Mon, Nov 29 2004

Heading 'Em off At The Pass

You can see if someone is rustling content off your web site with Copyscape.

posted at: 17:55 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry

The Return Exchange: No. No Thank You, But No

I was not happy to read about the trend toward tracking returned merchandise. At the very least, the software used by these stores should also note the total dollar amount of the purchaser's transactions. If I've spent $800 at a store in the last year, but I had to return 10 items that were the wrong size, or were defective, I don't want my name going into some database that could eventually be subscribed to by credit agencies and could affect my credit rating. I try to shop with integrity, and nothing makes me more angry than an assumption that I have criminal motives. If Home Depot and Lowe's want my business from now on, they had better be willing to assure me that my purchases will result in no negative information about me being placed in some database in the event that I might need to return the merchandise. Period. If they can't do that, I will find other places to buy what I need. And I've already spoken with at least six other consumers who feel the same way. The Return Exchange salesforce may be very pleased with their hot new software, but if retailers don't want a drop in sales, they had better be doing some PR damage control, and had better be quick about it.

posted at: 09:35 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry