David Boger.
January, in the dark of this blog (
When it does not allow graphics, categories or even comments)
I lament the death of the audio unit on my 2000 Toyota Sienna minivan.
Local Toyota auto repair shop
The clerk admitted that we could do better-and-
In terms of price, non-use
I wrote: "Toyota models.
"Does anyone know how I should start buying this stuff?
Is there a well?
Known sites for the third review
For example, the first party unit?
"Wow, is there any!
Not less than 25 people-
That is to say, almost everyone who has read my worka-blog back then--
All responded in the same way: "What you want is Crutchfield.
The typical response is "their telemarketing rep is knowledgeable ".
"Their website has good information, high
Res pics, a product selector based on your vehicle, and everything an excellent geek might want.
If you really want to learn something, install it yourself!
It will take a while, but it is a rewarding experience and they will give you everything you need to do the right thing.
"So I went to the Crutchfield site. I used pop-
Select the menu for car year, brand, model and presto: I have a list of devices that fit it.
It wasn't long before I found a pioneer unit that seemed to have everything: GPS voice navigation, a huge 6. 5-
Touch screen, CD player, AM-
FM radio, compatible with satellite radio.
Although I didn't drive enough and didn't charge enough, this unit is also new with XM real-
Time traffic service, the roads on the GPS navigation system actually change the color to show you how crowded they are. This device (
Pioneer of AVIC industryD2)
$1250, not cheap.
But it does look sweet.
Then I called the toll collector.
Just to determine the free number.
I told the guy what kind of car it was, and within seconds he hinted at the exact same Vanguard (One more).
Either this guy has an encyclopedic understanding of the car or he is using a very, very good database.
In any case, the details of his description of the unit are incredible.
He even mentioned that I could buy an iPod adapter/charger for it for an extra charge and I knew it would be my wife's day.
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As my reader suggested, he also gave me some inspiring speeches about thinking about installing this thing yourself.
He said it might take two or three hours, but the agent at crochfield will be on the phone with me all the way (! )
, The company will send along its own customization
Written instructions
Sure enough: when the package arrived, there was the installation manual for Crutchfield and the company's "We are here to help you" charge
60-free number printed
The point type on the first page.
What are they, crazy! ?
Are they actually inviting people to call them for free tech support?
Don't they know how the idea will kill their source of income?
Did they not learn anything from the computer industry?
Advertising now, this is not a comment on the Pioneer AVIC industry
D2, although I'm happy with it.
GPS navigation is as good as it gets, very clear
Time map and mature software.
The audio system is basically fine. -
When you replace the disc, the whole screen flip up and down from the dashboard to show the CD slot, which is really cool ---
But the audio controls are scattered and their operation is not what you call selfevident. (
The most disappointing thing is the integration of the iPod.
Although pioneer unit can "see" the names of playlists, albums, etc, it only shows one name at a time on an otherwise empty screen.
For example, to view the name of the fourth album, you must press the down arrow three times--
Why can't you see the full list right away?
To make matters worse, the system will truncate the names of songs, albums, and playlists, showing only the first few letters. Dumb! )
No, this is actually a review of the company and its policies.
The fact that 25 readers write independently to recommend Crutchfield tells me that this superservice-
Successful;
The company has largely monopolized the market and has attracted a lot of fanatics and repeat customers.
Now, to be honest: I haven't finished installing it myself.
When I saw that the job needed to open the dashboard and wires, I backed down and asked an experienced friend to help.
But I still haven't overcome the confidence of the sales rep in me and his exhortation, let me give it a try.
His tone of the phone basically said this: "Hey, since you called us, you automatically became one of my car friends.
"He has repeatedly sent invitations to contact again --
I will never forget the deal. (
In the meantime, I have called twice to ask questions about my Pioneer unit and have both received an immediate response from the expert. )
Most importantly, I can't help but wonder why no one is questioning the wisdom of the current prevailing "go away, customer" attitude --
The computer and software industry is sluggish.
This attitude will never generate repeat customers, will never build fan worship, and will never make a company the core of the industry.
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A version of the article appeared in the national edition printing in August 3, 2006, titled: David POGG's desk: Business 101: customer service of good quality fosters customer loyalty.