Garage Door Springs, Summers, Falls and Winters

The Two Faces of Our Buddy

2011-11-17T09:06:00.001-06:00

Buddy is our Buddy.

While we work, he sleeps...

And he perks up to the sound of the salesman opening food packages...

Garage Door Customer Service--A Bird's Eye View

2010-07-29T21:05:00.002-05:00

I operate a virtual call center for garage door parts customer service. The level of thinking I have to undertake to do my job is enormous.

Here are some things I have observed about customer service:

1. "Thank you" never gets worn out

2. A little smile in a representative's voice goes a long way

3. You are the pilot taking the customer to a completed call experience

4. Information pieces are like tools, and they should be organized, and used wisely

5. They wouldn't call it "work" if it didn't involve work

6. If you have to dig for information, resolve to keep it close by from now on

The experience of doing customer service after doing marketing, article writing for SEO, and social media promotion is a unique one. It tends to make one more appreciative of customers, for some reason. Maybe it is because I had a hand in bringing them in in the first place, and there is more impetus to keep them.

Garage Door Springs Article Sizes Up Galvanized vs. Oil-tempered

2010-05-11T11:18:00.027-05:00

Galvanized garage door torsion springs. Dreaded by some, loved by others.

Recently, I read an article comparing the innovative galvanization of garage door springs to old-line oil-tempered. Here, I make some observations.

Manufacturers who produce both kinds of garage door springs understandably do not wish to take a position publicly. They balance the advantages and disadvantages to both kinds, as a wise marketing move to sell both.

Today, though, I came across a galvanized nail. I picked it up and examined its coating, weight, and overall appearance. I saw that it was oxidized. If the entire spring is as this nail was, I don't hold out much hope for its longevity in service. And so, I have come to recommend oil-tempered springs as the best choice for the installer and customer--and a good towel for the hand of every garage door repair person.

I personally wish oil-tempered springs were not so "oily," but coating on the springs can provide some help. It does need saying that the technician installing any kind of springs should be lubricating the springs up and down, as this offers the best surface protection once installed.

And no matter what kind of springs, inventory must turn to prevent rust or appearance decay, as the case may be.

Creative Problem Solving and Thinking Fast

2010-03-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

A formal education in business may only take you as far as the graduation platform off-ramp. Real business savvy is forged in the day-to-day changing environment interacting with customers and supplying their needs. Therefore, I believe the skill most to be desired as a business support person is quick thinking. Quick thinking, when it is quality thinking, stimulates oneself and others to get it done, and conquer problems when they arise.

I am not a Microsoft Excel guru, but I have a lengthy project coming with that program in the coming weeks. And I need all the sharpness I can get. Mainly, I get that through exercise and dietary supplements. But I trust that I will get that extra special mental "oomph" to conquer.

A Day At the Office

2010-03-06T14:13:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I got a taste of what it is like to work on site at DDM. I did some office-related tasks, and did two supply runs. I always relish moments like these, as they give me insight into the grinding processes that lead to supply order fulfillment, and customer order filling. I became familiar with the suppliers for winding bars and tracks, and with how to condition these items for shipment. For someone involved in public relations and Internet marketing, this is a valuable tool, as I can appreciate my employer's hectic time schedule and business demands. Glad I was able to help lighten the load.

Blog is back

2010-02-25T20:51:00.001-06:00

DDM's blog is back, and we look forward to helping the garage door service community there.

At the Shop, Spring Is On the Way

2010-02-20T15:26:00.002-06:00

There is virtually no way to gain weight when working to fulfill garage door spring orders. The springs have to be selected, prepped and ready to use, wrapped, packaged with hardware, and mailed. Depending on order volume, this can happen a LOT of times per day. Not to mention customer interface, service calls, paperwork, and recording payments. Exciting to do, but high energy levels are necessary.

Review of Bartel's: A Great Example of Service

2010-02-17T21:49:00.006-06:00

A review of Bartel's Auto Clinic and Quick Lube, located on Wiesbrook Drive in Oswego, IL, with its original location also apparently thriving in Carol Stream. http://www.bartelsauto.com/

Because they truly earned it, I come happy to write a review. Bartel's gets it done. I brought my older car in to diagnose and treat a "check engine" light situation February 16, 2010.

Though tucked away and accessible only via a service road off Route 30, Bartel's would be a great find for any type of service. Upon entering the waiting area, I immediately noticed it to be squeaky clean, and free of the "auto shop smell." The gentlemen who dealt with me, Dan, Adam, et. al., were all well dressed and professional. That gave an air of professionalism which turned out to be a sure sign of the good service to come.

The estimate given for my repair rolled out quickly and reasonably, falling in line with the normal expense for the problem. The scope of my repair was explained to me with confident integrity, repair cost figures were given, and any special circumstances requiring additional expense were brought to my attention. That said, the circumstances did not arise, and the figure for my repair proved right on the money.

All phone calls to me came during the time-frame the staff indicated, and I picked up my vehicle with the job done right. Transport home and back from the center? Not a problem with the shop shuttle on duty. I even worked online via the office wireless connection while I waited prior to vehicle intake.

But being a communications person, I always take special note of the way a business communicates with its customers. The staff shows a special way of making one feel valued--with a personal angle. Whenever a matter came up for discussion about the car, they seemed encouraging, with intangibles and tones that suggested they simply wouldn't stand for a customer leaving the lot unsatisfied.

In conclusion, I would have to say that if I started a business, I would want it to be like Bartel's from the first day forward. And as I would proceed with the business plan, I'd want to speak with whoever trained the personnel there to help form the basis for my own customer service standards.

Garage Door Related Helpful Sites I Have Bookmarked

2010-01-30T10:58:00.001-06:00

These two in particular are recommended, regardless of how you proceed getting the repair done. Let me know any good ones you've found or bookmarked:

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-find-a-good-garage-door-repair-technician-1598924.html

http://garages.about.com/od/workingwithcontractors/a/GarageDoorTech.htm

Story Sites--Scary But Instructive

2010-01-30T10:52:00.002-06:00

This story is not pretty, but it illustrates the need for safety at all levels--literally.

A jogger found this person, and saved him. Keep exercising, and watch your neighborhood. You may just save a life.

2010-01-23T14:44:00.001-06:00

Pleasant Surprise: Good Google Ranking

2010-01-12T21:04:00.001-06:00

I love surprises--when they are pleasant ones. I did a Google search with the terms "find a garage door repair technician," and the article I wrote about watching the repair person is #1! It is garnering some fairly good page views as a result. Give it a look. (Funny how Google goes; it also ranks well for "watch repair technician," but...)

Garage Door Forum: Some Subjects a Garage Door Repairman Talks About

2010-01-02T11:54:00.006-06:00

Experience has its privileges. If anyone has been in the business of garage door repair for 10, 20, 30, or more years, they have a lot of stories, observations, and comments. And doing something consistently over time leads to enough familiarity with the job to begin to exchange some of those.

This is not to say that a technician should be gabbing all the time, or not paying attention to work. But at their discretion, they can engage in conversation about their business, the customer's business, related products, international relations, the economy, recent television documentaries, or just about any other reasonably appropriate topic. These can be enriching ways to smooth over a tedious garage door job, and build rapport. Even the observer can get insights as well. I hope I can get some good ones in 2010.

New Year's Season 2010 Ideas

2009-12-26T10:20:00.000-06:00

As the new year 2010 dawns, I have a suggestion based on some of my experience with computers. Take your computer in for service if you have any problems, and declare a fast from being online for a short time. From personal experience, it makes you a better and more lively communicator, and builds a more personal contact with people. Be in person or on the phone. Having friends live speaks more than an e-mail or Tweet can deliver.

Do you have a list of new household projects you want to get into in the new year? Let's share ideas. But if you decide to take the computer in, do so after you get it back.

Play some special New Years Eve game you invent based on the events of the year. Think creatively.

Look over any photos taken during the year, especially during the warm season.

Looking Forward To Commercial Observation

2009-12-14T12:31:00.001-06:00

I am looking forward to writing at a possible commercial garage door job this week. Learning and observing is really cool, because even though I have no authority to turn so much as a wrench in a "hands-on" industrial setting, I still find my learning style works well with an observer's role. My hope is that I can make some creative associations from the repair and/or replacement of commercial parts, that can be used to market and position the company I work for--while gaining blow-by-blow repair principles.

Take This Garage Door Spring Quiz

2009-12-03T10:53:00.002-06:00

How much do you know about garage door torsion springs? Here is a quiz along the same lines as tests used when new hires are being trained--for review and education, not academics. This is not exhaustive; it is simply a gathering of some thoughts and considerations that will assist the reader in the field of garage doors and the springs that help lift them.

1. Which of the following is NOT a primary characteristic of garage door springs?

a) wire size b) wire weight c) internal diameter d) wind

2. Which of the following is NOT determined from the primary spring characteristics?

a) spring cycle life b) torque c) degree of play

3. What are the names of the cones that are attached to springs? (note any that apply)

a) torque cones b) stationary cones c) winding cones

4. How many turns on the springs need to remain when the door is fully opened?

a) none b) one c) two

5. What happens to the springs when the door rises?

a) the springs wind b) the springs unwind c) it depends

6. Which factors determine the choice of springs for a particular garage door?

a) door weight b) door height c) track radius d) cycle requirements e) all of the above

7. What is the usual diameter of the shaft on which the springs are mounted?

a) 1'' b) 2" c) 1 1/2"

8. Which of the following is a benefit of a 15'' track radius as opposed to a 12'' track radius?

a) a 15'' lifts more weight b) a 15'' opens to the full 7' height c) a 15'' allows the door to operate more smoothly d) all of the above

Now not all of these questions/answers are admittedly rocket science. But they should be good review for background. Other story pages are online, and they can help as well.

And now the answers:

1. b. Length is the missing element; wire weight can be stricken 2. c. Degree of play 3. b. and c. 4. b. no turns is bad, two is not wound enough 5. b. unwind 6. d. all are good 7. a. 1" 8. d. all are good again

In a later article, these considerations will be discussed. Here's to your safety...and your success.

Intangible Tools 6 Months Later

2009-11-24T20:20:00.004-06:00

It has been six months since I published my articlesbase.com article about "Intangible Tools" for garage door repair. The day I saw the full garage door replacement was a marathon indeed, but it was focused enough to conceive and write the article. And as the months have passed, I have been reflecting on how to react to earlier material as a writer. It really is true that "articles need love too."

And one of the best ways to think about past material is to watch what the world of advertising does with television and radio commercials that have been out there in rotation for some time. They have to put in new information to retain their audience, change the music, change the voice-over, etc. I think the equivalent of that in the world of writing articles is changing the words around, adding pictures, and keeping up to date on current news so as to be relevant at all times.

Garage Door Customer Service 101

2009-11-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

In my observation of a garage door spring repair, I noticed that three things make for a good experience at a residence: Convenience, a good overview of customer's door needs, and clear communication.

Convenience involves doing the job in a good time-frame, mindful of the customer's garage usage needs. Also, an easy-to-understand bill helps greatly. Involve the customer in conversation mostly when it is necessary for stating the scope of the repair, describing the warranty and how payment works, or showing a customer your finished product for their tangible benefit.

Watching for total door needs is a second big help. If you know the cable is about to go for example, state it and offer to do the repair on the spot. Always lubricate upon job completion as a courtesy.

Clear communication using good words enhances perceptions and add value to the overall repair experience. If your service is already top notch, state the value of it. Something like "That should perform well for you for years to come, under normal conditions" is one example. Do not hesitate to add good comments and helpful tips to your good work.

A Garage Door Spring Job From a Bird's Eye View

2009-11-10T15:04:00.000-06:00

I recently witnessed a residential garage door torsion spring replacement in the flesh, and even though I am not a mechanic, I observe some of the psychology of this kind of work below.

Most obviously, the more one does a repair, the easier it is to the repairer, and the easier it looks to an observer. In a recent ezinearticles.com piece, I stressed that garage door spring work was not an easy job. Yet upon observation, nothing about it smacked of terror or apprehension. This does not mean I think anybody can just acquire these repair skills with little forethought; it does mean that some of the obstacle to a DIY garage repair among the mechanically inclined is due to fear of never being comfortable with the process.

I believe this notion can be likened to swimming in a pool. Most of the danger from swimming is traceable to failure to observe safety rules. If you know the power of the water, respect it with safe behavior, and yet strangely become comfortable floating and beginning to stroke, you will learn to swim. Water is mostly dangerous if you disregard the principles of your swimming instructor.

Now I know much more can be said on the subject, and I commend additional reading to you. In the same way, though, I would say that more folks with mechanical ability can get involved in DIY for springs, if they become conversant with the mechanics, respect the power of the springs, and yet follow up by actually doing the job. Only be sure you are guided by a good set of instructions.

Above, the customer service angle.

DDM's New Web Content

2009-10-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Greetings! It has been almost a month. I thought I would write a review of DDM Garage Doors' newly redeveloped site. This is a painstakingly crafted but highly likable stop. The navigation tools at the left column take you where you are most likely to visit. The home page, entitled "Introduction to Garage Doors," is a friendly and informative discussion geared toward making the novice conversant with the terms and products in the industry. The new site now contains a main springs page, from which torsion spring and extension spring information can be accessed. This is a far more comprehensive view of springs--complete with subcategories and uses of each type--that reflects the owner's well-spent thirty years of experience. Remaining is the recently reworked "Only Thing in Life That Really Matters," and the fine guestbook and blog. I found the site easily navigable, clear, optimized masterfully, and ringing with the business' commitment to spiritual values which are evident in their great service. Give it a look!

Quote of the Day

2009-09-02T06:14:00.000-05:00

A torsion spring is like a strong-willed child. It can get a lot done under control, but do a lot of damage if out of control.

Garage Door Situation Graciously Resolved

2009-08-31T14:27:00.000-05:00

KCCHS member Steve Valentine couldn't believe his ears.

Free? Yes, that is right.

Steve faced a layoff from his position as general manager at a landscape construction company in February 2009. In July, Steve and his wife Linda discovered that their garage door opener no longer functioned. The opener lifted a trusty, heavy wooden door for their 2 ½ car garage. Steve tackled many responsibilities in the course of career redirection. Of course, this was not a good time to look down at a replacement bill.

In the process of piecing together a plan, Linda sent a “wanted” post for the local Yahoo! Free-cycling group. Her request sounded like a shot in the dark—who has a door opener sitting around waiting to be installed? By the grace of God, however, the communique reached the inbox of another free-cycler and fellow KCCHS member who works for a local garage door company The free-cycler electronically linked Steve with its owner, Dan Musick. Steve then contacted Dan. The men discussed the situation, and set an appointment to look at some “to be refurbished” units Dan had access to.

Upon review of the selection and the choice of an opener, Steve asked about the costs, and Dan's reply came as a very pleasant surprise.

Steve and Dan together refurbished the unit, pooling their technical knowledge and skill. Installation followed shortly.

Now the Valentines' door operates with smoothness and precision. But the provision of the opener proved only the beginning. Dan gave Steve a wealth of knowledge about torsion spring and door opener/part maintenance, and some equipment to help keep the Valentines' door running well. In addition, Dan set up a keypad system with security equipment to ensure full safety and privacy. And of course, the remotes were not forgotten.

Steve, obviously overjoyed, remarked “It's a blessing—God opened the door (no pun intended).” The new system enables free car movement, but also a sense of healthy confidence and inspiration for the Valentines' journey. And supremely, this gift reflects upon the glory of God, and just what happens in Christian community when God's people link up and encourage one another in a very practical way.