7 debtors will not have substantial assets and they are procedurally less tenuous than a chapter 13. This does not mean that there are Kansas City Bankruptcy attorneys, who concentrate on Chapter 7 bankruptcy law, who take chapter 13 cases.
Another valuable piece of information that a potential bankruptcy debtor will want to discover is whether the attorney will appear with the debtor at the meeting of creditors. Once the paper work has been completed and the documents have been filed with the Bankruptcy Court, the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri will schedule what is called a 341 meeting.
This meeting is also referred to as "The First Meeting of Creditors." It will be the first opportunity for the debtor to meet with the bankruptcy trustee and to confront any creditors who may want to prevent the bankruptcy from occurring. The attorney may not be privy to anyone wanting to challenge the discharge of the debtor before the meeting of creditors.
If the debtor's attorney is not able to appear at the meeting of creditors, a replacement attorney will need to be selected. The debtor not having an attorney is generally not a good idea because the trustee may want certain documents sent to the trustee's office within a short period of time or the trustee may have more specific questions that the debtor may not be able to answer.
If this were to happen, the debtor would need an attorney there who has a copy of the bankruptcy petition. Generally when a debtor attempts to conduct a meeting of creditors without the presence of an attorney, the debtor will not have all the information to adequately satisfy the inquiries of the trustee.
The next thing that a potential debtor will want to know when potentially choosing a Kansas City bankruptcy attorney is what is included in the attorney fee. This may vary from attorney to attorney. Generally, the attorney fee will be a flat fee that will include the bankruptcy petition filing fee. Currently, this fee is $300. However, the list of attorney duties could vary. Some attorneys will cover everything from start to finish with the fee that is paid.
Other attorneys may charge an additional fee if the petition has to be amended or if the trustee requires meetings outside of the meeting of creditors. Generally these fees will be covered in the contract for legal representation. If they are not, the potential debtor will want to discuss these issues with the potential Kansas City bankruptcy attorney.
These are a few things that a potential debtor will want to investigate when choosing a Kansas City bankruptcy attorney. The choice of an attorney is an important one and it should not be based solely on advertisement alone.
Leland Abraham of the Abraham Law Firm is a Kansas City bankruptcy attorney [http://www.bankruptcyattorneykansascity.net] that concentrates on legal and financial hardship issues facing Kansas City metro area residents.
Our lawyers offer quality legal service in a client-centered practice. We help clients who are experiencing financial problems that are beyond their control.
Please visit our site to download your free report to find what you need to know about the bankruptcy process and if it's something you even need to consider.
There is no obligation - go there now => [http://www.bankruptcyattorneykansascity.net]
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Leland_Abraham/473433
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Crime Scene Cleanup Crews Aid In Crime Scene Investigations
By Jerry D. Turnerand GS Jemison
Before crime scene cleanup teams are even allowed to begin their work, police investigation teams do a thorough investigation of the scene, bagging and tagging all evidence. However, while providing their scene remediation services, professional technicians are careful to look out for and preserve any potential evidence, especially anything that might be of use to the forensics teams.
For example, after a successful convenience store robbery, the robber escaped to his vehicle and drove away as the injured clerk, losing blood, alerted the police. Emergency response teams arrived at the store in minutes and quickly ordered an ambulance to take the clerk for medical help. The injured store clerk was able to give police detectives a detailed description and the police were also able to review surveillance videotape.
After a thorough examination of the crime scene by the CSI team, a professional clean up company, called in by the police, begin to clean the mess left by the robbery. As they were cleaning the area by the counter, one of the technicians noticed a small speck of blood that had been missed by the police as it was so small. Apparently, the robber had scratched himself on a metal appendage attached to the counter when he drew his gun.
Police detectives were notified of the discovery. One of the cleanup technicians showed it to the police. As this company frequently conducts suicide scene, meth lab, odor removal and other death scene cleanups as well as blood and trauma scene cleanups, they have experience working with police and identifying substances.
The police ran the blood for DNA analysis and compared it to samples they had in storage at the county jail. A previous defendant whose photograph matched the image in the convenient store's video footage was identified. An address for the man was found at the courthouse and the perpetrator was arrested and convicted.
While this is not a common occurrence, one of the primary qualifications necessary for trauma scene remediation work is an attention to detail. Crime scene cleanup is not like janitorial service. Professional biohazard cleaner teams are tasked with eliminating potential hazards from blood and bodily fluids, wherever they happen to land. For this reason alone, these cleanup teams are required to thorough and pay special attention to details. However, if it a source of great pride whenever something like this happens and the team is able to assist the police in their investigation.
This information was originally published as part of Advanced Bio-Treatment's Crime Scene Cleanup blog. For more insight into the world of crime scene cleanup, "Like" us at http://www.facebook.com/crime-scene-cleaners. ABT understands that our involvement with you happens as a result of some traumatic event in your life. Whether it is a crime scene cleanup, suicide cleanup, or some other tragic event, ABT understands.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jerry_D._Turner/586613
http://EzineArticles.com/?Crime-Scene-Cleanup-Crews-Aid-In-Crime-Scene-Investigations&id=6008255
Small Businesses Fight Back As Insurers Raise Workers Comp by 20 Percent
By Anthony Michael Hayes
Is it fair that small businesses are paying higher premium rates after the big insurers got massive bail outs from the government?
In the Maritime and Shipyard Industries, small contractors and staffing providers are seeing their profit margins being squeezed because their USL&H (longshore + harbor) and Maritime (MEL) workers comp rates are rising. Reports are that for most small businesses in the industry, it's risen by as much as 20% and in some cases more.
For many, who are struggling just to retain their staff levels and get through the next few months while hoping that the economy will pick up, it seems unfair that the bigger companies get to do this while the small businesses are fighting for survival.
Having got massive bail out money from the U.S Government, it seems that the Insurance companies are determined to make their profits up as fast as possible even if it means putting their smaller clients out of business.
Even for businesses with very few accident or injury claims in the past year, these businesses are being landed with an increase that will seriously put their very existence in jeopardy.
As a result however, when things get tight, their true entrepreneurial spirit seems to have surfaced with a brilliant new plan to form a group to save money. The idea is that some of the smaller businesses are getting together and starting a group which will become an Association. The purpose of this Association will be that they can buy insurance as part of a large group and have some collective buying power to reduce their costs.
The Association has an experienced insurance consultant with more than 20 years experience in the team with some Louisiana Staffing Service providers as well as some smaller shipyards and offshore companies. The services will include PEO services with payroll and factoring may also be available.
The group is looking for more members to give more buying power and ultimately help them retain staff and avoid going out of business.
For any new business starting up and finding the insurance rates out of reach, they would benefit enormously from joining an association which could offer multiple benefits, including no money down and easy in and easy out, pay as you go terms.
Tony Hayes
In Partnership wit Baystone Contractors,
[http://www.baystonecontractors.com/blog]
And The Caledonia Group
[http://www.beyondpeo.com]
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anthony_Michael_Hayes/144673
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What to Look For When Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Company
By Robert Torres
There are over 8 million people in New York City and a whole lot of carpet cleaning companies to choose from. If you Google "carpet cleaning new york" it will return approximately 1.2 million results. Although not all of these web pages are actual carpet cleaning companies, any consumer can see how hiring a carpet cleaner is a daunting task. The purpose of this article is to provide a few simple easy questions to ask while hiring your next carpet cleaner to protect both yourself and your home.
Obviously it is important to know how long a business has been in business. But more importantly you must know how long the actual carpet cleaning technician has been cleaning carpets. The company may be in business for 50 years but if the technician has only be cleaning carpet for three months, you may want to considers looking elsewhere for you hire.
Many consumers make the mistake of assuming that a carpet cleaning company is insured. In this day and age it is very easy to provide prospective customers with a beautiful, professional web page that makes people believe that a company is a multimillion dollar empire. But in actually that same company may lack the bare necessities such as insurance. Be sure not only to ask if the carpet cleaning company is insured, but also ask for documentation. If they object look elsewhere.
Although there is no mandated certification that carpet cleaners must have to go into peoples homes and clean carpets, there is an optional one that you should look for. Ask your carpet cleaning company if they are certified by the IICRC ( Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This ensures that the technician cleans carpets to the standards of the manufacturer that made your carpet.
These questions should not make for more than a five minute conversation with the person who picks up the phone when you call the carpet cleaner. Do not be shy with questions and ask for a guarantee if the work is not done to your satisfaction. When the cleaning technician leaves your home you should be content with your decision without being fearful of not getting what you paid for.
Robert Torres is the proud owner of Steam Pro Carpet Cleaning New York [http://www.steampronyc.com]. Steam Pro serves the New York City Metropolitan area. Visit us at [http://www.steampronyc.com].
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_Torres/155481
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5 Tips For Choosing the Right Chiropractor
By Robert Romano D.C.
We've all been there before: trying to choose between a list of potential businesses or professionals with very little of substance to go on. Most of the time we rely on online reviews, glances at web pages, and if we are lucky we may know someone who has been to that business already and can tell you what to expect.
Going to a chiropractor is an important decision, even more so because many people do not know much about chiropractic to start with. What little they do know may very well be wrong. Some consider chiropractors quite poorly and are skeptical of the profession. Some are open to seeing a chiropractor but have no friends or family to steer them to the right person, and have no experience with chiropractic that would make an Internet search easier. It helps when you know the "language" of something because your Google search will be much more fruitful when you use the right terminology. Using broad terms often will net you nothing more than a list of chiropractors who do a lot of advertising and who fill their websites with keywords just to attract visitors via Google.
Choosing a chiropractor is in many ways a very personal decision. With so many types of DC's out there that means that you can probably find one tailored to your needs. This article will outline how to conduct a good search that will show you all the local chiropractors and allow you to tell them apart so that you can make the best choice.
1. Are you going to a chiropractor simply for pain relief, or for general health?
You can loosely separate chiropractors into two groups: holistic chiropractors and mechanistic chiropractors. All chiropractors know of this distinction, and in fact the profession has been in a general state of low-level internal conflict along this fault line since it's inception. Some chiropractors know this as a war of "straights vs. mixers". The internal conflict, which actually has many positive benefits, has been ongoing since the start of the profession in 1895. This duality is a strength of the profession: without the holistic character of chiropractic we would be physical therapists who adjust the spine, and without the mechanistic character of chiropractic we would lose sight of the very real benefits to health that chiropractic care provides millions of Americans every year, and the real detrimental effects of spinal joint malfunction (subluxation).
2. Do you want long-term care or would you prefer to have your complaint treated and then have your case closed?
Many chiropractors, with varying degrees of scientific evidence to back this up, promote chiropractic as a viable alternative to traditional healthcare. They view chiropractic as a way to foster the health of your nervous system through chiropractic spinal adjustments, which then allows the body to function at a higher level. Chiropractors and patients all over the country will attest to improved health with less illness and injury after they incorporated chiropractic into their lives. Regular adjustments help adults and children cope with everything from allergies to headaches, and people who want to avoid prescription medication often choose chiropractic instead. Hard scientific proof to validate this is difficult to come by due to inherent problems in designing a study capable of testing the "chiropractic lifestyle" and it's effect on general health, but case series' exist and we've likely all met someone who will swear up and down that chiropractic is keeping them out of the doctor's office.
On the flip side of this coin are chiropractors that will work to promote proper joint function at the injured area and then rehabilitate the joint and supporting soft tissue, after which they will release you from care. There is a value in this, just as there is a value in wellness or maintenance care. Releasing a patient after their pain is gone will save the patient money. It will also please the patient's health insurer - not that your insurer's happiness should ever be a factor in making health decisions, but unfortunately they hold power over your health in some very important ways so there is a value in not ending up in anyone's crosshair at your insurer's corporate headquarters. Rather than promote continuing care, a mechanistic chiropractor will work to correct the immediate problem only. Many times back pain may stem from a weak ankle or knee, so your chiropractor may very well focus on a spot that isn't painful, so do not assume the location of your pain is the cause of your pain.
A fundamental difference between holistic and mechanistic chiropractors is that the holistic chiropractor will treat the patient beyond the scientific limitations a more mechanistic chiropractor would self-impose. This actually ties #1 and #2 together. For example, a mechanistic chiropractor may treat low back pain by working to rehabilitate a sacroiliac joint and then release the client when the sacroiliac joint returns to normal, pain-free function. A holistic chiropractor will treat the client until subluxations (spinal misalignments causing nerve irritation) are fully resolved and then broaden their attention to include general subluxation correction in the entire spine in order to promote general wellness. Both approaches have real value. While imposing limits on treatment based on the limits of what peer-reviewed research can substantiate is important, holistic chiropractors acknowledge that progress in science occurs by pushing the limits of understanding and treating patients in ways that current best evidence may not fully support. The periphery of science is where progress is usually made - though it is also where quackery finds refuge.
3. Are you injured or are you dysfunctional? In other words, did your pain come on suddenly from an injury or did it set in more slowly due to something you repeatedly do?
Sudden pain usually means an injury occurred. Sometimes it is a car accident, or a fall, or a sports injury. These type of injuries may be what a certain type of chiropractor focuses on or even has certification and increased training in. In cases of these types of injuries you want a chiropractor who can confidently treat sprains and strains, who can differentiate different types of injuries, and who will recognize when an injury is too severe for them and is also diligent enough to see certain warning signs and refer you to other providers when necessary. Many holistic chiropractors, though not all, are prone to viewing the spine in terms of subluxations only and may therefore miss the subtle signs of a more severe injury that requires the expertise of a specially-trained chiropractor, an orthopedist or neurologist. Though not a firm rule, a more mechanistic chiropractor may be a safer bet when a painful injury is involved.
4. What professional associations serve the chiropractic profession, and how can this help you find the right DC?
There are two large national organizations that represent chiropractors: the ACA and the ICA. The ACA is the American Chiropractic Association and the ICA is the International Chiropractic Association. The ACA is more mechanistic and the ICA is more holistic. State associations are more varied, so it is difficult to discern much about a chiropractor from looking at his or her state association membership unless you look into the political or philosophical leanings of that organization - a lot of work for finding a chiropractor. To make things simple, know that many ICA chiropractors actually oppose the ACA, and vice versa, so you can glean more from their membership (or non-membership) in national organizations than you can from other things you might find on the website or online listings for a chiropractor. It's important to not read too much into this bit of information, though, and of course to consider that all people are multi-dimensional and may not fit into the dichotomy I am describing. Still, as part of a larger set of information to make a judgement, this can be helpful to consider.
5. Should you consider their websites, reviews, and testimonials? And how important are personal referrals?
You may find out soon enough that many chiropractors use one of a handful of companies to make their websites. This means that if you go to ten different chiropractor's websites you may see the same website over and over again with just a different DC's name on it.
This means the content is unoriginal and you likely cannot learn much about the chiropractor from their website. This reduces the value of the website. Chiropractors would be better off by ditching the spinning 3D spines and instead putting actual content on their sites. These sites are loaded with content but very little, if any, of the information on the site is unique to that chiropractor. Even articles with bylines that include that chiropractor's name are probably not articles written by that actual chiropractor. Suspect intellectual laziness and dishonesty when any professional puts his name and credentials on an article he or she did not author. While it is a common practice, that does not mean it is the right way to promote yourself.
Online reviews, such as Yelp! and Yahoo!, are great. Often, though, businesses game the system by making fake reviews. Are all the reviews from the same approximate time? For example, are ten reviews all from March 2012? If so, that is suspicious. If the reviews seem legitimate they may give you some insight into the kind of DC, but if they are suspicious then you should remember the old adage "buyer beware". Quite often a bad review (that is legitimate) will be followed with numerous illegitimate good reviews in order to drown out the bad one. Getting past the illegitimate reviews you may actually be able to get a lot of good information from reading reviews, so don't hesitate to use a search engine to search for "jones family chiropractic reviews" and see what comes up.
Testimonials should be looked at as marketing, but of course they probably are real stories from real patients. The chiropractor is choosing what message you want to hear. If they choose 5 patients who talk about the chiropractor curing their back pain, then this chiropractor wants you to view them as a specialist in back pain. If they talk about kids and allergies, that is what they want you to know they specialize in. In this way, testimonials can be used to get a look at the chiropractor.
Personal referrals are the best source of information since it is typically unfiltered and direct. Ask a friend or family member and you will get an unbiased opinion. The best chiropractors (and the best attorneys, realtors, and even bakers) all get most of their new clients because they treated the clients they already have so well. People are quick to complain about poor service, so when someone has a good thing to say about how they were treated then you should recognize this as worthy of your attention. Think of it like this: that person experimented with a chiropractor so you don't have to. A personal referral from someone you trust is easily the most valuable information you will come across.
That's it! I hope these five tips help you narrow down your search for the perfect chiropractor. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all considerations, but it is a great way to structure your search and find the DC who fits your needs and will provide what you are looking for. Take care and be well.
Robert T Romano DC is a chiropractor in Frederick, Maryland. He specializes in not being full of it.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_Romano_D.C./843263
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Online College Degree Programs Offer Best Path to Job Security
By Sara Ellis
Have you ever seen a TV commercial advertising online college degree programs or heard a friend or relative mention they're looking into distance learning? Like many people, you've probably been confused or skeptical about the idea. With all the infomercials we see on TV, and the fake get-rich-quick schemes online, online college degree programs might seem likely to fall into one of those categories, but nothing could be farther from the truth. While it's true that there will always be someone running a fake scheme to trick folks, accredited online college degree programs are available from some of the nation's top universities and are so well regarded that most employers offer tuition assistance programs to help employees earn them.
In today's ever evolving and hyper-competitive global job market it's more important than ever to secure the education you need in order to keep up-to-date and compete, but how can working adults possibly manage to continue their education without disrupting their responsibilities of work or family?
Online degree programs offer students the opportunity to take college classes over the computer so they never have to interrupt busy work schedules or important family events in order to be on time for classes as they would have to in traditional classes on campus. Accredited online degree programs are a great alternative for adult learners who can't afford to stop working in order to attend traditional campus based classes, yet would like to earn a degree in order to expand their opportunities in today's super competitive job market. After all, the only thing you need in order to achieve your desired educational goal through an online program is ambition, the desire to better yourself, motivation, self-discipline, and access to the internet.
Modern online learning applications take advantage of a wide range of Web resources, including multimedia, Web-based applications, and new collaboration technologies that are a far cry from the televised broadcasts and videoconferencing that characterized earlier generations of distance education. Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, accredited online degree programs can help you reach your goal while you work -- and quicker than you might think!
Accredited online degree programs are available at the Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Graduate and Doctorate degree levels for a wide range of subjects such as Business, Healthcare Administration, Medical Assisting, Psychology, Counseling, Management, Nursing, Health Sciences, Accounting, Criminal Justice, Education, Divinity, and in practically every other discipline under the sun. In fact, earning a college degree online provides the opportunity for more program choices and allows students to earn their degree from some of the most prestigious universities in the nation regardless of where they live. For example, students as far away as rural Alaska have the same opportunity to earn a degree from an Ivy League University that a student who attends classes on campus thanks to the availability and accessibility of accredited online education programs.
Offering students the opportunity to work at their own pace, from wherever internet access is available, online college degree programs are convenient, flexibility, and typically cost less than traditional campus based programs. In fact, a recently released meta-analysis and review of online learning studies by the U.S. Department of Education found that students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction, so why not look into securing your future by earning an accredited online college degree?
Sara Ellis RN, BSN has over 20 years experience in NICU, ICU, and ER nursing. She seeks to promote nursing as a profession and writes for RnDegrees.net's Online Nursing Schools Guide and Nursing Career Guide. Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Degrees and Allied Healthcare Careers today.
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