14 Aug 07 The Flip Side: Good Customer Service

After reading about Alex’s problems with Spirit Airlines, I figured I’d give the flip side and call out a company that has consistently (and recently) given me great service: AAA. I’ve had their service for about 6 years and have used their towing service twice.

The first time was in January when my radiator crapped out and I was stuck in a McDonald’s parking lot (closest place to coast to). I called and the operator first asked if I was in a safe place and out of traffic. Then, they took my information and gave me an estimate of 60 mins. for a truck to get there. That seemed a bit long, but I figured it would give me time to grab a coffee and water. About five minutes later, they called back and told me it would be 40 minutes until the truck was there. About five minutes after that, they called to say it would be 20 minutes. At that point, I grabbed my coffee and water to come back and see the truck driver already there looking at how to load my truck up. The driver did his thing an took me and my truck to the shop.

The last time was yesterday. After being out of town for a week, my truck wouldn’t start. I did what I could by checking the fuses, making sure it had gas, and talking to it nicely and sending positive thoughts it’s way, but it wouldn’t catch. I did an internet request this time and about five minutes after I submitted it and received the confirmation email, I got a call to say it would be about 30 minutes until the truck was there. About 15 minutes later, the truck was there and the driver looked at a few things to see if he could get it working w/out having to tow it. Alas, it had to be towed. The driver pushed it out of my carport while I steered into the road so he could get the truck in front of it and he did his thing and confirmed where I wanted it taken and was off.

AAA did a few very easy things that really made dealing with them pleasant. First, when I called they made sure I was safe. Next, they gave me an estimate up front and then called each time that was revised. Finally, when the rubber hit the road so to speak, the drivers were very nice and professional.

Unfortunately, what should be the norm stands out as exceptional by today’s standards.

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22 Jul 07 For Sale: 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser $4,000 OBO

SOLD - This is no longer available.

UPDATED 8/26/07: After looking at comparative Land Cruisers for sale, I’ve lowered the price to $4K and also clarified that I’m willing to accept reasonable offers.

I’m selling my Land Cruiser. Email Chris @ chris@iamzed.com if interested.

Good interior and exterior condition, runs well and everything works. Needs some body work and new exhaust system to be perfect. Just changed the oil and charged the A/C but have to sell to get a new truck. $4,000 OBO.

- 170,500 miles (last 30,000 in the 5 years I’ve owned it)
- A/C
- Power windows and locks w/auto-down driver window
- Power steering
- Automatic Transmission w/Overdrive
- 4WD (rarely used but tested)
- New radiator
- 235/75R15 tires

Full photo set on Flickr

Repair history (as much as I have):

5/2002 - Front axle rebuilt
12/2002 - New front and rear shocks
2/2003 - Replace radiator side hose, water pump side hose, upper radiator hose, radiator cap. Adjust valve clearance and replace valve cover gasket.
3/2003 - Replace oil pan and gasket
6/2003 - Replace battery tray and starter
11/2003 - Replace alternator, power steering, and A/C belts. Change tranmission fluid. Flush coolant. Flush brakes. Four new tires.
11/2003 - Replace fuel tank pipe assembly
12/2003 - New alternator
6/2004 - New fuel cap
1/2007 - New radiator
8/2007 - New ignition coil

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21 Jul 07 Googlespeed

I had been reading some blog posts on some SEO blogs about Google being quicker to index new pages. Actually really quick: like two hours quick.

Well, it looks like they are quick to update existing pages too. When I updated my sidebar yesterday, I also changed my home page title. I just checked and the new title is in the Google results for [chris scott].

Technorati Tags: google

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20 Jul 07 Finally Updated my Sidebar

This probably matters to no one, but after my experience customizing the Copyblogger theme for Hail the Ale!, I updated this one to enable Sidebar Modules.

Now, I just need to update my blogroll with some links other than my own…

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20 Jul 07 Likemind Orlando This Morning

Good to see everyone there and meet a few new people. Putting faces to blog names is always good

Technorati Tags: likemind, likemondorl, orlando

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12 Jul 07 BarCamp Orlando Coming September 23, 2007

It’s official. See you there.

Technorati Tags: barcamp, orlando, barcamporlando

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30 Jun 07 Why I Won’t Be Keeping the iPhone I Stood in Line For Eight Hours to Buy

I wanted the iPhone. Really wanted it. Lusted after it. So, when Dan asked me if I wanted to stand in line with him yesterday at the Millenia Mall for one, I said “hell yeah!” or something to that effect. That was a week ago.I currently have a Treo 680 and my first concern with the iPhone was no 3rd party apps which meant I wouldn’t have an SSH client or Terminal Services client on my phone like I do now. I manage servers so these are handy. As I thought about it though, I’ve used each of these apps once or twice in the past couple years so this wasn’t a show-stopper.

As last week went on and more info. came out I got even more excited and was going to buy one. Then David Pogue’s FAQ came out on Thursday and I found out that you can’t use the iPhone as a bluetooth modem. Uh-oh. I travel for work about once a month and have a fairly flexible vacation schedule that means I’m out of town for long weekends nearly that often. When I can’t get an internet connection, the slow EDGE dialup through my Treo saves me.

I can’t give this up so I asked the Apple Store employees who were going through the line yesterday after their afternoon briefing answering questions about this to confirm it. Sadly, it is true. This is the show-stopper. My time in line wasn’t wasted since I had already asked my Dad if he wanted one if I got one so I’ll be taking that over to him today and living vicariously through his activation and awe.

I know some people think I’m crazy (hi, Mom!) for standing in line all day for something I won’t even keep, but I had a blast and would do it again in a similar situation. The Apple Store employees were awesome and kept the Smart Waters and Starbucks coupons flowing and were eager to help us out and answer any questions they could.

As soon as Apple enables the iPhone as a bluetooth modem, I’ll buy mine.

Technorati Tags: iphone, iphone launch

Filed in Apple, Tech with 5 Comments