LowFares.comTM (http://www.lowfares.com), a leading travel comparison search site for flights, hotels, car rentals and vacation deals, reported that Labor Day travel is being impacted by high travel costs, with 40% of survey respondents being unsure of plans for the holiday.
According to the survey:
The study from market research specialists eDigitalResearch, found that only 6 of the 20 sites benchmarked managed to score above 50% for email contact as customers became increasingly frustrated with unhelpful or delayed responses, compared with a top score of 87.8% for the account area, reaffirming that users expect added customer support, as well as innovative website tools.
Derek Eccleston, Research Director at eDigitalResearch, explains, It is essential that home service companies are providing adequate customer support, especially as more and more utility providers are offering online users the ability to view balances and make payments, as well as pioneering other website features, such as nPowers innovative price comparison tool.
Online customers now expect certain standards when it comes to website usability and the supporting customer contact. As these expectations continue to grow with the rise of MEcommerce, where users are now dictating to companies where, when and how they want to interact, it is vital that home service sites take the necessary steps to provide online customers an experience they have now come to expect, especially before they start looking for a better experience and better deals elsewhere".
The eHomeServices benchmark report assesses the entire end to end customer journey across 20 of the leading home service, utility and property websites. Unsurprisingly, email customer service was the lowest performing area throughout the study, with an average satisfaction score of just 45%. Customers were also disappointed on first impressions, with homepages found to be uninspiring and difficult to navigate, and only managing to score an average of 69.6%.
Telecoms provider O2 topped the overall league tables for the first time with an overall score of 76% and a well rounded performance across the entire end to end customer journey, including their customer service. Shoppers were particularly impressed with O2s friendly and professional telephone customer service, as well as their prompt and detailed email responses.
Gas and electric companies were the highest performing sector, with nPower, Southern Electric, British Gas and E.ON all completing the top five. Customers particularly rated these top providers simple yet functional account areas that included detailed and relevant information, as well as a variety of helpful tools to check energy use and bills.
On comparison, property sites were the worst performing sector overall, with eight out of the nine benchmarked only making it into the bottom half of the table. Those that did particularly poorly were unable to offer online users basic website usability features that are expected nowadays, such as relevant and detailed search facilities, easy-to-navigate pages, and prominent contact details. For sites that now allow users to complete entire property searches online, it is crucial that they provide the basic websites essentials and necessary customer contact to support this.
Home service providers are still lagging behind other eDigitalResearch industry benchmark standards. However, the gap between scores is less than that in the eRetail, eTravel, eFinance and mCommerce benchmark studies, suggesting that utility providers have a greater opportunity to differentiate themselves from their closest competitors across the industry as a whole and increase their market share.
For a copy of the results presentation, including the full league tables, please complete the following short survey; https://ecustomeropinions.com/survey/survey.php?sid=516954260 . Alternatively please log in or sign up to the benchmarking area of the eDigitalResearch website; http://www.edigitalresearch.com/benchmarking.
For more information please contact Lisa Bonczyk on +44 (0)1489 772920 or email lisa(dot)b(at)edigitalresearch(dot)com
Methodology
Kdan Mobile has released PDF Reader - iPhone Edition 3.8.2 and iPad Edition 1.6.2, major updates to its powerful mobile reading application for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. To further enhance users' mobile reading experience, new versions of PDF Reader are now equipped with a more user friendly interface and optimized annotation tools, such as highlight. Top-ranked in the Utilities category of App Stores throughout the world, the app has already proven itself to be the ultimate mobile reading solution for iOS devices.
PDF Readers improved console bar supplies users with a variety of editing tools at a touch. Highlight, underline and strikeout effects can be applied with ease throughout users PDF files. In addition, users are now able to save scanned photos directly to the Photo library, copy text straight from a PDF file, and increase on-screen workspace by hiding the navigation menu at the tap of a finger. The new version also comes with features such as WebDAV support and full compatibility with iOS 5.
The greatest strengths of PDF Reader, as pointed out by various reviewers and users, are its fast file rendering speed and easy navigation interface. Both strengths enable users to scroll through pages effortlessly when viewing all major types of files. Furthermore, PDF Reader offers a way to transfer files easily and a handy built-in scanning tool, improving work efficiency of users from all walks of life. For students, PDF Reader makes it less of a hassle to take notes and work on team assignments. For sales or contractors, PDF Reader supports PDF signature and PDF form filling that give users greater convenience.
Kdan Mobile also revealed its future plan to release an enterprise version for its much-praised PDF Reader series in late November. "More and more businesses are adopting the iPhone and the iPad to fulfill professional needs, and it's our responsibility to provide an ideal mobile working environment for users in that community," said Wen-Wei Lin, CTO of Kdan Mobile. According to Mr. Lin, the Enterprise edition of PDF Reader will be branded as PDF Connoisseur, building on the original app with support to various professional functions catering to suit specific business needs.
Device Requirements:
PDF Reader iPhone Edition 3.8.2
Compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch
Requires iOS 3.0 or later
30.9 MB
PDF Reader iPad Edition 1.6.2
Compatible with iPad
Requires iOS 4.0 or later
33.0 MB
Pricing and Availability:
PDF Reader iPhone Edition 3.8.2 is $ 2.99 USD and PDF Reader- iPad Edition 1.6.2 is $ 4.99 USD. Both applications are available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category.
About Kdan Mobile Software
Kdan Mobile Software is a company specializing in mobile application development. Kdan aims to bring a ubiquitous mobile operating environment to end users by providing innovative service and powerful technology.
With new pricing for new clients, FitNews.TV provides personal trainers the opportunity to launch and boost their business with social media and mobile marketing. Starting at just $ 9 per month (with a 30-day trial for $ 1), the initial social media and email outreach plan includes up to 3,000 emails and social media posts per month to clients, all of which can be organized and tracked by FitNews.TV. Additional plans incorporate text messaging campaigns as well.
Personal trainers can now build their business for just $ 9 per month, simplifying the outreach process to clients and making it easier to make contacts with social media marketing, said John Spencer Ellis, founder of FitNews.TV and John Spencer Ellis Enterprises, a leading national fitness and personal development solutions company. All trainers need is a cell phone and an interest in the amazing power of social media.
In particular, the FitNews.TV site offers:
Fitness-focused information that trainers can post on their websites, blogs and newsletters
The ability to track and analyze all campaign results
Texting and mobile campaigns
A full suite of social media services
An affordable option for personal trainers looking to expand their brand and outreach to clients and potential clients
The new service plans start at 3,000 emails and social media posts per month and go up to 1 million emails/social media posts and 30,000 text messages per month, depending on business size and scope. On FitNews.TV, social media marketing offers an affordable and simple option for enhancing any personal training business.
About FitNews.TV and John Spencer Ellis Enterprises
From age 12, when he received his first health club membership as a birthday gift from his father, John Spencer Ellis knew fitness and personal development would be his calling. His unique business success story started in a 400-square-foot studio apartment, and what started as a personal training business has grown into a multimillion dollar group of corporations providing a wide variety of personal development products and services to every continent and more than 55 countries. In 1992, his passion for fitness education led him to found the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), which educates and provides business solutions for fitness professionals. Now with more than 55,000 members in 55 countries, it is one of the largest fitness associations in the world, and the fastest growing association of its kind in the United States. He launched FitNews.TV as a marketing resource for personal trainers and fitness professionals seeking to broaden their reach and message. For more information or to sign up for FitNews.TV services, please visit http://www.fitnews.tv/.
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As the portfolio of Quintessentially Villas continues to expand, there are even more luxury properties to choose from for every occasion and season. With more people choosing a villa over the more traditional hotel stay, Quintessentially Villas has an enviable collection of the worlds finest properties, perfect for a luxurious break at any time of year.
Quintessentially Villas has a growing collection of alpine chalets perfect for winter skiing and outdoor adventures but if the idea is to rather spend a family holiday in warmer climes, why not stay at one of the lavish villas available throughout the summer months.
Most family breaks are still a retreat to the sun, so whether your request is for a http://www.quintessentiallyvillas.com/searchresults?country=0&city=0&bedrooms=0&people=0&price_low=0&price_high=100000&x=62&y=19&facilities=privatepool [ villa with a private pool __title__ Villas with Private Pools], or a http://www.quintessentiallyvillas.com/searchresults?country=0&city=0&bedrooms=0&people=0&price_low=0&price_high=100000&x=16&y=7&facilities=beach [property situated steps away from the beach __title__ Beach villas] Quintessentially Villas has something to suit every requirement.
There are certain factors which are of the utmost importance when planning a family break. With these criteria in mind, Quintessentially Villas are able to provide the most suitable properties for a luxury family holiday.
Casa Nalum, Mexico
Set on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean, Casa Nalum is the perfect family retreat. You will have every whim taken care of while you relax by the exquisite pool or on the white sand beach with the sea lapping at your toes. Whilst this would be ideal for adults exclusively, its three large bedrooms make it perfect for a family. Combine this with full board and you will get hotel standard treatment within the privacy of a family home. Located at the stunning reserve of Sian Kann, all excursions and water sports will be taken care of for you, and the snorkelling equipment will ensure that the children never get bored!
Cottars Mara Homestead, Kenya
For a slightly more adventurous summer break, a safari trip to Kenya could be the perfect choice. Temperatures during the summer months are slightly lower than at other times of year, making it much more bearable for young children. Part of the renowned Cottars 1920s Camp, the homestead is a 5 bedroom luxury villa in the Masai Mara. Apart from all the adventures of a safari trip this is the perfect place for a family escape, as there is a dedicated staff of 8 to assist you throughout your stay, as well as full board and access to all the amenities of the camp, including the swimming pool. There is also a private airstrip perfect for those travelling by private jets, taking even more pressure off your family break.
Villa des Indes I and II, Bali
Villa des Indes I and II are neighbouring villas, which can be rented separately or together. When combined, the accommodation comprises of 5 bedrooms, and is perfect for two families travelling together. Decorated in a traditional Javanese style, these properties are truly luxurious, and the committed team of staff will cater to all your needs, including a chef to create a uniquely personalised menu. Set in exotic Balinese surroundings, this is the ideal destination to get some winter sun, whilst still having plenty to do for the whole family!
To explore the exclusive portfolio of luxury villas and chalets please visit: http://www.quintessentiallyvillas.com/. If you wish to market your villa or book one of the properties advertised, please contact our dedicated villa specialists at info(at)quintessentiallyvillas(dot)com or call +44(0) 845 269 6673.
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