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Things You Need to Know about Industrial walking foot Sewing Machine

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machine with gears in 2016

There are several different industrial sewing machine systems. The “walking foot” mechanism is one of the best and most commonly used systems for feeding manifold layers of dense, slippery or thick material, including leather. An Industrial Walking Foot Sewing Machine can accurately sew layers of fabric without slipping or crumpling of seams. It is ideal for denim, canvas, upholstery, leather and vinyl sewing trades.

How a Walking Foot Machine Works

While there are several varieties of the walking foot feed mechanisms, the triple feed system or compound feed system is the most common one. A triple-feed sewing machine has two alternating presser feet: the bottom feed dog and the inside presser feet. The feet move the fabric by synchronizing the needle or the bar’s motion. While the fabric is being moved, the outer foot is raised off the work. This enables the needle, the feed dog, and the inside foot to convey easily all of the fabric layers together till the preset stitch length is attained.

Once the preset stitch length is reached, the outside foot drops under spring pressure to hold the work. Then the needle starts to ascend; forming a thread loop, which goes around the bobbin before fully withdrawing from the fabric. The outer foot holds on firmly on the fabric as the needle bar and the inner presser foot move into position for subsequent stitches.

With the triple feed mechanism, heavy, dense, slippery or manifold layered material can neither drag nor get out of alignment. The stitch length remains consistent, from stitch to stitch. Lastly, the lowered outer presser foot prevents the work from moving till you decide to – by raising the feet through the knee lever or the hand lifter.

Advantages of Using Walking Foot Machine

Higher Foot Lift

This is especially advantageous when you are sewing very thick fabrics. Just being able to pass that extra 1 – 2mm of fabric under the presser foot may be a great relief.

The Built-In Walking Foot

The actual built-in walking foot is the greatest advantage of a walking foot sewing machine, as compared to the regular household machine. The built-in walking foot steadily feeds your fabric as it pulls the fabric from the bottom. It coordinates with the feed dogs that pull the bottom of the fabric for dual uniform feeding.

A Mini Full-Size Industrial Sewing Machine

A walking foot sewing machine is like a mini full-size industrial sewing machine. The motor is normally fixed at the back-end of the sewing machine. This allows moving the machine anywhere you desire around your home or business.

Many sailors, for instance, take their machine with them on their boat. You can simply grab your sewing machine from the middle housing and carry it with you. You should expect a little straining as the machine weighs about 35 pounds.

Long Lasting

Generally, walking foot machines are very durable. While they are made of cast iron, all the parts are entirely metallic. The parts will serve you for many years to come. It is imperative that you always buy genuine, heavy duty parts.

Conclusion

The Industrial walking foot sewing machine is among the hidden gems in the world of sewing machines. The industrial strength mechanisms can manoeuvre through numerous layers of thick material. Through the years, these machines have also become affordable, which is a win-win situation for businesses as well as sewing machine enthusiasts across the world. If you are looking to invest in a high quality walking foot sewing machine, you can visit Sewing Machines Australia.

A Guide to Lightning Protection Systems: What Every Commercial Property Owner Needs to Know

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Every year its estimated 2,000 thunderstorms occur globally at any one time producing up to 100 lightning strikes per second. Each of these lightning strikes carries 100,000 volts or more sparking significant damage, even kilometres away from the point of impact. And whilst there’s definitely a few storm lovers out there; this enormous electrical discharge we know as lightning is not only spectacular, it can be extremely dangerous.

As an underrated disaster educating yourself about the damage lightning can bring to properties and individuals is important – especially as a commercial property owner. Lightning claims are costing property owners nearly $800 million worth of damage a year and gaining good risk management has never been so crucial. Lightning protection systems have become an important part of keeping homes, businesses and people safe. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your commercial property protected.

1. Super Risk Management

From a commercial property owner’s perspective, the damage caused by lightning can be huge. According to the Insurance Information Institute, lightning strikes can cost more than $1 billion in insured losses from damage to expensive electronic equipment to structural fires caused by the lightning strike that destroys entire homes and commercial properties.

Whilst there’s business insurance covers that should be in place for such damage, all commercial property owners should take additional steps to minimise any kinds of damage or loss that may occur due to a lightning hit. The safe installation of lightning protection systems is one of the most effective ways to do this.

As lightning strikes a property, the material damage of the powerful bolt can cause extensive harm to the structure which can lead to building collapses and fires. Electrical equipment and wiring in the property are especially at risk and pose a real threat to igniting fires as the surges cause the energy to jump around. As the electronic circuitry in buildings becomes denser and more interconnected, home and business owners are becoming more vulnerable to damage caused by lightning and power surges. Combined with business and lightning insurance, lightning protection systems can reduce the risks expressively.

2. What are Lightning Protection Systems?

Specifically designed to protect your commercial property from damage caused by a lightning strike, lightning protection systems provide a safe passing of the electrical current to the ground. When lightning strikes an unprotected structure, the damage that can be caused to the property or anyone in the building can be catastrophic.

Lightning protection systems work by a network of low resistance paths to safely take the dangerous electricity from the strike and direct it to the earth without impact to the structure or its occupants. They consist of rods or air terminals for the discharge, conductor cables that carry the current to the ground and ground rods which are buried into the earth around a protected structure – all bonded together.

Because of their vital role in the distribution of the electrical current, they are paramount in protecting people and properties from the worst effects of lightning by preventing or lessening the strike damage to structures. Whilst no protection system can guarantee 100% safety from lightning, a basic system can offer a conductive path between an air terminal and the earth, reducing the effects of the travelling current.

3. Business Insurance

Almost all business insurance policies will cover commercial property damage from lightning related incidents – including fire damage as a result from a lightning strike. Only some business insurances will provide coverage for power surges set of by a lightning strike though, so it’s essential you check what limitations there are in your lightning policy.

Because of the costly damage that can result from lightning strikes, it’s imperative to look into the best cover for your commercial property. Whilst it’s a vital safety consideration for the property and residents in it, it’s also an essential risk management so minimise business losses.

According to information released by the Herald Sun last year, Darwin is one of Australia’s hotspots for lightning strikes – but it still pays to have lightning protection regardless of the location you’re in as their power and potential damage is extraordinary.

4. How Safe is Your Property in a Lightning Storm?

On average 100 incidents a year are fatal from people being struck by lightning – but just how safe is your property during a lightning storm? Each year lightning is notorious for injuring people, killing livestock and billions of dollars in destruction to buildings, power lines, communication systems and electrical equipment, just to name a few.

As the high-voltage electricity is discharges, electrical storms become a massive risk. A strike to your property can kill all the electrics in your home, blast a hole through the property or start a fire. Properties with overgrown trees around can be at a higher risk too as the sap in trees are a natural lightning conductor.

5. Protecting Your Home and Business

To effectively protect your home or commercial property, you need to work with a lightning protection supplier who complies with the strict Australian and New Zealand Standard for Lighting Protection Act AS1768. This is the standard of lightning protection in Australia and New Zealand that comes with a comprehensive risk assessment section and best practices that should be used when designing a lightning protection system and should be used in commercial applications.

As more property owners consider the investment in lightning protection, it’s absolutely essential to contract only with qualified and experienced specialists who are trained specifically to install such systems in accordance with the nationally recognised safety standards. By using a certified lightning protection system along with adequate business insurance, lives and money can be better saved and property damage eliminated. How safe is your home or commercial business property?

Author Bio

Ray Loh is the General Manager of Perth, WA based West Australian Power Protection dedicated to offering earthing, surge and lightning protection products aligned with the latest safety standards.

The Best Way to Keep Your Cash Transits Secure

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You may not think all that much of carrying cash around but when you do hold bills, you are always at risk. Flash a wad of cash in a public sphere and you might as well place a target squarely on your back. The need for cash security is even further heightened when you are dealing with a cash deposit for a restaurant, business, or other entity which calls for large sums of paper money.  Here are some of the benefits of the very best cash courier services.

Transit: A good courier service will be able to come to you, pick up your money, and deliver it anywhere. If you are told by your courier service that you need to jump through all manner of hoops and meet them at their specified location, you are better off just taking your money where it needs to go yourself! A good cash courier service will set your mind at ease by picking your money up and taking your money where it needs to go!

Flexible: Another good indicator if your service is one that’s worth its weight in salt is if they are flexible with you and your needs. Yes, of course, you could go working with a courier service who will only meet you between 8 and 5 but if you’re a restaurant, part of your fears are that you don’t want to leave cash in the registers overnight. If you have a fully flexible cash courier service, they will be able to come and meet you at midnight, three in the morning or anytime you want!

Secure: One of the big myths about courier services is that they don’t need to be armed or trained in any type of self-defense. This is not the case for the truly outstanding cash courier services; they know how to hold their own and they are not afraid to use force when necessary. Of course, the other part of this security is that the courier is insured; if you are dealing with a service, which is not insured, you are really tossing the dice.

Banks: Finally you want your courier service to be able to deliver the cash where you need it to go. If you have a courier service that will only work with a couple of different banks or if they have exclusions over working with one bank or another, you can bet there is a reason for that. If they were really a fully professional courier service they would be able to deliver your cash where you need it to go, when you need to get it there, and they wouldn’t put undue restrictions on any bank, especially yours!

If you have ever run into an instance where you have lost even a small amount of money to a robber, you know the experience is not one you would ever want to repeat. Imagine, if you lost the days deposit for your job and your employer was out a day’s worth of money? Who do you think is going to be responsible for repaying that money? Of course, you may not be on the hook for the money stolen, but you would always carry that burden around with you wherever you went with your business. Don’t take chances; find absolute, armed, insured, and guaranteed security for your cash transit needs all over Australia with Secure Cash. As an ASIAL Bronze member, you know that you are getting the absolute best from Secure Cash! Let their guards transport your cash and let your mind rest at ease!

Business of Your Future For Sale

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brokers and business for sale australia

Australia is booming economically. Building is going non-stop as entire neighbourhoods are created where once there were only grasses and wildlife.  Now is your best time to invest in the business of your own dream you have held so long. Whether you are interested in flexing your business muscles in a bustling supermarket or wholesale commodities, this is the time and Melbourne is the place.

Franchise or Business Owner?

There are business and franchise opportunities in practically every industry from wholesale to retail, manufacturing to repair, from vehicles to home fixtures. All categories have Business for sale. As a business person, you know where your skills lie and how you can turn them into a solid income for now and your future.  If your business interests are more in the services area such as cleaning, restoring or renovations, there is an opening for you to toss your hat today.

Selling or Buying?

To cash in on the anticipated upswing in the economy can also be the wisest move for you to sell your business that has given you excellent income.  Your company and its client base offered as a Business for sale should bring in a substantial price if brokered wisely, and you would be free to invest in another area.   Either selling or buying a business is a life changing event, and you must have the best representation available or face heavy and lasting disappointment.

Professional Advice and Representation

selling your business online interenet

Knowing when and where and how much is an educated professional’s forte and you should retain the best advice available in the form of a business broker. The broker’s job is not to just file the appropriate documents.  He is representing you, as either seller or buyer, in the business of your dreams. You want the person representing you to have clear communication, integrity and persistence –these are the keys, whether you are vendor or purchaser of a Business for sale.

Your expert consultants should meet with you in the first instance before details are discussed. Maintaining trust in your business broker is of utmost importance, particularly with confidentiality agreements. Ensuring all parties are comfortable and confident during meetings, discussions and inspections are a critical measure of a successful broker.  Successful broker means he successfully negotiated a sale or purchase for you!

BPA Brokers Have Right Stuff

Growing from a one man operation in 2000 into the well established brokerage today, with over 15 team members, did not happen by luck.  It occurred because of its founder’s perseverance and unflagging zeal for his business sales.  It also happened because Mino Stronghilis, founder, treats every contact with the same attention, respect, and willingness to go the extra mile to complete the transaction in a trustworthy, professional manner.

You need the confidence of having the BPA Brokers firm representing you, whether you are interested in buying a $750,000 cafe or selling a $40,000 ethnic Takeaway.  That need is the strong suit of BPA Brokers, in that the team of 15 professional brokers share the same vitality and expertise in bringing a sale or purchase to fruition.  The word which stands apt to describe Mino and his team is "professional", because that is exactly descriptive of who and what they are.

The BPA Brokers firm will handle your business for sale or purchase in a professional yet personal manner. They represent you and not a bank or other entity. They will never enter into any promise, agreement or reveal any details without conferring with you first.

Contact Mino Stronghilis at BPA Brokers today to discuss your present in regard to your future.

Considerations to Make While Choosing Printing Services Melbourne

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Often businesses rely on printing services, in most cases, in the overall product advertising campaign and company contacts. So, it’s actually important to remember the following considerations prior to availing printing services Melbourne: –

  • Always ask for some past projects or client portfolios from your prospective printing company. It’ll help you evaluate the creativity and quality of their work.
  • Select the right medium and right from a wide range of options e.g. of advertising.
  • Be precise and specific in your quote to cut-down the extra printing services costs.
  • Always ask for work samples before proceeding to the whole production.

1.      Why decide carefully?

Whilst printing services could be taken as an easy assistance, there is a requirement to complete it mindfully. Remember to think about a duplicate of the records while photocopying as a tactic to achieve the top quality.

For sure, you will not want your results to be unclear or manipulated, right? The person receiving the copies will actually be unhappy on receiving skewed or blurry copies on the record. That’s why when searching for cheap printing services, it’s imperative to ensure that the quality won’t disappoint you.

2.      How to select the ideal printing firm?

If you’re printing lots of documents which can be critical, you’ll definitely need to look for a printing service with high level of efficiency. There are some elements that should assist you choose the impressive printing service, the elements include:

·         Printing Rates

Relatively, printing services are inexpensive. Don’t be cheated into high-priced printing services that indicate that they will create quality copies for exorbitantly high prices. Simply don’t go that way, they won’t deliver. There’re many levels of quality services in the market, which are affordable.

However, if you are looking to printing many documents, it’s best to enquire for lower rates with the companies. Most of the time, companies offer discount if you have may documents printed. Utilize the chance to save more cash!

·         Outstanding

It’s the most critical aspect you’ll need to consider for the printing services. The customer service should also be superior. Why not get treated as a VIP customer? Other than the superior support services, the results of their printing should also be superb! It has to be clear and not simply skewed any other way. If you’re experienced in regard to the variety of printing units, then you’ll need to check the printer types they use. For example, a particular photo printer used in printing or photocopying a certain image quality could produce an excellent product.

Types of Printing to Choose from

·         Digital Printing

Emphasizes on printing many documents within a short time and it is being used by many printing companies today. Digital printing is ideal for customers who need to produce promotional material or cater for on-demand printing; it saves on the cost as it is relatively cheaper.

·         Offset Printing

Perfect for large scale printing jobs, offset printing accommodates printing materials such as brochures, flyers, books, postcards, etc. Printing requirements of over 1000 copies employ this type of printing. Also, it usually uses one to four printing colours.

Your printed product will surely build connection with your customers if you adhere to the above points. You should realize that good printing services help you grow and achieve desired success. Thus, when you are searching for printing services, don’t simply go for Johnny-come-lately service provider. The printing service provider must ensure that they adequately incorporate your ideals and apply diverse printing equipment and skills. Which will be reasons sufficiently enough why you ought to choose D&D Digital Printing among all the printing services in Melbourne.

Flexible, Affordable Web Hosting

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The best Australian web hosting is going to be cost-effective and actually effective.  It’s no good paying five dollars a month for internet services if it takes you twenty minutes to check an e-mail.  Furthermore, a cheap web hosting provider probably won’t have any customer service to speak of; how can they afford it?  The fact is, you get what you pay for and service is part of this equation.

One of the most encouraging signs that a particular service is the best Australian web hosting service out there, is if the company commits to provide the absolute highest quality web hosting packages in the industry.

There are very few web hosting services with the resources or customer service expertise to handle such an exceptional claim.  Any organisation willing to make this claim is certainly willing to back it up, which means if there is any area in which they fall short, they’ll work with you rather than send you into some bureaucratic purgatory sure to craze your eyes.
Flexibility is really the next big thing to look for.  The environment of the hosting space should have a definite elasticity to it.  IT services that come from flexibility will be able to match the needs of the client.  IT services that will not leave both parties frustrated.  Look for a variety of avenues of contact and communication.

The best Australian web hosting company will have your best interests at heart.  They will essentially understand that their piece of mind is your piece of mind; so instead of listening to you because they’re trying to delegate a response, they’ll listen to you because they have a vested interest in what you’re saying.  In fact, personable service providers will be a staple of their business.  Feedback should not be something that the best Australian web hosting company is afraid of.  They’ll understand that criticism actually increases value, as it provides an opportunity for betterment.

In fact, the best Australian web hosting companies will encourage their clients to suggest ideas for new features and services.  Some of those ideas will even be up for vote amidst the other clientele the web hosting service caters to, such that if there is enough demand, theidea will be implemented.
The best Australian web hosting services fundamentally understand that communication is a primary component of solid hosting.

Furthermore, staff won’t be outsourced to some other country conglomerate with a bunch of guys letting on to be “Steve Smith”.  Here are some offerings worth expecting: a ten-minute turn around on support tickets, e-mail that directly supports users, phone support of a direct nature, live online support, and a knowledge base of do-it-yourself techniques that can be communicated to a client in the event a fix can be done simply and swiftly with guidance.  Furthermore, such an organisation will understand the system it is running and the needs of its clientele such that its service providers and IT personnel can communicate in language that doesn’t require six years in a technology college to understand.
EZi Hosting publicly declares that it is the best Australian web hosting service in Oz, and wants you to let them prove it.

They offer comprehensive, flexible packages and top-tier customer support from local craftsmen that are dedicated and knowledgeable about the task at hand.  IT personnel from EZi will work with you, not against you.  You will save time, aggravation, and money with EZi, and there is a definite reason for that: because they are the best Australian web hosting service available on the continent.

How to do a national police check

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In many countries and industries, there is a need to do a mandatory national police check in order to know the type of the people that a company or employer wants to use.

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A police check can be taken and found online which makes it an easy, straightforward and simple way to access such information. Whenever you use InfoTrack to get access to such information, you will be confident that you are getting an accredited and correct police check. After filling in your information in the check application, you can use a tablet, mobile phone and webcam to verify who you are. There will be no need to post the application form or any ID since the system is done completely online.

You may have to do a police check, if you are seeking to enter into the private homes of people, if you want to work in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities, if you will come into contact with children who are under 18 years old or if you want to work in any health care discipline.

What is the point of a police check?

A national police check is about checking the police history of an applicants and it is needed not only for employment but also for many potential different reasons like visa applications and screening. It is also a requirement if you want to apply for an Australian Credit or Financial Services Licenses.

The search involves identifying and releasing of relevant information and it is subject to the relevant conviction, information policies and non-disclosure legislations. The checks on an individual can be done only when the person who has to be checked has given his or her consent that he or she wants to be checked.

The process of a police check involves accessing a central index that contains any and all persons and the names of the interest to the police, including convictions. When there is a possibility of a match, the person has to be referred to the police in order to be evaluated against their records. When everything has been confirmed to be above board, the person will get a National Police Certificate.

It is good for any business to know the people who they want to get involved into their company by performing a national police check. Remembering that the success of any business is based on the employees that work with the company.

A police check helps to verify the accuracy of the claims of the candidate on their CV before making a final decision! Some research has shown that some resumes contain lies about academic qualifications, work history or professional association.

Always make sure that you conduct a police check for an employees (and also for companies – if you need to!)

Sadly, it is no longer safe for an employer to assume that their candidates have shown complete honest by using only their certificates and by accepting a copy of their resume.

Some documentation can be untrue or falsified, but when you do a police check on an employee that you want to hire, you will protect your business against reputation risks, non-compliance, brand damage, decreasing of share price, embezzlements, low employee productivity and morale, the theft of the goods, and possible theft of intellectual and equipment/property. Your company will also reduce possible recruitment costs, the turnover of the staff, and they will improve reliability and honesty across the board.

A national police check gives the results about the Australia-wide court outcomes including any pending charges that are deemed to be disclosable during the time that the application is being made.

The check can take around 15 days to be completed and the results will be sent to the address provided on the form. Depending on how you are applying for the check, you can get the results in less than 2 days.

The application forms are faster and they take only few minutes to fill. The services of the company are trusted and secure, and seek to provide the highest level of data encryption and secure back up processes.

Know the Law: How to Start Up a New Business in Australia

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law for samll business australia

Starting any new business in Australia is a decision that requires careful planning and implementation. First of all, you will need to determine the kind of business you plan to start, and then you can begin to structure accordingly. Will you be working from your own home, or working from an office? How will you organize a system for financial dealings and record-keeping? What are the tax and superannuation requirements, and will you be required to register the business? If so, what procedure will you follow? These are the types of questions you are probably asking, and the answers will depend on the nature of the business you plan to start.

Choosing a Business Structure:

Begin by selecting a business structure that complements your needs. For example, if your business is an extension of a hobby, you will need to factor in the income you are required to declare and the losses and deductions you can claim. Start by doing some research, find out what licences (if any) you may need. At this stage it’s helpful to consult with a business advisor or financial planner who can help you to design a strategy that works for you.

Registering Your Business:

The Australian Government has recently designed and updated a checklist that covers many business considerations. Additionally, a revised National Business Names Registration System serves to replace the former territory and state register. New business registrations names are managed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); previously existing business names were transferred to the ASICs database. Should you plan to set up an independent business, protecting your intellectual property (IP) with an appropriate trademark registration may help to increase your profit.

Managing Your Finances:

Responsible financial management will greatly influence the success of your business. When you initiate your planning, based on the structure of your business, take into account how much funding will be required and how you will manage your finances. Many small business obligations can be registered simply by completing forms. Payments, invoices, and business records can be compiled into basic systems that match the requirements of your business.

Home-Based Businesses:

Home-based businesses may also be affected by a broad range of government restrictions and requirements. Legal obligations for setting-up and operating a business from your home may be subject to specific requisites that include: planning, support, registrations, licences, taxation, and insurance, based on the type of business venture. Today, more small businesses operate from home than ever before. The internet has opened up tremendous potential for ecommerce. Many retirees and families are finding that they can work more satisfactorily within the comfort of their own home.

The Australian Government’s checklist helps to determine the specific requirements that apply to the type of enterprise you plan to initiate. Before opening for business, it is your responsibility to know the law. However, with so many excellent resources available, opening a new business in Australia can be an exciting and lucrative venture!

Business grants for Tourism industry

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Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has welcomed new State Government grants to help business ventures related with tourism  get off the ground.

Queensland-tourism-brisbane-goldcoast-government

Australian business grants | Business News Australia | Startups In Australia

This grant from the government  allows Businesses to apply for up to 75,000 in assistance, which can be used to attract financial backers, with a total of $500,000 being made available.

This grant could help in new theme parks or accommodation in national parks and is aid to generate income and employment for regional Queensland

More information on TQUAL Grants including Tourism Quality Projects and Strategic Tourism Investment Grants is available at www.ret.gov.au/tqual or by calling 13 28 46.

Different Australian states Government Grant funding for tourism

Funding Programs – VIC

The following are funding programs that may be suitable for tourism projects.

http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/

Victorian Government

Tourism Victoria

Event funding is available through the Tourism Victoria Events Program and the Country Victoria Events Program.

 

Destination NSW

Funding and Grants – NSW

Below is a listing of specific tourism funding and grants programs available to NSW tourism businesses.

Two types of funding are available:

  • T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects
    Funding of between $15,000 (plus GST) and $100,000 (plus GST) is available on a matched funding basis.
  • T-QUAL Strategic Tourism Investment Grants of up to $1million to fund a small number of larger scale projects to support Indigenous tourism and/or economic development/tourism employment.

2012 applications have now closed.

 

See the Other Government Support External link page for information about other types of services available to boost your business.

 

GRANTS AND FUNDING – Tasmania

TQUAL GRANT SCHEME

Australian Government funded Tqual Grants are competitive grants program to promote strategic investment in quality and innovation in the Australian tourism industry. Tqual Grants will support initiatives that develop innovative product, services or systems within the tourism industry, contribute directly to long-term economic development in the host region or develop or support high quality visitor services and experiences

GRANTS AND FUNDING – NT

The following grants and funding opportunities are available to eligible NT tourism operators.

 

Enterprise connect Funding

Enterprise Connect, an Australian Government initiative in the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education provides just that.

Enterprise Connect offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium-sized enterprises to help them transform and reach their full potential. Eligible businesses are able to request a comprehensive, confidential and independent Business Review at no charge

Australian business grants | Business News Australia | Startups In Australia

The importance of building and maintaining a customer-friendly brand

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With competition fiercer than ever in our ever-volatile market, it is imperative to not only run a successful business, but to offer a service head and shoulders above the rest. After all, customers are going to want the absolute best.

That is where the importance of building a customer-friendly brand comes in – if a customer can connect and relate with a company, their emotional engagement is sure to return itself in their loyalty. Therefore, how do you keep your customers on side when dealing with your service?

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Photo courtesy of SalFalko on Flickr

The new rules of putting the customer first

In 2012, Metro Bank began to expand and said that its fantastic success during a period of recession was due to their dedication to provide good customer service.

Anthony Thomson, the co-founder and chair of Metro Bank said that their unique business model allows them to build their company around their customers’ needs, which differentiates from the more traditional method of banking. For example, the bank sets their staff with customer satisfaction goals rather than sales targets, and opens for 12 hours each day to suit each and every customer.

Profit should not be the reason to go into business, says Thomson. Although it is a pleasant by-product of success, the reason that you want to succeed should be to fulfil the purpose of your business and provide exceptional service to your customers.

This service based mantra has clearly served the company well, as they continue to grow.

However whilst a company can aim for perfection every time, things can go wrong. Often the way that the situation is handled is a testament to the company and how they value their customers, so if things don’t quite go to plan, how do you maintain great customer service?

Facebook throws fuel on the fire

What happens when you’ve been annoyed beyond the realms of acceptable? Often we broadcast it, using social media as a method to vent our frustrations. Imagine this applied to business; the instantaneous nature of networking online means that a molehill can explode into a mountain in just moments.

For example, take the recent case of Virgin Media applying a late payment fee of £10 due to the direct debt being refused on the grounds of the payer having just died. Jim Boyden, the son-in-law of the deceased, posted a picture of the bill on Facebook on the evening of 22nd April, and by 24th April it had been shared by more than 53,000 users.

Virgin Media have since apologised to the family of the customer, but social media experts have said that this example shows how important a role social media plays now in customer service. Dr Lisa Harris, head of the digital marketing master’s programme at the University of Southampton spoke to the BBC on the matter and was said:

“Corporations are very good at promoting themselves; they recognise that everyone needs a Twitter and a Facebook account and they are aware the networks exist but they don’t have the strategies in place to deal with the issues that can arise from those networks”

The head of BT customer services Warren Buckley says that 40% of their complaints now come from social network Twitter, further stressing the importance placed on social media in the service industry.

Therefore to avoid becoming embroiled in similar situations, it is important to maintain an active presence via social media, and reply to those who take the time to get in touch with you. Take for example O2, who regularly respond to individual queries via their Twitter feed to resolve issues quickly.

By learning from the faux pas of some companies and implementing the customer-friendly strategy of others, you too can build a brand that attracts business and begs forgiveness when necessary.

Rosie Percy writes for the business sector and specialises in customer facing areas such as social media, lead generation and customer satisfaction. For more information on lead generation visit http://www.marketmakers.co.uk/lead-generation/. Rosie has previously written for the Guardian as well as lifestyle blogs, and now lives and works in Brighton.