Selling Power of the Internet

We all want to get a really good deal, and the internet has made it easy for us to find bargains--or has it?

I've gotten great deals on the internet and then there have been a few that were not so good. For instance, apparel and shoes are hard to buy on the internet. Is the size right or how about the color. Don't forget, computer monitors project images differently than what they may appear to be. So, how do you get a good deal and still get what you want?

One thing the internet can not provide is personalized service. A company that specializes in its customers knows that being available and solving customer problems quickly and easily can make all the difference in a sale. When you buy a product, what is the warranty? Do you even read the fine print? Who do you contact? How long does it take to resolve an issue? Most of this information is not readily visible when you make a purchase. So, how do I get the best deal?

I believe in the small business owner who is out there competing with the big internet stores. The small business owner wants to keep you happy and do things that the internet stores don't offer to do. My company keeps invoice records so that they are accessible in case there is a warranty issue. Do you always keep your invoices or do you throw them away once you receive your purchased item? You probably will need your invoice in order to file a warranty claim should you have one. And, they don't tell you who to contact or how to file a claim. I've been filing claims for my customers so as to be sure the proper information is filled out and if there are any questions I can be on top of the situation.

What about follow-up? How many times do you get an internet company to follow up on your claim or to see if it was resolved. Yes, there are surveys to see if you are satisfied and occasionally they ask if your problem was resolved, but do they really follow-up or do they just send out the survey so it appears they care? And, how long does it take to get the problem resolved? Who do you contact if you still have a problem? Let's face it, most of us don't want to waste our time on the phone trying to get an issue resolved. I've been known to spend hours trying to get a personal issue resolved. I prefer to work with companies that really care about their customers, so I've selected those companies that make it easy to get quick resolutions.

You won't find an internet company that wants to lend you merchandise unconditionally. So, how do you know if a Pickleball paddle is right for you?

Trust me when I say I've spent hours learning and understanding the dynamics of various Pickleball paddles so that I can evaluate each customer's strengths and weaknesses and provide them with the best product for their ability. I have over 20 demo paddles that I allow my customers to use. These paddles can be borrowed for a week at a time so that you actually know how the paddle performs with your style of play. You won't find an internet company that wants to lend you merchandise unconditionally. So, how do you know if that paddle is right for you?

And, I add another service that is unique. I put your name on the edge of the paddle. Many times, people have the same paddle and pick up the wrong one. We've had people lose paddles because their names were not on them. Paddles aren't cheap and you don't want someone walking off with your paddle after you findly found the right one!

So, personalized service that only a small business can give you might just mean that your are a happy Pickleball player and feel assured that any time you need assistance, whether it be a warranty issue or just paddle preferences, the small business owner will be there to help you. Check out our Onkort Sports

website at: www.onkortsports.com for equipment, themed performance tees and educational information on the sport of Pickleball.