THE BEST CUSTOM IMPRINTED CALENDARS FOR LESS!

The Good Value™ Calendar Brand represents the best for less. Reliable quality. Exceptional savings. Surprising selection. Check out our proven best sellers at practical price points.

Kennedy’s Good Value Line includes: (Open the Digital Catalog Below)

Appointment Calendars Pages 5-35, Mini Appointment Calendars Pages 36-37

Stick Up Calendars Pages 38-40 & Business Essentials Pages 41-45

We offer you a Variety of Themes on Premium Gloss Paper at an Exceptional Value Plus more:

• ·       Printed in the USA
• ·       Free Set-Up Charges when you use a Standard Imprint Color.
• ·       Free 24 Hour Service on Over 100 Items.
• ·       Free Storage Until You Need them in Your Hands.

It's our dedication to working with our clients and our understanding of their needs that put us at the top of the list when it comes to high end results at fantastic prices. 

If you need something you do not see in our digitalcatalog, give us a call and we will go to work and try to find it for you.

Click Here to Open Our Good Value Digital Catalog

We are here to make you Happy and Deliver the products you need on the dates you need them. At Kennedy Advertising when we give you a commitment, WE DELIVER! Because, after all, it’s all in the Delivery!

Best Regards

John Kennedy

GM & Managing Partner

Kennedy Advertising

Kennedy's 2016 Apparel & Accessories E-Catalog

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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John Kennedy Kennedy Advertising

Managing Partner/GM (888) 725-4487 10257 Strada Laterina Court Las Vegas, NV 89135

Designed and Delivered by OutboundEngine, Inc.

Checking In With You Before the Start of the Holidays

I just wanted to check in before the start of the Holiday Hustle & Bustle to wish you a Happy Holiday Season. I hope you’ll find this blog and the links that come with it to be useful to you.

And as always, if I can be of help in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards, 

John Kennedy
Kennedy Advertising

702-324-1334

Rev Up Your Marketing With Promotional Car Sunshades

Big, bold and unmistakable, Promotional Car Sunshades get your logo across loud and clear. When your company name is printed prominently in gigantic, look-at-me letters, the effect is similar to having hundreds of billboards—people see your logo everywhere.

What makes Promotional Car Sunshades such powerful marketing tools? They move. Wherever recipients park their vehicles and pull out your imprinted sunshade, your logo gets seen. This exponentially extends the reach of your marketing message.

Promotional Car Sunshades have huge imprint areas, so take advantage by imprinting your logo, company name, phone number and web address. If you want to promote it, there’s room on the sunshade.

Here’s a look at the main types of promotional Car, Truck and SUV Sunshades:

Pop-open car sunshades. This type of sunshade features one or two panels that fold up for easy storage, and then pop open for maximum sun protection.









Accordion-style sunshades. Your customers can fold these out and put them in the windshield when they park their vehicle. It doesn't get easier!










Insulated Sunshades. This style of sunshade reflects more of the sun’s rays, keeping vehicle interiors cooler. They have a high-end look, and they’re durable, typically lasting for years.










Roller Custom Car Shades. These help reduce the temperature inside the vehicle and block sun rays from passengers’ faces. They’re ideal for side and back windows, and because drivers typically install them and leave them up, your company gets year-round exposure.








Few marketing ideas have the same amount of intensive, consistent exposure. Promotional Car Sunshades can make an impression on hundreds of people a day. In one month, your company could possibly gain exposure to hundreds of thousands of people—all with one promotional car sunshade.

KennedyPromos know-how tip: Promotional car sunshades aren't just used for keeping away the sun’s penetrating glare—your customers also use them to protect their dashboard from the sun’s rays or to block visibility inside the vehicle. They make a practical gift any time of year.

What we do at Kennedy Advertising

We are a Promotional Product Distributor and proud member of the Advertising Specialty Institute. Promotional Products, also known as Ad Specialties, make up a nearly $17 Billion Dollar Industry and are used by virtually every business in America. Why? 

Items like mugs, pens and t-shirts are memorable and provide a better cost per impression for advertisers than almost every major marketing effort like TV, magazines and the Internet.

We are able to supply your company with every possible promotional product from over 3000 suppliers. With so many ad specialties available there is a huge opportunity for professionals like you to boost ROI and leave a lasting impression with your customers.

Our mission is to help you create long-lasting relationships with your clients through the power of promotional products. Contact Us Today @702-324-1334.

We would be Happy to Help!

Coming to Las Vegas for an Company Event or Trade Show?

If your company is going to be Exhibiting at a Las Vegas Trade Show, or Expo this year, you should let Kennedy Advertising do the Heavy Lifting when it comes to ordering and delivering your Imprinted Promotional Items to Your Las Vegas Hotel or Venue. 

Our Clients tell us that they save time in airports and have more time to focus on Clients and Prospects. Don't forget! All of your shipping is FREE. So you save $$$$ too!

How can you go Wrong?.... You Can't! Here is how to Order!!!!

Whether you prefer to call, email, we are happy to assist you with ordering your Printing and Imprinted  Promotional Products. Call our Customer Service Line at 888-725-4487 or 702-324-1334. We can give you an idea of the lead-time and costs right on the phone as well as assist you with any art questions. Or you can email us and get a quick reply during weekday business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time.

1. PROVIDE YOUR INFORMATION TO US:

Option 1: (the quickest) Call Us! That’s right! Just call us at 888-725-4487 or 702-324-1334. The vast majority of our promotional products can be customized with your logo and there are typically many ways and locations an item can be decorated. We are proud of our experience, so call us and throw your questions our way. You can also email us with questions to KennedyPromos@gmail.com.

Option 2: (the quickest online) Just find the Promotional Products you want Additional Information about on our websites and click the "Request More Info" or the “Quick Request" buttons on the product pages. Fill out the simple form with just your email address and quantity needed and press "Send" at the bottom. This is a nice option when you are in a rush, want to provide minimal details, or perhaps just need to see a sample.

2. SENDING ARTWORK & LOGOS

Art is emailed to KennedyPromos@gmail.com. If you don't have any art at the time, no problem, still submit your quote request and we can work with you on the artwork later. Unless it is a full color imprint, we typically request an EPS Vector art file. NEED HELP with art or TEXT for your imprint? If you do not have properly created art, Kennedy Advertising provides art recreation services!

To Download a PDF copy of these Instructions, Click Here!

3. PAYMENT:

Kennedy Advertising accepts payment through PayPal or we take VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, and DISCOVER CARD.

4. PAPER PROOF:

With normal production, a paper proof with confirmation of color, imprint, shipping address is either emailed or faxed for your approval. If your order is a rush production, this paper proof is usually waived due to time constraints. Upon paper proof approval, the order is produced and shipped direct to Las Vegas from our affiliated production facility.

5. FOLLOWUP DURING THE ORDER PROCESS:

We provide experience and in house customer service that far surpasses our competition. If you have a question during the process, we are happy to work with you to keep your order moving along. Please call us at 888-725-4487 or 702-324-1334 for any additional information.

6. LOGISTICS

As we mentioned earlier, all of your shipping to Las Vegas and to your hotel and/or venue is FREE. At the time of the order, we will agree on a place to deliver your Promotional Items and/or Printed Matter for the event you will be exhibiting at. It's just that easy!

Thanks, in advance, for printing out this page. By following these really simple directions, you will be left with more time to focus on what you're at the show for.

To focus on Clients and Potential to Clients! Have a GREAT time in Las Vegas.

John Kennedy

Kennedy Advertising

888-725-4487

To Download and Print a PDF Copy of of these Instructions, Click Here! 

Spring is here with Summer not too Far Behind! Is Your Business Ready for some Golf?

According to a 2009 study, CEOs who don’t play golf are paid 17% less (on average) than those who do!

Golf has long been considered a favorite sport of business professionals, buy why? Julian Small, CEO of Wentworth Golf Club in London, has a few ideas. First, golf is a sport that accommodates players of every age – even frail 65-year old bosses can get it on the action without taking health risks. Secondly, thanks to the handicap system, players at different skill levels can still enjoy competitive matches against each other without embarrassment. The third reason, and maybe the most important, is that golf isn’t exactly the most action-packed sport in the world. This means in a four-hour game, most of the time can be spent talking business, with short breaks to actually, you know – play the game.

Small also thinks that golf can be a good judge of a person’s character. The best players are those who perform well under pressure, stay even-tempered, and think strategically.

With golf season starting to ramp up across the country, your business has the opportunity to reach golf-loving business professionals in the places where they are making their biggest decisions: on the green! Here are a few best-selling promotional golf gifts that span the gamut from budget-friendly to “wow!”

Logo golf towels are a nice mid-range gift for golfers. These towels come with a special hook that allows you to affix the towel to your golf bag where it will be on display all day long. Golf towels are used to clean balls, clubs, and wipe that stray bit of sweat from your forehead during tense matchups. They are available in a variety of colors to match your corporate color scheme, and provide a large space for your logo or marketing message. For more Information, drop us an email to KennedyPromos@Gmail.com

For the most important occasions, milestones, and business relationships, you need to pull out the big guns. This custom leather golf shoe bag is guaranteed to wow any true golf fan. This quality gear bag keeps expensive shoes and other accessories in good shape, and it looks great while doing it. Putting your logo on a top-tier golf gift like this one is going to associate with your brand with quality, class, and attention to detail. For more Information, drop us an email to KennedyPromos@Gmail.com

Custom golf tees and Ball Markers are great for smaller budgets or companies trying to reach large audiences. This simple accessory is a must-have in any gear bag, and is comparable to giving out inexpensive logo pens in a corporate office environment. They are cheap, useful, and used often. Imprint your company name and contact info so that clients remember your business during every one of their golf outings. For more Information, drop us an email to KennedyPromos@Gmail.com

Kennedy Print Solutions

Raised and Flat Spot Color and Process Printing

• 1-4 Colors, CMYK Raised or Flat
• 2 Sided Raised
• Business Cards
• Letterhead
• Envelopes
• NCR Forms
• Laser Safe Printing
• Announcements

Offset Printing

• Business and Postcards.
• Flyers and Brochures.
• Rack Cards and Newsletters.
• Posters in both Standard and Custom Sizes.
• Catalogs and Booklets
• Presentation/Pocket Folders
• 40pt Board Printing
• CD Inserts & Calendars

Large Format Printing

• Posters with Lamination and Mounting Options
• Partial and Full Vehicle Wraps
• Window Perf/Film
• Banners with Hems and Grommets
• Decals/Stickers
• Magnetic Signs
• Trade Show Graphics and Wall Menus
• Stand Alone Signs and Banners

Additional Services Include: Foiling, Embossing, Drilling, Cutting, Folding, Scoring, Standard and Micro Perforating (perfing), Numbering, Die Cutting, Padding and Gluing, Stitching, Collating, Booklet Making, Bindery Services, UV Coating (Spot and Flood), AQ Coating, Shipping, Drop Shipping, Blind Shipping and Product Fulfillment and Free Local Delivery in the Las Vegas Valley.

For pricing on any of our Products and Services...... Call us Toll Free at 888-725-4487 or locally in Las Vegas at 702-324-1334.

Wacky Top 10 Coolest Hot Promotional Products

Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt.
 

Wear it, play it, astonish your friends with it. Interactive tee shirt comes with mini amp and magnetic picks. Strum “guitar” to hear all major chords. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

The CoolerGrill.

Keep cold ones cold and hot stuff sizzling. 

Grill coupled with two coolers is perfect for BBQs 

and tailgating. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

USB Wind Turbine.

Wind turbine powered by computer's USB port creates a breeze – and a stir. Go green right from your desk. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Flexi-Vase.

Miracle vase is shatterproof, soft and flexible. Lays flat when not in use, then takes on vase shape when filled with water. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

 

Fun Crayon.

Every kid on the block will want one. Holds five colors of crayon, yet is easy to grip.For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Matrix Travel Wallet.

Fits everything from keys, coins and cards to flash drives and documents. Perfect for the world traveler or exec on the go. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Silicone Oven Mitt.

Won’t melt, stain or scratch. Never loses its shape. The can’t-miss kitchen accessory. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Slap-On Watch.

Slap on, slap off. Look out, next generation! Comes 
in 6 – appeals to all types. For more information 
about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Can-In-Ball Koozie.

Play catch with an 8-inch football, then unscrew lid, drop in can and keep drink cool. Perfect for sports teams promotions. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Deep-Etched Virgin Olive Oil

Etch whatever you want onto a lovely 750-ml bottle of 

Italian olive oil. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Kleenex Lets Consumers Give the Gift of Softness

Just in time for flu season, Kleenex rolled out its “Softness Worth Sharing” promotion that invites consumers to send a free small box of the facial tissues to a friend or loved one. By entering their name, address and e-mail address on the company's website (and opting in or out of Kleenex's e-mail list), the consumer can have a colorful Kleenex box mailed out with a personal 50-character message.

The campaign aims to not only boost the number of members on Kleenex's e-mail list, but also to promote the brand – and its softness – during flu season."Time and time again we have seen that softness is the number-one thing people want in a tissue," says Ken Champa, a member of the Kleenex brand marketing team. "We know that when people experience something great – like the softness of a Kleenex-brand tissue – they’re naturally inclined to share it, and we want to make that sharing fun and easy."

The program kicked off on September 26 and runs through March 31 at www.kleenex.com/softnessworthsharing. Kleenex is raising awareness of the program through national print and TV ad campaigns, online advertising, blogger relations and more than 900 in-store promotions. As of mid-November, the company had already sent a whopping 580,000 care packages throughout the country.

"We have been thrilled that so many people have not only had an opportunity to experience the superior softness of our tissues, but enjoyed sharing them with others," says Champa. "We hope to reach all of those seeking relief from their symptoms by providing an incredibly soft tissue and the warm feeling that you get from sharing something great with your friends and family."

Make it a Date to Remember

Thousands of organizations and Presidential Proclamations set aside specific days, weeks and months for political, cultural and historical events and causes. Many of these occasions offer you an opportunity to promote your business, organization or product.

December

December 1st – 7th is Cookie Cutter Week

Hold a contest for new cookie cutter designs or other uses for cookie cutters besides cookies. Draw people into your place of business to pick up entry forms and again for the awarding of prizes. Use imprinted kitchen items as prizes.

Use cookie cutter week as a backdrop for business-to-business promotions based on the negative connotation of cookie cutter. The idea is that your product or service isn't "cookie cutter." Include shapes appropriate to your industry or business or have custom shapes made to be sent in direct mail pieces.

Some other designations for December that you might be interested in are:

• AIDS Awareness Month
• National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
• National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
• National Tie Month
• December 1st: Apple Krinkle Day
• December 2nd: Play Basketball Day
• December 2nd - 9th: Hanukkah
• December 3rd: Let's Hug Day
• December 4th: Cracker Jack Day
• December 5th: Play Hookey Day
• December 6th: Saint Nicholas Day
• December 7th: Pearl Harbor Day
• December 8th: Bad Hair Day
• December 9th: Night Gown Day
• December 10th: Get a Poinsettia Day
• December 11th: Say Hi To Your Neighbor Day
• December 13th: New Calendar Day
• December 14th: Buy a Tree Day
• December 15th: Bill of Rights Day
• December 16th: Sleep Comfort Day
• December 17th: Cookie Cutter Day
• December 18th: Play Bingo Day
• December 19th: Chocolate Pizza Day
• December 20th: Crossword Puzzle Day
• December 21st: Fore Fathers Day
• December 23rd: Popcorn Popping Day
• December 24th: Family Caregivers Day
• December 25th: Christmas
• December 26th: Boxing Day (Canada)
• December 27th: Fruitcake Forever Day
• December 28th: Eat Chocolate Day
• December 29th: Pepper Pot Day
• December 30th: Bicarbonate of Soda Day
• December 31st: New Year's Eve

January

January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month. Encourage self-defense awareness among both your customers and your employees through the use of promotional products like flashlights and personal alarms. For more ideas, check out the 'Alarms and Protective Devices' category in our Product Search!

Some other designations for January that you might be interested in are:

• Celebration of Life Month
• National Thank You Month
• National Get Organized Month
• National Glaucoma Awareness Month
• National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
• National Personal Self-Defense Month
• National Book Month
• January 1st: New Years Day
• January 2nd: National Science Fiction Day
• January 3rd: Festival of Sleep
• January 4th: Tennis Day
• January 5th: Take the Cake Day
• January 5th: Bird Day
• January 6th: Apple Tree Day
• January 8th: World Literacy Day
• January 8th: National Clean Off Your Desk Day
• January 9th: National Static Electricity Day
• January 9th: National Apricot Day
• January 10th: Volunteer Fireman's Day
• January 11th: Amelia Earhart Day
• January 14th: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
• January 15th: Hat Day
• January 16th: National Fig Newton Day
• January 17th: Ben Franklin's Birthday
• January 18th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 19th: National Popcorn Day
• January 20th: Basketball Day
• January 21st: Hugging Day
• January 22nd: National Blonde Brownie Day
• January 23rd: National Pie Day
• January 24th: National Peanut Butter Day
• January 25th: First Winter Olymics Began
• January 26th: National Peanut Brittle Day
• January 27th: National Chocolate Cake Day
• January 28th: National Blueberry Pancake Day
• January 29th: Carnation Day
• January 30th: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Birthday
• January 31st: Jackie Robinson's Birthday

February

February 14th is Valentine's Day

Send your salesforce out with logoed boxes of candies to leave with clients on this day. Create a promotion that delivers balloons, cards and heart shaped candies to your clients.

Some other designations for February that you might be interested in are:

• National Black History Month
• American Heart Month
• American History Month
• National Dental Month
• Chocolate Lover's Month
• National Bird Feeding Month
• February 1st: National Freedom Day
• February 2nd: Groundhog Day
• February 3rd: Chinese New Year
• February 4th: Rosa Park's Birthday
• February 5th: World Nutella Day
• February 6th: Babe Ruth's Birthday
• February 7th - 11th: International Networking Week
• February 8th: Boy Scouts Day 
• February 9th: Toothache Day
• February 10th: Umbrella Day
• February 11th: White T-Shirt Day
• February 12th: Lincoln's Birthday
• February 13th: Get a Different Name Day
• February 14th: Valentine's Day
• February 15th: Susan B. Anthony Day
• February 17th: Random Acts of Kindness Day
• February 18th: Pluto Discovered
• February 19th: US Landed on Iwo Jima Anniversary
• February 21st: President's Day
• February 21st: Love Your Pet Day
• February 22nd: Washington's Birthday
• February 23rd: National Dog Biscuit Day
• February 24th: National Chili Day
• February 26th: Carnival Day
• February 27th: International Polar Bear Day
• February 28th: National Tooth Fairy Day

How to Buy Flash Drives That Won't Fail!

What you should do when you find flash drives on the Internet for next to nothing!

Flash Drives can be confusing! I have over 7400 to choose from on my website. 1 GB at $5 a similar item at $9.50….what’s the deal?

At the heart of the problem there is a lot of misinformation about flash drive prices and the cost of memory.

Many customers believe they can buy flash drives at below or at unusually low prices. These prices are generally found online and are often quoted direct from the Chinese manufacturer or through their North American or European agent.

The reality is quality memory costs are the same for every manufacturer as demand for flash chips far outstrips the supply. Kennedy Advertising pays the same for 1000 1 GB pieces of memory as we do for 10,000!

So how do you work your way through this? Please read below as there are some important things you should know.

USB Flash Chips are divided up into 4 different classes/standards.

Grades A, B & C. And the sneaky, Grade D

Grade A:

Tier 1- These are bona fide premium chips with the flash chip manufacturers name & serial number imprinted on the chip itself. These chips are produced by manufacturers such as Samsung and Hynix. They are the most expensive, but also the most reliable offering a lifetime warranty. These are the chips Kennedy Advertising uses.

Grade B:
Tier 1 OEM flash chips. These are made by the same legitimate chip manufacturers in Grade A but are without the manufacturer's brand name imprinted on them. These chips are as reliable but may not be of the same standards that the manufacturer would consider putting their name on it. Kennedy Advertising also sells Grade B. A and B are both fine to use.

Below is where the quality issues & problems begin. These will be some of the least expensive flash drives but also have a very high failure rate.

Grade C:
These are called recycled or reclaimed flash chips (not to be confused with the recycled plastic housings) . These chips are considered waste from the "wafer" that the original manufacturer does not want and considers to be garbage. These have a 30% - 40% failure rate. They are sold by the pound. Literally!!!

Grade D: (The Sneaky Grade)
A Sneaky flash drive supplier will actually imprint an original manufacturer's name on a Grade C chip. It may say Samsung or Hynix, etc. but its most definitely junk/knock-off flash drive. Until The Sneaky Grade Flash Drive land’s at your customer’s door you will not know that they don't work very well.

Payment: People don't always think about this.....All off-shore purchases are pre-paid to a Chinese bank before shipment. What is your recourse if the product fails? A reputable agency such as Kennedy Advertising gives you protection under US commerce laws and the insurance provided by Visa or MasterCard. Plus, we don’t deal with suppliers that sell us anything less than Grade A or B Quaility.

Conclusion: You may find flash drives cheaper than at Kennedy Advertising , but they won’t be better….or even the same! As the old saying goes………The taste of a bargain is easily replaced by the bitterness of being fooled.

If we can be of any help...please do not hesitate to give us a call at 888-725-4487 or in the Las Vegas Valley at 702-324-1334 or you can send an e-mail to john@kennedyadv.com

If you would like, feel free to pass this along to people you know that buy Imprinted Promotional Flash Drives. You may help them save a lot of money.

6 Warning Signs of Bad Customer Service

I subscribe to several customer service and newsletter blogs. If I see one that to the point and aligns itself well with my message, I'll forward it. The following article by Bob Harris at The Attrition Busters doe it for me....Feel free to read and pass it along to others in your organization. A little refresher from time to time always helps and if I can be of any help please don't hesitate to call on me. John Kennedy, Kennedy Advertising, 702-324-1334.

6 Warning Signs of Bad Customer Service
By Bob Harris, Managing Director, The Attrition Busters

Many business owners and managers seem to be ignoring the main signs that customer service quality isn't as good as it should be, according to Bob Harris, managing director for The Attrition Busters, who has compiled a list of the six key signs to watch out for.

Businesses that deal with consumers seem to be suffering from a definite disconnect between the level of service they want to provide and the service that their employees actually provide.

Six signs of poor service
As a result, Harris suggests the following six key signs that customer service may be in need of some attention - and most probably some staff training - to help restore the customer's faith:

1. Poor employee retention
If employees are leaving too quickly (i.e. within three years), there can be no real opportunity for them to build up relationships with customers. Knowledge about individual customers leaves the company with every lost employee. If this is the case, consider bringing in an outside HR (human resources) consultant to talk to employees and find out what needs to be done to change the situation; employees will often tell an 'outsider' things that they would never tell their manager.

2. Customer complaints
On average, only around 6% of dissatisfied customers will actually take the time to complain. So, out of all the customers who encounter a problem, 94% won't tell you (but they'll tell their friends and family, of course). When these dissatisfied customers do gather the strength to actually complain, many front line employees have a natural instinct to refer the customer to someone else or, worse still, to deny that there's really a problem. So if management sees that there are very few complaints, that doesn't mean that customer service is perfect at all. If employees have not built relationships with customers, many customers will defect without any further prompting. Make sure that your front line teams are required to record all complaints and any action taken to solve them. Complaints data should be treasured, documented, and shared with management. If you're not getting complaint data from the front line, there's a serious problem.

3. Employees aren't empowered to handle problems
Unless front line employees are empowered to resolve customer complaints and problems without resorting to calling supervisors or referring the customer to a manager, customer service - and the company's reputation - will suffer greatly. Customer issues should be handled from start to finish by the same person if at all possible. Customers do not want to wait or, even worse, be transferred to multiple people to have their problems solved. There is nothing worse than having to repeat the problem over and over again to different people. This is where you need employee training and empowerment: give the whole customer-facing team the knowledge, tools, and authority they need to defuse angry customers.

4. Loss of long-term customers
When a long-term customer leaves, you need to notice it and query it. When you have built a long-term relationship with a customer, your ability to retain that customer significantly increases. So when a customer who would normally give you the benefit of the doubt takes their business elsewhere, the problem is almost always the service they've received. Try to find out the real reason they defected, and use that information to prevent it from happening again. Remember that flexibility is needed in order to make changes in the company based on information from lost customers.

5. Fewer referrals
A business with delighted customers should always be gaining new customers from referrals. If your service isn't good, referrals will drop off first - even before your existing customers defect to a competitor. This makes the continual monitoring of referral levels one of the most powerful indicators of ongoing customer satisfaction. To quote a wise mentor, "Satisfied customers buy from you, but delighted customers sell for you." Also, if you're gaining lots of new customers but losing just as many existing customers, this indicates a serious disparity between what your brand is promising and what it actually delivers.

6. Low morale
Employees' morale is something that shows whenever they interact with customers, and the customer is quick to pick up on negative sentiment toward the company. While low morale is not always a result of poor customer service (although it can be due to a lack of empowerment), it always creates poor service. If this is the case, the management needs to try to instill a sense of pride throughout the company, and offer employees some well-deserved rewards and recognition. Empower employees to make decisions (within reasonable limits), and train them to make good decisions that have both the customer's and company's interests at heart.

While there are obviously more than six signs that identify bad customer service, these are certainly among the main ones to watch out for. If you recognize any single one of these six signs, the time has come to focus attention on fixing it urgently. If you recognize more than one of these six signs, there's no time to waste: you're already losing market share.

---Source: Reprinted from The Wise Marketer Feb 22, 2008 newsletter www.thewisemarketer.com.