Why is it so tough to find good customer service these days? You’d think that with the economy in such bad shape, employees would be working extra hard to impress their superiors by offering excellent service. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I will admit there are probably some areas that don’t need as much attention. Some products sell themselves. But anything having to do with fashion, design, beauty—those industries that base their success on aesthetics—need to have a very knowledgeable, approachable, customer-oriented staff.

For instance, I was recently browsing through some decorative accents, like lamps and wall plaques, at some furniture New York store. And I had quite a pleasant experience. I normally don’t expect or ask for help when shopping because I’m usually less than pleased, but not this time. A sales associate approached me almost immediately at the first store and asked me a few questions about what I was shopping for. She really got into my head and assessed my preferences, my tastes and my budget (most important of all).

The home is just another reflection of you. When you walk into your home, you want it to capture your personality. This is why customer service is so important. Interior design is probably not your expertise, so when it comes to making these types of purchases, you will most likely need some guidance. No matter if it’s just a small item, like salt and pepper shakers, or something large, like a bedroom set, you want it to be perfect. And why not? These are items you care going to most likely keep for a long time.

So back to my experience buying furniture, New York sales associates at that first store helped me narrow down my selection, and I left the store with several items. I can confidently say I will return to that store for future purchases, all because of the customer service. Sometimes that’s all it takes—a smart and helpful sales force that cares, or at least pretends to care, about your final purchase.

I’ve had various not-so-pleasing shopping experiences in my life, and I just can’t understand why any company who continue to hire employees that don’t focus on their customers. I’ve worked in retail, and I know it can be a stressful at times. But when your money and the profit of your employer are on the line, why wouldn’t you want to help as much as possible? Maybe the associates at my favorite furniture store should have a training workshop for the sour employees out there. The marketplace would be a much better place!

I love the excitement of slipping into the perfect little dress for a night out in the summertime. I am addicted to summer dresses because they can be worn day or night. Last week, I slipped on my new maxi dress to grab an evening drink with my friends. When I sat down to the table, my friend whispered in my ear that my panty lines were totally noticeable. The restaurant lighting exposed every little detail of my thong panty—right down to the little pink heart on the back.

My friends will never let me live it down and I vowed never to let that happen again. Even thought my dress was black, I realized that I needed a particular style of panty for the lightweight material. I went straight home after dinner and looked online for ideas for finding a good summer thong panty. I found a unique store online that carries all kinds of women’s panties from their micro string thong to the basic thong panty that I was looking for. I ordered a bunch of the recommended styles to test with different outfits. When I got my order, I was so happy that I threw a panty party for my friends.

I customized a gift set with different styles for the party with a micro string thong and thong panty for each of them. My order arrived really fast and even came with the most delicately wrapped gift boxes. Each of my friends received a lacey micro string thong and the quintessentially seamless thong panty. The party was super fun to compare the variety of colors and styles. We talked about what outfits required which panty and browsed new collections on the website. I laugh about my “indecent exposure “at the restaurant now and wonder how I didn’t see catch on. The micro string thong is perfect for summer dresses. I wish I had found this store sooner!

Lose an engine and think the life of your car is over? Think again. Engines can be replaced, usually for only a few hundred dollars. A rebuilt engine could have you back up and running for less than $700. Try buying a car for that much and see how far you get.

It used to be you’d have to track down a used engine in a junk yard and then hope it hadn’t been around the world and back. Thanks to the web, however, it’s easy to find a quality rebuilt engine for cheap. Most rebuilt engines usually come with a listed history, so you can be sure you’re not receiving a lemon.

In fact, many online shops guarantee their rebuilt engines. Find a shop that stands by its used engines. If the engine is quality, they shouldn’t mind giving you a complete refund if you discover any problems. The beauty of buying a used engine from an online shop is the lack of risk. You can always take it back. Chances are that it will work as good as new. What more could you want?

Be sure it’s the right kind, however. Engines come in all shapes and sizes. They vary by model and year. Some are turbo, V6 or V8. Although the engines are guaranteed and you can always take any engine back, it will just delay the repair process, leaving you without wheels for a prolonged period of time. Get your engine quickly by making sure it’s the right one the first time so you can get back onto the road.

It helps to deal with an experienced online shop, one with a knowledgeable staff of the automotive engine industry. Feel free to pick their brains. Shop heads love shoptalk. See if they can deliver. Just because it’s online doesn’t signify they can’t answer your questions.

When it comes to annuity insurance leads, senior citizens make natural prospects. Not only are they getting more serious about retirement, but they also tend to have the assets to invest. It’s important, however, to be completely upfront about the issues and advantages whenever generating annuity sales leads. Honesty makes the best policy, as your clients trust isn’t easily won but can be an extrodinary sales generating asset.

Be sure to point out the inflation incentives when it comes to buying annuity. Inform seniors to invest in indexed annuities with asset allocation portfolios that match their risk bearing capabilities. This way they can make intelligent investments without having the hassle or market knowledge that’s required to directly trade them. The beauty of leaving annuity insurance leads to a professional is the assets can accrue based on the best aspects of the market. It’s ideal for seniors who look for marketing advice.

One other advantage always worth touting when generating annuity sales leads is the tax free capabilities of annuity. For those seniors interested in investing in their future without paying out the nose in taxes, annuities offer a tax-free incentive for future financial security. Tax-free investments are rare, but that’s what makes annuities so appealing. Mutual funds, deposits and savings can transmit some heavy taxes. Annuities are tax-free, preserving more of your assets for the future. Be sure to point out that some annuity opportunities are taxable, however, such as is the case with early withdrawals and income generation from annuity assets.

It’s also important to point out that the recent turmoil in the stock market make annuities investments that have a lot of growth potential. This is a great time to invest in stock annuity, as you can get bottom dollar prices on stock that is sure to recover. If your client is willing to wait for 5 to 10 years depending on market conditions, the stock they obtained cheaply will accrue significant assets as the markets recover.

Many seniors also favor annuities that have a guaranteed living withdrawal clause, which allows them to continue getting payments throughout their lifetime. There’s nothing more disturbing than the worry of outliving your assets. Living too long should be the last of their concerns. Point out they’ll enjoy retirement knowing they have continual security. It’s an advantage that’s very appealing to some seniors.

Be honest with your clients with how annuities can help them find security in retirement. Open communication builds relationships that are equally beneficial.