Valentine's Romance by the Pool

Valentine’s Day, romance is in the air and it’s time to let that special someone feel how much you love them. Pool owners know the pool and spa are an amazing backdrop for a dreamy Valentine’s evening. Imagine how beautiful an evening by the pool is and then see how setting the mood on such a special day can be. It needn’t take much time, money or energy and whether you do one or a few inexpensive soft touches, you can make your backyard a romantic retreat this Valentine’s evening. Try these this Valentine’s day:

• If you have color LED lights, set the color to amber or maybe a light show and let the romance glow as the soothing LED light caresses the gentle waters of your pool and spa. If you don’t have LED lights, they can change the entire mood of your backyard. Here are some links to some of the most popular LED lights on the market today.

• Dale's Gas Universal ColorLogic LED Lights

• Dale's Gas Pentair Intellibrite 5G Color LED Light

• Dale's Gas Jandy WaterColors LED Lights

• A nice fire table with its warming glow will light the night up and warm your evening with romance. Imagine nestling by the warmth of your fire feature on a night meant for romance. Check out a couple great options here.

• Dale's Gas Fire Entertainment Options

• Torches placed around the landscape by the pool will dance in the night making your backyard an island escape. Take a look at a few design ideas by clicking on the following link and see imagine how your pool can get that delightful Polynesian feel:

• http://www.decoist.com/2014-01-28/tiki-torches-ideas/

Whether you are planning a romantic evening by the pool or changing the feel, a few ideas can go a long way. Make your Valentine's evening by the pool romantic, inviting and elegant. Hope you and your special someone have a romantic and happy Valentine’s Day!

How to Inspire Customers

How to Inspire Customers

Despite the frequency of compliments we get from customers about how great our service is, we are still surprised when a customer calls and tells us.

Today, we called Mr. Warren to ensure he received the proposal we sent him for a new heater after Axel determined it was more cost effective to replace it rather than repair it. Certainly, he would be uncomfortable with the unexpected expense and wanted to chew on the offer a bit while he digested the news he needed a new heater, we thought.

To our delight, rather than express apprehension or concern, he launched into a rant about how good Axel was. In fact, he said Axel was so great, Mr. Warren said, “He convinced me, Dale’s Gas is the BEST company, for the job…how soon can we get the new heater installed?!” WOW! What a compliment. Not only for Axel but also for our entire team. Axel gets the credit for a job well done, but he reflects the very core of our service mantra; “Service Counts.” Like Axel, our entire team over-delivers and exceed customer expectations at every touch point. We are proud of our team, of the service we provide and we are equally appreciative that we continue to inspire our customers, like Mr. Warren to hire us for their pool and spa products. So, how can you service company inspire your customers?

• When explaining your findings, be a resource and answer all their questions so they can have a complete picture of what needs to be done, how it will be done and when it will be done.

• Offer and explain all the possible repair and/or replacement options with the benefits and risk of each to allow them to select which is best for their budget and needs.

• Each time you touch the customer, from when they call in all the way to the final invoice, ask them if they have any questions, if you can help them with anything else and be sure to thank them for their business.

• Send a hand written thank you card with your business card enclosed. Thank them for their business and ask them to share their experience and to pass along your card if he was delighted with the service he/she received.

• Be committed to service from the top down and don’t use platitudes, make it an attitude. Great service is a culture that must be cultivated, nurtured and constantly tended too. Mean and do it.

We get lots of pleasant complements and we appreciate each and every one we get. Customers who let us know we are moving in the right direction and doing it right are valuable to our business and strategy goals. Take the time to develop a culture and attitude of service in your business and you will see that there are a lot of Mr. Warren’s out there ready to do business with you.

Gas Heaters, What You NEED to Know

Gas swimming pool heaters make pools and spas more inviting, enjoyable and comfortable for your use. The technology advancements on newer heaters make them more efficient, easier to use and much more forgiving to some of the real world variables that are inherent to the wide array of pool and spa dynamics and factors. But sadly, no amount of technology can protect you from an improperly installed or vented heater.

Cutting corners to save money, installing them improperly and hiring contractors to install your heater without the proper training, experience and ethical business practices is dangerous. In fact, it can kill! Take a look at a couple of the following stories and see for what happens when your expose yourself to dangerous installers:

 

 

• Health agency inspected pool at NC motel where 3 died from carbon monoxide
• Pool heater improperly installed in W.Va. hotel where man died
• Defendants Say Shut Door Killed Tennis Star

To properly protect yourself, ensure you verify the following before purchasing your next heater and hiring your installer:

• Verify Licensing and reputation

• Get a formal proposal which outlines exactly what is included and how the heater will be installed

• Call the manufacturer and see if the company/installer is trained to install the heater and/or work on it

• DO NOT just pick the lowest bid without considering WHY the bid is lower than others

• Ask questions and get the installation manual from the manufacturers website to verify the installation is in accordance with the standards they set.

The price you pay for your next heater may not be nearly as expensive as the price you might pay should you hire an unlicensed, untrained and unqualified company to do the works for you. Your family’s safety is more important than a cheap, improperly installed heater. Please take the time to verify before you buy. If you need help or have questions, please contact us on the web at Dale's Gas Appliance Repair, Inc., by email at service@dalesgas.com, or by phone at 407-678-1277 and we will be happy to help ensure your next heater is installed properly, safely and professionally.  

Help Us Support the Community We Serve

Dale's Gas has been a staple in Central Florida since 1979 and during the years, we has and

continues to be at the forefront of supporting our local community. In 35 years Dale's Gas has supported many numerous causes including Shriners Children’s Hospital, Oviedo High School Athletic Association, Active Duty and Retired military, our first responders and many, many more. We do so because we want to make our community stronger and give back when we have been so fortunate to have been supported by our many loyal and great customers.

We are humbled by our outreach and it helps us give purpose to the success we have enjoyed. Not known for touting our contributions, we now wanted to share our excitement for our latest mission; Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida so we can invite others to join us. Like many other great organizations, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida a magnificent organization dedicated to supporting and empowering challenged families, men and women.

“The Coalition prides itself on its ability to keep families together during their time of crisis. In fact, we are one of the few emergency shelters in the area that accepts intact families. In addition to shelter and nutritious meals, homeless families at the Coalition work with a case manager to build a budget and savings account, and to develop a plan for self-sufficiency.”

We want to invite our friends, colleagues and partners to join Dale's Gas in supporting Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in their very important and much needed, selfless service.

Please take a look at their Immediate Needs - Goods and Service and if you can, help. When you do, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Dale's Gas, the families you are supporting and Central Florida thanks you!

If you would like to talk to us about how Dale’s Gas makes a difference everyday not only to our community but to the many customer’s we serve and support, visit us at Dale's Gas or email us at service@dalesgas.com.

Who Will Be There When You Need Warranty and Service?

As a pool or spa owner you should expect those in the pool and spa industry as manufacturers, builders, retailers and even internet equipment providers to know and appreciate you love your backyard paradise and that you take after-the-sale warranty, service and support very personal. When you purchase a new pool, piece of equipment or need follow up support it is important to know they have the tools at the ready to support you.

One of the best ways of doing that is to make sure they are partnered with a reputable, professional company operating in the market as and experts in pool and spa service industry. Do so helps ensure your warranties are protected, you have minimal down time when an issue arises and protects you and your family in knowing your equipment is installed properly and operating safely.

Here are some things to consider and do to ensure you get the best after-the-sale warranty and service support:

• What company will be supporting you after the installation of your new equipment and completion of your pool or, who will install and service your new internet purchased products? What is their licensing?

• How long have they been in business and are they fully trained and experts on the equipment or pool.

• Does the company provide warranty support through the manufacturer? You can call the manufacturer to find this out or by going to their website.

• Pentair Dealer Locator

• Zodiac Pool Systems Support

• Hayward Find A Pool Professional

• Do they carry most common parts and have the ability to repair your issue in a timely manner?

• Take the time to call the service company and ask them to add your name and contact information to their service data base to ensure you get faster support when you need it.

You love your backyard paradise and when you need service you want it to be timely, efficient and handled with the utmost of professionalism. Making sure your builder, retailer or internet equipment provider has a reputable, professional and expert service provider in their tool box for you will make the total experience as you should expect it to be.

Talk to your builders, retailers and even internet equipment providers and ensure you and they are prepared for your-after-the sale service and warranty support.

 

 

If you would like to learn more or need assistance you can contact us at service@dalesgas.com or visit us at www.dalesgas.com.

I Saved but Got More than I Bargained For

From time to time, we get unfortunate requests from customers who have purchased a product on-line or from a “friend” and need help. We try very hard to help, but often we are unable to since we

do not have any leverage with our suppliers or manufacturers when we didn’t purchase the product. So, the customer is left fending for themselves in a sometimes murky chain of after-the-sale support. Here are a few of the most common questions we get:

There is damage or parts are missing when I received it, can you replace it or get me the parts I need?

Unfortunately, no. You will need to either purchase what you need or pay for any repairs out of pocket. If you are willing to wait, contact where you purchased from and work with them to get what you need or a replacement.

I bought the product on-line, what is the warranty?

Warranties are determined by the manufacturer and as a warranty center for them, we respect and comply with the terms and conditions of the warranty for your product. Unfortunately, most times you warranty may exclude labor and sometimes there is no warranty at all. You should verify what your warranty will be BEFORE you buy and make sure you have it in writing. Local companies like us can offer more complete and longer warranties and you should shop local to get the best value warranty before you buy.

How do I register the warranty?

You will be responsible for registering the warranty. You can usually do this on the manufacturer website. You should refer to you owner’s manual for instructions. Most times, when you purchase from us, we can assist you and sometimes even register it for you.

It doesn’t work when it was installed, now what?

Unfortunately, you will need to pay for a service call to have it looked at to make sure it was installed correctly. Or, if it was installed by a professional and it does not work, you will be responsible for all labor and then will be directed to call the company you purchased from for instructions on how to have your product replaced. This will result in another service call and additional labor once you receive the replacement. Often, the extra cost will outweigh the savings you reaped purchasing it on-line, so weigh your risk vs. reward before you buy.

I bought this on-line, will you install my new equipment?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the equipment or part. If the equipment or part are no suitable or safe to install, does not meet code or will cause a condition that will make your equipment or pool unsafe, we will refuse to install it. Check in advance and pay for a service call in advance to make sure you order the correct parts or equipment.

I installed the equipment myself, will you warranty the product?

NO! Equipment self-installed unless you are licensed will have no warranty and you will be responsible for all labor and cost to make repairs. You may check with the manufacturer to see if they can assist you, but we do not warranty product unless approved by the manufacturer in writing in advance of the service call.

It’s the wrong model or part, will you exchange it for me?

No. You will have to go back to where you purchased it from and try to get them to replace it for you. From experience, you will have a tough time since you approved for and paid for exactly what you requested. So, be careful before you click the “buy now” icon.

We try to assist customers as best we can, but sometimes the solution is out of our control. The best way to avoid these issues is to use a local company who can come to you, evaluate the equipment and make sure you are getting the right product. In addition, they will be able to support you from start to finish and for the life of the equipment you purchase from them. Ask these questions before you buy you next product or part on-line or from a friend:

·       What is the warranty if I purchase on-line or from a friend vs. from a local company?

·       How much will I really save when there is an issue?

·       Who is the best resource to use to make sure I get the right parts or product?

·       Is the risk worth the potential savings is there is an issue I need help with?

Pool, Spa & Backyard Leisure blog by Dale's Gas : Stuff Yourself with Thanks

Pool, Spa & Backyard Leisure blog by Dale's Gas : Stuff Yourself with Thanks:   Each year on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting, football and family. While today’s Thanksgiving...

Stuff Yourself with Thanks

 

Each year on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting, football and family. While today’s Thanksgiving celebrations would likely be unrecognizable to attendees of the original 1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for Americans to come together around the table—albeit with some updates to pilgrim’s menu.

 

 

Thanksgiving is a now a wonderful day when we count our blessings and give thanks for the bounty we have been given.

In celebration of this tradition, we would like to extend our gratitude to just a few of the best parts of what make us the best at what we do: 

 

• We are appreciative for our Customers who have been supportive and loyal to us through the year. Without them we would not have a purpose.
• We are appreciative for our talent and skills which enable us to support our customer’s pool, spa and backyard leisure needs.

• We are thankful for our community which allows us to be a part of such a dynamic and beautiful place.

• We are grateful for our team and working family who share the ups, downs, successes and challenges and all the good that we reap each day.

• We are thankful for our friends and partners who along with us work to make our community better, support our customers and who, above all are a part of the heart of our community.

So, this year as we all stop and enjoy a feast with family, friends and even some strangers we are grateful for all that we have been given. Whether watching football, eating and enjoying the company of family and friends, take a moment and reflect on those things which make you, your company and your everyday great. Then, say thanks. From all of us at Dale’s Gas Appliance Repair, Inc., Happy Thanksgiving!

How to Avoid a Customer Divorce?

A marriage take work. The relationship must be nurtured, be built on trust and compromise is vital.

Open, honest communication are all needed components of a prosperous marriage. Similarly, a relationship with a customer demands the same foundations for a fruitful bond. Trust yields loyalty and despite the subjective cliché’ “love is blind,” sometimes it is not enough to overcome challenges which results in a lack of trust and divorce is the only answer. But, the solution does not lay in trying to save the marriage, rather it is to never take it for granted in the first place and work every day to keep it strong. Here are some ways to make the relationship work better, be durable and stay intact:

1.      Communicate often and with purpose. Keeping the customer up to date, explaining how things are going and sharing information about their pool helps them understand and appreciate you are on top of things.

2.      Offer suggestions to make the pool more inviting, easier to use and less expensive. Adding a cleaner, salt system or even a pool cover can help save money, make the pool more inviting and easier to use. Letting the customer know that there are options available to improve their pool educates them and allows them an opportunity to decide on a purchasing decision they may otherwise not have made. It shows you have their interest in mind.

3.      Learn everything there is to know about the pool, the equipment and the customer. What position should the valves be in, what are the part numbers for common replacement parts for their equipment, when should you adjust run times, who services the equipment you do not all will help you better manage and oversee the operation of their pool. Staying ahead and being able to resolve issues faster instills confidence in your effectiveness as the best and most invaluable resource they have.

4.      Do more than what you promised. Wash down the deck every now and then if you don’t already, get into the pool and scrub the tiles to remove heavier build up, pick up their newspaper and put it on their door step can make a huge difference to a customer. It shows you care about your work and go above and beyond to demonstrate it with your actions.

5.      Ask what you can do better. Take the time to ask for feedback from the customer. Let them know you want to make sure you are meeting or exceeding their expectations. By asking them about your work, it shows you know that you work for them and your efforts to make sure they are satisfied are important to you.

6.      Leave a thank you card to say thanks for allowing you to be their service company. A couple a year is enough and they will go a long way to let them know that their business and loyalty matter to you.

No one wants a divorce and certainly a customer who is well tended to, served well and regularly communicated with ensures the relationship stays strong. By working on the relationship every day and at every opportunity the customer and you will have a stronger, more fruitful and rewarding marriage. Be loyal to them and they will be loyal to and trust more in you and your work.