We at F2F Telecommunications have heard countless horror stories from customers regarding contracts they were locked into and extremely poor customer service, partly as a result of auto-renew contracts and out-of-country support Services. It seems to be a standard practice among larger companies in our industry to catch customers and then forget about their needs after the contract is signed.

Here at F2F Telecommunications, we pride ourselves on retaining customers because of our quality work, products, and service instead of contracts that trap you in our services. Here are five top reasons why we value customer service as part of our business strategy rather than a checkbox for what a company is supposed to have.

5 Top Reasons Why Customer Service is Important

Customer service is both a way to interact with your customers and a problem-solving solution that has a meaningful impact on the company, the employees, and the people you serve. There are many reasons why quality customer service is important to have in your business, but here are five of the best ones:

1) It’s Cheaper to Retain

When you break down the numbers, it’s far more profitable to keep your customers than to have a high turnover. Customer service is a major factor in retaining customers and building a loyal base, making a steady stream of profit from repeat sales that you can count on instead of constantly spending money to elicit new sales only. It’s essentially very simple, the more customers you have the more profitable your company and the more growth potential you have. It’s difficult to do this when you’re constantly soliciting customers with no steady base.

2) Referrals Over Recruiting

Word-of-mouth is an old marketing strategy that will never lose its potency, simply because people are Social and will tell their friends and family members about a company or Product they like. Positive referrals come directly from existing customers and ones you’ve served in the past, and nothing damages a good reputation or creates negative word-of-mouth faster than poor customer service. The best part of having your customers say positive things about your service and brand is that it costs you nothing from your marketing budget.

3) Retaining Employees

Good customer service is partly built out of happy customer service agents and they’re likely to be happier with policies that don’t make them feel sleazy every day. Another aspect of how good customer service helps retain employees is management’s drive to keep them happy, which means they’ll work harder to satisfy your customers. It’s a positive cycle that includes customer service strategy and keeping your employees happy to provide better customer service that is reinforced by the policies you have.

4) Proactive Opportunities

It’s difficult to know that your company has an issue unless someone tells you about it. Having a good customer service team that actively listens to your customers can help you take a proactive approach to solving problems before they become big ones. This also means listening to your customer-facing employees and taking note of what they’re trying to bring your attention to. Not only does this provide the opportunity to solve an issue before it grows out of control, but it also helps build customer loyalty and feeds retention.

5) Gives a Competitive Advantage

As we mentioned at the beginning, poor customer service seems to be a popular option amongst larger companies and that gives us at F2F Telecommunications a competitive advantage that we’re dedicated to. By providing great customer service to our current customers, they’re likely to spread the word to friends and family members who aren’t happy with their current service. That can attract new customers to us and demonstrate to us that our customer service strategy is good for our customers, keeping both our company and our customers happy.

At F2F our customer service is not only in-country but local to you. In addition to our free remote moves and changes, our on-site technicians are always available when needed. We are very proud that we’ve had the same customers for over a decade, and welcome new businesses to our services. We continuously work hard to ensure every new customer is as happy and stays with us as long as our current customers do. To learn more about us, please click below.

F2F Telecommunications | Customer Service

As 2023 begins, many of us are looking ahead with anticipation as inflation and changes in policy take effect. One question that’s on a lot of people’s minds is whether or not social security benefits will go up in 2023. We at Marken Law do our best to provide information and guidance to our SSI clients and our community. Read below to learn more about if social security benefits will increase this year. 

Social Security Benefits Will Increase by 8.7% in 2023

Good news for those who receive Social Security benefits – the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that COLA will increase by 8.7% in 2023. A COLA is a small increase typically tied to the Consumer Price Index or an equivalent measure that allows for social security benefits to mirror inflation rates and ensure that beneficiaries don’t experience a decrease in purchasing power over time. If you are one of the millions of Americans relying on social security benefits in 2023, this COLA increase could result in a welcome boost to your finances. As SSI attorneys dedicated to helping our clients maximize their social security benefits, we want to ensure you stay informed about any changes in COLA that impact your payments.

What is COLA?

It’s important to stay informed about how your Social Security Income (SSI) benefits will be impacted by inflation. COLA, or Cost of Living Adjustment, is the standard calculation used to determine the SSI recipient’s income in relation to inflation. This COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). It measures the average price increase over time, so it can help predict if and when you may see your benefits increase. It’s a good idea to know that COLA is based on this index, as well as other factors like economic conditions. As you research whether SSI benefits are going up in 2023, understanding COLA and its impact on your income can make all the difference.

The First COLA Increase since 2021 (5.9%)

2023 is an exciting year for social security beneficiaries as this is the first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) since 2021. With rising inflation and varying income, social security helps keep up with the changing costs of life for those who count on it. 2023 will mark an increase in benefits for these individuals, although the exact amount and details have yet to be determined. It’s important to stay informed to ensure your social security is running effectively. Social Security Benefits SSI attorneys are here to provide expert guidance to help you understand exactly where you stand regarding your eligibility and what options are available., as well as to guide you through any SSI-related situations.

How Much Could the Social Security Check Increase?

For SSI recipients, the news that benefits are set to increase by 8.7% in 2023 is a welcome relief. This increase is part of an effort to keep up with the rising cost of living, and for most people, it translates to about $140 to $1827 more per month which can be used to help cover necessary expenses. While this amount may vary depending on individual circumstances, it is a step in the right direction toward economic security for SSI recipients. As SSI attorneys specializing in social security issues, we strive to stay up-to-date on all changes so that our clients can have access to current, accurate information.

Here at Marken Law Group, we have a comprehensive understanding of social security benefits. We have represented hundreds of claimants in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California to obtain what is rightfully theirs. We focus on your individual needs and bring our extensive experience to help guide you through. Partner with an experienced ally that is by your side from start to finish and have a qualified social security lawyer to help you stay in the know regarding your SSI benefits.

Stay in the SSI know by visiting Social Security Benefits!

The adage “Location, location, location!” remains a cornerstone in the real estate world. When delving into commercial property investment, it’s essential to consider not only your tenant’s business growth but also the location’s potential for capital growth. Selecting the optimal location for your commercial property investment can pave the way for a high return on investment (ROI).

In the following sections, we explore the key factors when identifying the perfect location and property for your financial endeavors. By the conclusion of this article, our aim is to provide you with comprehensive insights into what constitutes an ideal commercial real estate location and empower you to make informed investment decisions.

How Does Choosing a Commercial Real Estate Differ from an Investor to an Owner-occupant?

Commercial property investors must decide based on capital growth potential, while owner-occupiers prioritize business needs. While the fundamental factors in selecting the right commercial real estate are similar for investors and occupier-owners, their perspectives differ.

For example, owner-occupants must assess if the chosen location aligns with their business’s growth trajectory. High competition in the area may lead to lower demand, impacting their business viability.

On the other hand, investors focus on the potential appreciation of the property’s value over time. Economic growth and increasing business activities in the vicinity can transform the property into a lucrative asset, enhancing its capital growth potential.

On the other hand, investors focus on the potential appreciation of the property’s value over time. local economic growth and increasing business activities can transform the property into a lucrative asset, enhancing its capital growth potential.

Why is Location Important in Commercial Property Investment?

Location plays a pivotal role in commercial property investment. Choosing the right location can significantly impact investment success, distinguishing between substantial profits and potential failures.

Even if a commercial property boasts numerous amenities and positive attributes, its value diminishes if the surrounding area lacks accessibility or convenience for potential occupants, customers, and clients.

Prime locations have easy accessibility. Easy accessibility increases their daily foot traffic, which increases commercial success for businesses. Because prime locations attract entrepreneurs looking for a place to set up shop, lease rates are also high. With high lease rates, an investor’s rental income is also high.

The high demand for commercial space and rentals in prime locations positions properties as low-risk investments in the eyes of lenders. Investors can secure funding immediately and add more assets.

Location Factors via Business Premise the Property Could Have

Commercial properties vary based on the potential business types they can accommodate. These properties must have accessibility to cater to these business types. For example, retail spaces must be accessible to customers. Office spaces must be accessible to employees. Lastly, industrial spaces must be accessible to major transportation routes.

For instance, in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, commercial real estate has demonstrated robust performance compared to the last five pre-pandemic years. While office spaces have shown sluggish growth in lease income, other real estate segments have exhibited notable rental growth and minimal vacancy rates.

Retail Space

Retail spaces, trendy among coffee chains and quick-service restaurants, have recorded the lowest vacancy rates in Q1 2023. Bargain shops have also thrived, catering to consumers with reduced disposable income.

A commercial property’s value for retail space can significantly increase if it possesses high visibility:

• Proximity to a landmark or “anchor” store to attract more walk-in customers, such as plazas, shopping centers or markets.
• Location in a downtown area, enhancing accessibility and visibility.
• Ample parking facilities and access to public transportation.
• Availability of amenities such as ATMs, banks, and Medical centers enhances customer convenience.

Office Buildings

As of Q1 2023, the rent growth rate for office buildings is the lowest at 0.7% due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, these properties offer the potential for repurposing into mixed-use developments. Given the similar criteria for selecting office buildings and retail spaces, many properties are being transformed into combined retail and office spaces to optimize occupancy rates.

Industrial Properties

This type of property has outperformed others since Q1 of 2023. With online shopping getting more popular, the demand for warehouses and storage facilities has also increased.

Properties for industrial purposes increase in value if they are located near major transportation routes. By being near ports, railroads, and highways, businesses can reduce transportation costs and increase the delivery of goods. 

Other Location Factors to Consider in Choosing a Commercial Property Investment

There are other location factors when choosing a commercial property for investment purposes. Local economic conditions and competition are necessary vital signs to predict future growth. Population demographics and zoning laws allow you to determine the best type of commercial property to invest in. Additionally, evaluating local taxes and infrastructure aids in assessing potential government benefits and contributions.

Local Economic Conditions

The location’s economic conditions determine the demand for commercial properties. One can measure the local economic growth using the Population/Employment Ratio (P:E Ratio).

In the P:E ratio, the population represents regional demand, while the employment rate represents regional supply. One can assess the location’s economic trajectory by comparing the P:E ratio to the state or national average. A low P:E ratio may indicate an underperforming local economy, while a high ratio suggests opportunities for investors to capitalize on local expansion investments.

Number of Similar Commercial Properties

The abundance of unoccupied commercial properties in a location can exert downward Pressure on leasing and diminish property values. An oversupply of similar properties challenges tenants to distinguish themselves from competitors. It can result in decreased tenant income and reduced tenant retention for investors.

Click below to learn more. 

Goodale & Barbieri | Choosing the Right Spot for Your Commercial Property Investment