Joy Wizard » Shopping

Dropped My Guard When Shopping – And Got Stung.

Alex Webley — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:38:01 +0000

Despite being an experienced Internet shopper, I got caught out today buying from a bricks & mortar store.

You see, I wanted to buy some Ethical Nutrients Sleep Enhance Tab X 60. I have them occasionally, usually at weekends, to give my deep mind a change (different type of rest) as I sleep. My mind is very clear and active, albeit calmly, however on occasion I like the different type of rested feel I have after using the natural pills.

Normally, I buy these pills online. As I did not need to buy much from the online website I got them from last, I decided to get the pills at a local store – Chemist Warehouse Southport – about which I had the impression I would get reasonably good value. Having long used online suppliers for most of my chemist/pharmacy type needs (from as long ago as 1997) I am well aware of the large savings one can make by buying online. The savings more than compensate for the cost of shipping and the time wasted walking round shops (how much is your time worth?).

I had forgotten how much I last paid for the pills but had a quick look after I returned home. You see, I kind of trusted the local store to be reasonably priced. Did I get a shock!

Online, the pills are $14.95. Check for yourself here.

Here is a screen capture:

And here…is a copy of my receipt from Chemist Warehouse, Southport. You will see the price of $23.99 – in excess of $9 more expensive! You will also note the comment on the receipt stating normal price of $27.95. I recall that the shelf had a ticket on it drawing attention to the reduced price of $23.99.

I leave you to decide whether the comment on the bottom of the receipt about whether they are Australia’s cheapest chemist is correct.

Dropped My Guard When Shopping – And Got Stung. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

What Does Chocolate Have To Do With Webdesign, Creative Excellence And Superb User Experience? (Don’t miss this)

Alex Webley — Sat, 15 May 2010 01:04:54 +0000

If you like Chocolate you must see this site.

If you like beauty, design and creativity you must see this site.

If you appreciate a fine user experience on the web (usability) you must see this site.

If you appreciate good customer service, or want to study it, you must see this site.

If you are involved with Internet Marketing you must see this site.

Frankly, this is one of the best websites I have ever come across. Kudos.

You just want the chocolate?

Not just any chocolate.

Chocolates handmade by a world champion chocolatier…….

I quote:

…with zealous adherence to French tradition: all natural ingredients, no preservatives, very little sugar, high cocoa content, no alcohol and 100% cocoa butter. More intense, with stronger flavors and a longer finish, they redefine the chocolate tasting experience.

You can get the experience here: Chocolate

What Does Chocolate Have To Do With Webdesign, Creative Excellence And Superb User Experience? (Don’t miss this) is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Enjoyable, refreshing experience ordering laser toner for my printer. (Australia)

Alex Webley — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:40 +0000

Late last year I purchased a Lexmark C543dn Color Laser printer.

So far, I have been pleased with the performance, features and ease of use of my choice of printer, though have not owned it long.

A while ago I ordered a black cartridge from a supplier I had bought other things from in the past, but was not totally happy with the price, nor the speed of delivery/order processing.

On Monday I had a scout around for a new Australian printer toner supplier and came across DOSO ‘the store that never sleeps’.

Besides being impressed with the prices, which are competitive; I liked the look of the DOSO website, the psychology behind it and the clear focus on functionality, ease of use and customer service. Simply speaking….good value, without any apparent compromise on quality of product or service.

An email I sent to DOSO querying a couple of issues on Monday evening was responded to by early Tuesday morning. Impressive.

I ordered a color toner cartridge after lunch yesterday. It arrived this morning from interstate.

The product was as described and expected.

The whole ordering process was very good – refreshingly so in fact, including easy printing of my invoice and monitoring delivery via the courier tracking facility (the product was delivered to my staff at another premises).

Frankly, the way DOSO runs things is how Internet Marketing should be done. All too often however, many businesses fall down on customer service and customer buying experience. For example; at times I have to chase invoices, ask for a courier tracking number or otherwise waste valuable time. Not so with DOSO. Top marks to them.

I like to help people who deserve recognition for a job well done; hence this blog post.

In future I will order all my color laser printer supplies from DOSO. Readers may also be interested to note that besides laser toners, DOSO supply copier toners, ink cartridges, fax items, ribbons, paper, storage media and (in due course) printers.

Addendum: The Lexmark proved much more expensive to run than initial research indicated and in late 2010 it became more economical to throw it away (yes really) and buy two new printers – one color and one mono (Samsung). It was not worth selling due to the relationship between current cost new and cost of replacement toner cartridges. I would also point out that while using one color printer for all printing was less economical, the consumption/cost ratios concerning the Lexmark were appalling. I will never buy another Lexmark printer.

Enjoyable, refreshing experience ordering laser toner for my printer. (Australia) is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Great service from Gold Coast Computer Store – FS Computers

Alex Webley — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:12:14 +0000

It was time for a new keyboard.

These days I buy Microsoft keyboards and mice exclusively. (Early last year I bought a Logitech top of the line mouse – MX Revolution – which became faulty early on. I am still trying to get the situation resolved with Logitech. I have received appalling customer service and support from Logitech. Coupled with other poor experiences with the quality of Logitech products; I now have a policy of never again buying Logitech. In fact, due to the value of time lost, I would have been better off never contacting Logitech support about my faulty product in the first place! I probably won’t contact Logitech about a faulty cordless headset for that very reason!)

I decided on a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000.

I have had Microsoft keyboards before which lasted very well (far beyond what I expected), were reliable and easy to use. The ergonomic range is superb, though can take some getting used to initially for some people.

The keyboard I wanted comes with an ergonomic mouse. We already have two (which replaced my faulty Logitech MX Revolution): Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and am pleased with it. Batteries last for ages.

Here on the Gold Coast, Queensland, it was hard to find a store stocking the Natural® Ergonomic Desktop 7000. I ordered it in as a special order from FS Computers in Mermaid Beach. The store, which was established in 1993, has been one of my local favorites for over 10 years. Back in December 2005 I ordered a computer system from them with which I was well pleased.

FS Computers promised the keyboard the day after I ordered it. Not only did the keyboard arrive on time, Dmitri phoned to let me know it had arrived, again, as promised. No surprise here. Over the years I have enjoyed excellent customer service from the people at FS Computers.

So, if you want a local Gold Coast computer store where you are treated as a person (and not a number on a sales person’s statistics sheet) get down to FS Computers: http://www.fscomputers.com.au (2546B Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach. (07) 5578 6511).

PS: The keyboard is actually for my wife – lucky girl. I have a Microsoft Digital Media Pro keyboard – another great product.

Great service from Gold Coast Computer Store – FS Computers is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

How to buy Christmas presents in a hurry AND be thoughtful too!

Alex Webley — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:01:23 +0000

Here in Australia it is nearly Christmas Eve. Tomorrow morning and afternoon will be the last chance that many people get to purchase Christmas presents for their loved ones.

Are you one of those people who hasn’t done anything yet, or perhaps who has only got one or two presents?

Are you going to fall into the trap of just getting any old thing in the spirit of “that will do”?

Are you going to run out of time?

Are you feeling tense, stressed, uncomfortable?

Perhaps you are dreading the crush tomorrow in the last-minute stampede.

If so, here is a quick and easy solution, which will also enable you to be thoughtful about the people you are buying presents for. You will find it much easier to get something that they will like and enjoy. This will have the added additional benefit of enhancing your relationships with them.

Before you start, have a think about the people you need to buy presents for, and what their particular interests and likes are. Most people have got a number of different interests and things which they enjoy. Make a list of these against each person’s name that you need to buy presents for.

When you arrive at the shops head immediately to the bookstore. Yes, you heard that right! Go to the bookstore.

Armed with your list go through the various aisles – most bookstores have a huge range of different books. They all have different price points, sizes and formats. Formats are important because not everyone that you are buying for will like to read stuff – some of them would rather look at pictures.

Try and buy a present for everyone on your list from the bookshop. Then you will not have to go to any other stores or join any more queues. You can get home, wrap your presents and spend more quality time with your loved ones instead of strangers in the shopping mall.

When the time comes for your gift recipients to open what you bought, you should find that at the very least they will know that you have thought specifically about them, even if they might have preferred some other item. In many cases however I suspect that, provided you have done your planning correctly, the recipients will enjoy receiving your gifts.

For next year, you might want to have a quick read of my article which I wrote earlier about off-peak living. If you implement some of my suggestions, it will make getting organised for Christmas so much easier.

How to buy Christmas presents in a hurry AND be thoughtful too! is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Gold Coast Organic Food Store – where customers matter.

Alex Webley — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:23:08 +0000

This article will likely only be of specific interest to people who live on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. Others who are interested in organic food, customer service, sales and marketing may find it interesting also.

My wife and I consume a lot of organic food. We do eat meat (we are omnivores), are not fanatical about eating only organic products and do consume non-organic food, though it is usually of good quality. As in most areas of life, balance is important.

Some of the reasons why we consume organic food include:

It usually tastes better
It usually lasts longer
The food is usually better quality
An absence of chemicals and other nasty additives
Much better treatment of the animals involved
Better quality food supports health – both physical and mental
The food is more satisfying and we often need less of it
We like the idea that we are mostly supporting smaller, and Australian, businesses and families with our patronage
Customer service tends to be better in organic stores

We obtain our organic food from a number of sources. Some is delivered direct to our door, a small quantity is obtained at the large supermarket chains, however a good proportion of it is obtained from small local stores.

My favorite local Gold Coast organic food store is Mrs Flannerys in Benowa, where they have a good range of products, including fresh food, fruit and vegetables. In my experience it is the best value on the central Gold Coast (Southport, Broadbeach, Benowa, Ashmore etc) for organic produce. They have the largest range I have seen on the Gold Coast.

WrayOrganic is owned** by a friendly helpful lady who makes you feel as if you are a valued customer. This reminds me of days long gone when customers were treated as people, not just a number. (**Addendum 31 July 2010 – the Broadbeach store is now a franchised store).

If you have never tried organic food, then I thoroughly recommend you do. Try a range of products and compare the taste to what you’re normally eating. I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

Have you thought carefully about the quality of the food which you are putting into your body? And what kind of effects that food is having on it?

In closing let us consider the example of people who spend a fortune on hotting up their cars to race on the roads. No expense is spared and they are always careful to ensure that their cars are refuelled not only with the best quality petrol available, but with extra bottles of expensive additives. Yet we will often see these same people scoffing burgers, pizzas and drinking sodas. Peculiar eh? Little do they consider that they are on the fast track to ill-health and an early check-in at an overstretched and understaffed hospital ward. No fancy pizzas there, or organic food.

Other Gold Coast organic and quality food stores:

Celtic Organic, Southport – run by a very nice, friendly couple – have some unusual products/foods.

Deliver to Gold Coast in refrigerated van – Organic & Quality Foods of Brisbane. Very good for vegetables, frozen meats, sausages, dairy products & more.

Gold Coast Organic Food Store – where customers matter. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Excellent service and pricing from Australian online camera – photographic store

Alex Webley — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:29:07 +0000

Just recently I have purchased a new video camera from an online store in Brisbane, Queensland:

CameraPro

Not only did I receive excellent service, I saved between $250 and $350 on what I would have paid at a well known local camera store. The video camera is Australian stock therefore I would have no warranty issues, should I need to claim (i.e. it is not grey market).

Prior to purchase I checked out the price via a third party website: StaticIce. This website is good for checking prices on computer/IT equipment too.

I do not always go for the lowest price option on StaticIce, for a number of reasons. One of these is that I like to check out the store first – I look closely at the website for key factors (being a Private Detective helps) and usually speak with a person from the site over the phone.

Speaking with people over the phone is in my case key. This is because I have a well developed ability to sense things about people. For example, long ago I owned a wholesale and retail lighting business in the UK. I used to authorize credit over the phone just on a sense. In all my years of trading (five), I only ever had one bad debt; which was 2 pounds (yes, you read it right – just 2 pounds) by a Christian organisation. I never followed it up – why would you? When I received phone calls from people who I sensed were a bad credit risk I would politely suggest that they contacted my competitors, explaining that I was unable to help.

Having spoken with Steve from CameraPro I could tell that he is a very genuine, decent kind of chap. Their website says:

When you buy from CameraPro, you will be supporting an Australian owned and run business, which attempts to operate on an ethical basis in all aspects of our dealings.

This is not just lip service. I sensed strong ethics on the part of Steve. For those who understand Owl medicine; Owl says you can trust Steve and CameraPro.

Personally, I also prefer to deal with smaller businesses and avoid the large chains. Large chains tend to be staffed by people who say “Thank God it’s Friday” and see you, the customer, as some kind of statistic, sucker or interruption to their day.

So, if you want camera or photographic equipment this Christmas, and want to save money, get in touch with CameraPro. Get your order delivered to your door and avoid the mad Christmas rush/crush. Save your valuable time.

In case you are wondering, I purchased a Canon Legria HFS11.

I quote from the Canon website:

With stunning design lines, the LEGRIA HFS11 can shoot to internal flash memory as well as to removable memory cards. Combining an 8.0 megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, a genuine Canon HD Video Lens with a 10x optical zoom, and the new DiG!C DV III processor, image capture size is almost three times greater than Full HD resolution – providing the ultimate in image quality. With extensive professional-level controls and features, the LEGRIA HF S11 is suited to high-end consumers or professional movie sets.

Excellent service and pricing from Australian online camera – photographic store is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Why where you buy socks is important and a great place to get them.

Alex Webley — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:35:42 +0000

Recently I needed to purchase more socks because the last lot I bought were rapidly wearing out. I had bought the previous lot on eBay at a cheap price. I got what I paid for – some of them wore out after only a few wears, and most of the others have been developing holes regularly ever since.

I like a particular variety of sock — with a loose top which does not dig into my leg. This is a personal preference as opposed to a health one. I do not like the way socks which grip the leg tightly create a slightly painful indentation. I wonder how good it is for the circulation too.

Loose top stocks are not that easy to find and are often sold to travelers concerned about the risks of DVT and diabetics who have specialist health needs.

In the past I have found loose top socks in some of the department stores, however I was not impressed with the quality so did not wish to repeat my purchase. Previously, I also found loose top socks on eBay in a surprisingly varied range of colors. I must confess to owning some purple socks as a result! (Which wore out real fast).

I considered traveling to Myer, an Australian department store, which I thought might have quality loose top socks. I was put off by the time costs involved, uncertainty as to their stock policy based on previous visits (I find that stores like Myer tend to limit the choices of consumers) and the thought of having to travel out of my way.

Have you thought about the value of your time? Time can be a very significant cost and can make the price of even an ordinary product extortionate. What is your time worth? Both in terms of a dollar value and the opportunity cost. An opportunity cost is what you could have done with the time instead, such as spending time with your family.

I turned to my trusty ‘friend’ the Internet.

Knowing that loose top socks marketed towards people concerned about DVT or diabetes tend to be more expensive, I decided to have a more general fish around. This time I did not bother with eBay at all and came across this website – Lafitte socks.

Lafitte socks are Australian made, which for me is another plus. I do like the thought that I’m helping an Australian business and Australian workers. Australian made is in my view more likely to mean a better quality than something made in China, though I realize that some stuff made in China is very good, especially when made to standards required by certain companies, particularly brand names.

Lafitte has an exclusive Tough Toe label which has a one year money-back guarantee. This guarantee is encouraging and reassuring. Generally I find that companies that offer such guarantees do so with good reason and because we consumers can rely on their product.

Lafitte does not sell socks on a retail basis, so I clicked on the link for a website called Mr Sock.

As a very experienced Internet shopper, I am very impressed with the Mr Sock website. It is very easy to use, straightforward, has a good range with plenty of color variations and is good value. I ordered three pairs of socks for my first order and did not even have to pay postage. I was so pleased with the speed of service and the quality of the goods that I ordered another four pairs of socks. The 3 free small high quality chocolates were a nice touch and hopefully my wife (supervisor) will not read this post. (I am not allowed much chocolate these days and scoffed the lot. Wicked eh!).

When I need more socks in the future, I will be ordering from Mr Sock. I decided to write a blog post about the Mr Sock website because I know that many other people will be able to benefit. I know I always like to find out about places where I can get good products, with good service and value. Additionally, I like to support businesses that do the right thing by their clients. For too long, we have all been pushed around and unappreciated by the big stores in the malls.

Internet shopping is the way of the future. My socks were incredibly cheap because I did not spend much time ordering them. What is your time worth?

Why where you buy socks is important and a great place to get them. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Great Online Framing Service For Australians.

Alex Webley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:05:12 +0000

How much time do you have to waste at the shopping mall choosing picture frames?

…..And then going to collect them.

It can take ages sometimes before the frames are ready!

These days I buy my frames online at one website.

I get good prices, great choice, excellent service and quality.

I never have to wait long.

Because I can take my time deciding on a frame to make sure it is right, I never get that rushed feeling one can experience in a bricks and mortar store.

I have always enjoyed the experience of ordering from FrameShop – their website is well thought out and easy to use.

So, where do I get my frames?

http://www.frameshop.com.au

Have a read of the reviews section and you find that my good experience is not isolated.

The business appears to have a policy of shipping only within Australia, or its Territories. They do invite international customers to contact them prior to ordering however.

Shop online and have more time to do other things.

Great Online Framing Service For Australians. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Tips to make Christmas shopping easy and stress free.

Alex Webley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:33:46 +0000

I finished my Christmas shopping for 2009 two to three weeks ago.

Yes, I know….depending on your perspective you might feel a variety of emotions reading that.

Consider buying books for people – tailored to their interests (thoughtful), enriching and educating, can be read again and shared with others. Good books can often be bought at a significant discount. Recipient can even swop afterward if they wish for another great read.

Tips to make Christmas shopping easy and stress free. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Joy Wizard » Shopping

Dropped My Guard When Shopping – And Got Stung.

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