HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I just read your column about poor customer service — so sad but so true! After 40 years in sales and marketing for a large chemical company, I now teach a class to aspiring entrepreneurs. As you might know, 95% of all new businesses fail within the first five years, and the major reason they fail is poor service. New business owners are all fired up about making their business grow and do many things correctly at first, but then they begin the slow decline, forgetting what made them successful for the first four years. Nobody wants to actually talk to customers anymore!

I tell people in my classes, if you want to separate yourselves from your competition, simply give better customer service. Customers will forgive an egg that wasn’t cooked properly, but they always remember the owner or manager who ignored their complaint.

— Ken, D., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I just figured out how to remove the leftover wax in candles that come in glass containers. I pour boiling water into a Pyrex-type bowl then set the candle in the water. After a few minutes, the wax becomes loose. Then I carefully pull out the wax and wipe the inside of the container with paper towels while still warm until all residual wax is removed. Voila! You now have a small vase, votive candle holder or container for something else. I run it through the dishwasher to remove any residual wax.

— Diana Craft, Dallas, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: A person reported recently that she used the plastic bag her newspaper was delivered in to pick up after her dog. I don’t have a dog, but a friend does. I save my plastic bags from newspaper deliveries and put them in an empty tissue box. When it is full, I give it to my friend. So I’m now recycling the plastic bags and my tissue boxes.

— Vicki M., Fort Wayne, Ind.

DEAR HELOISE: A woman recently wrote about adding information to photos, such as names, dates, locations, etc., for her family. Please add last names, if possible. My husband has several family members with similar names, such as Therese/Theresa, Marie/Mary, or duplicate first names. They even look similar! Last names can help distinguish who is who, and middle initials are really helpful, too! The more information the better! Thank you for all your wonderful advice over the years!

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