Learn from your customers

Customers are the real experts on how good a store is. Find out what they think. Successful retailers take the advice of customers very seriously.

Building a model drag racer

Personally speaking, I could never begin to repay the hobby for the thousands of hours of enjoyment it has given me over the years. When you think about it, there are very few ways to say ‘thanks’ to the hobby for providing such a wide array of pleasure.

Model building is largely a solitary hobby. Most of us spend hours in our basements or workrooms at the bench with no social interaction. It’s nice to get away for a while. Building models can be a very relaxing experience.

However, it’s not always good to hole yourself up. Modellers can get out to shows, attend club meetings, or hang out at the local hobby shop to meet people with similar tastes and talk to them about their favourite hobby. These are all good ways to share our hobby with others.

Building a good drag race car model involves more than a kit and some glue. Proper research and planning can take up close to half the building time. Photos, magazine articles, TV coverage, and trips to the local speed shops are some of the ways to gather information. Each piece of information eliminates some guesswork and makes a more accurate model.

Photos taken at the track are the best way to get the necessary information. Unlike most forms of racing, fans are allowed in the pits at drag races, so close inspection of the cars is easy. Most racers will let you take pictures of any part of their car, just don’t get in the way during a between-rounds thrash. Try to get your pictures early when the racers are more at ease and the cars are unbuttoned for tech inspection.

Magazine articles are the easiest way to gather information. Convenience stores, drug stores and supermarkets all carry a variety of publications. Check all the magazines; you never know where something good might turn up.

Speed shops also offer a wealth of information. Most have large wall displays and built engines on stands right on the floor. A photo or drawing will help you remember what you saw. These shops usually also have catalogues and pamphlets from many of the equipment manufacturers.

I have no doubts that my skills have improved in direct proportion to the level of knowledge and experience I have encountered. I always come away from any event with a few new friends and a ton of inspiration for future projects. All in all, not a bad deal. It has been my experience that most, if not all, scale modellers are very willing to share ideas and experience. Look, listen, learn and share should be a basic tenet of any participant in modelling events.

Practice makes perfect when painting

Practice painting on a spare body immediately before beginning to paint your project body. This is especially helpful when trying a new paint.

Consumer protection starts at home, right on your doorstep

Town of Mono, ON (Mono Community Policing Committee)
The doorbell rings, you pause and ask yourself ‘am I expecting someone’? When you open the door, it could be a child selling cookies or a stranger with a clipboard. We all like cookies, but beware, not everyone at the door has a sweet deal for you.

No matter what the offer on a product or service, remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. Many Ontarians have discovered the ‘deal’ they signed up for includes long-term commitments, exit fees and high rental rates – especially when it comes to contracts to do with your home comfort needs such as heating and air, electricity and water heaters.

Your doorstep, your decision

Don’t get burned at the door. Make an informed decision before you sign on the dotted line. Reliance Home Comfort, Ontario’s expert in home comfort, suggests asking sales agents these key questions to help protect yourself against unscrupulous sales tactics.

• What company do you represent?

• Can I see your company identification? Can this be verified?

• How long have you been in business?

• How many service technicians do you have in my area?

• If I need assistance or service, can I reach someone 24/7 by phone?

• How many customers do you have?

• What is the term of the contract?

• Will I have to pay exit fees if I break the contract?

• How much higher are your rental rates?

Watch out and spread the word

If you feel the agent is employing high-pressure, potentially misleading sales tactics, close the door on them. Take action and tell your family, friends and neighbours to beware of questionable tactics and warn the more vulnerable in your neighbourhood.

Visit www.burnedatthedoor.com to learn more and report unwelcome door-knocking or other tactics in your community, so you can protect your neighbours too.

Before you sign on the dotted line…

If you’re satisfied with the agent’s answers and are considering signing a contract, contact your current provider to discuss it. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision right then and there. It’s your door, and your decision.

If you decide to sign a contract, remember under the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, you are guaranteed certain protections when you buy at the door. Those protections may include the right to cancel any contract within 10 days, a minimum warranty on the quality of services and more. So if you change your mind and have ‘buyer’s remorse,’ you may be able to switch back to your current provider. You can learn more online at www.burnedatthedoor.com.

credit: www.newscanada.com

Hot tips to stay safe this winter

Did you know that:

• In 2008, there were more than 2,000 on-the-job injuries to Canada Post personnel as a result of slips, trips and falls.

• Even when the temperature outside is above freezing, areas in the shade or shadows can be covered by a layer of slippery ice.

• Homeowners and business owners can help to improve safety during the winter by clearing access areas after each snowfall. Monitor the weather and be prepared to take action to eliminate slippery conditions on your property.

• All areas prone to ice buildup around your residence or business should be cleared and covered with anti-slip material, such as sand, salt or a de-icer, on a regular basis.

• Shovelling is a strenuous activity that if done without proper preparation can lead to injuries. Be sure to warm up first. Stretch and flex your muscles and get the blood flowing before you start shoveling.

• You should use a lightweight shovel with a blade that is not too large. If the blade is too big, the load of snow per shovel full will be too heavy, causing a stress on your back and heart. The grip of the shovel should be long enough so you do not have to stoop to shovel.

• You should set a reasonable pace when shoveling and try to push the snow rather than throw it. If you have to throw the snow, take only as much as you can easily lift, and turn your feet in the direction you are tossing the snow. Never twist at the waist to throw a load, and never throw snow over your shoulder.

Fun contest promotes winter safety message

As part of its public-awareness campaign to improve winter safety, Canada Post invites you to participate in the “Clear the Way & Win” contest for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000 or one of 100 instant prizes in Canadian Tire gift cards. To enter, visit canadapost.ca/cleartheway. When you clear the way, everyone wins.

credit: www.newscanada.com