Zappos customer service

Last week, I bought some running shoes from Zappos.com. This week they arrived along with a pair of size 9.5W tan Type Z Darla Peep Toe high heals. So I contacted Zappos customer service, via the online chat option, and thanked them for the free shoes but pointed out that I was not particularly interested in wearing them and they were too big for my wife. In a quick and friendly chat, the customer service rep, Ebony, identified the order, told me I could dispose of them how I wish because she didn't want to hassle me with the return and then proceeded to give me a membership in their VIP club and a $50 coupon for my trouble! I just wanted to make sure some lady got her shoes. This service shouldn't surprise me, I've written about Zappos before.

So, does anyone want the shoes?

GTab for Google Chrome

I've just published my first piece of original software for public consumption. Okay, it's not as monumental as it sounds...I made a very simple Google Chrome extension called GTab. Basically, all it does is make Google links from Google webpages open in the same window/tab. I wanted to be able to switch between GMail, Google Calendar, and other Google applications without popping up new windows and tabs. If you use Chrome, give it a try and let me know what you think.

Rational Sentiment Update

Due to our general busyness, I haven't posted much lately over at Rational Sentiment, but with things slowing down a bit, I'm hoping to post more frequently again. I added a post today on healthcare and I'm hoping to discuss the topic in more detail coming up. I've also added a permanent link to the site on the links page (you can click "links" above) so that those of you who frequent this site can find my other one when you feel like it.

Rational Sentiment

I've been wanting to talk more about politics, finance, and current events but I haven't really felt like this was the place to do it. This blog is intended to be the story of our lives and the couple of posts I have made related to politics have felt awkward in this context. As such, I have decided to launch a new blog called Rational Sentiment where I can freely express my opinions on the latest events while hopefully maintaining some level of rationality. I don't know if anyone will end up reading the blog, but it should be fun nonetheless. If you are interested, head on over and you can subscribe to the RSS feed, as well. I hope to post there relatively frequently and maybe spur some civilized conversation.

Buy your shoes at Zappos.com

My dad introduced me to Zappos some time ago and E and I have bought a few pairs of shoes from them. Every time, I am impressed with their service. They offer free shipping and return and usually the shoes show up faster than you expect, often overnight! Today, I read about one of their hiring techniques that leads to their amazing service.

About a week into a new hire's employment, they are offered $1000 to quit! Why? It insures that employees are committed to the company. You can read more details here. Also, read amazing story about one customer' experience with Zappos.

Travel Tip - SideStep

Today, I was looking at flights for a business trip and I thought I would share my favorite travel site: SideStep.com. It searches multiple travel sites to help you find the best deal, but it is really the interface that makes me like it so much. I've never used another site that lets you adjust so many preferences (layover time, layover airport, etc) but it also shows you the effect of your preference on price before you make it and updates your results in real time. You, also, can get results for nearby airports and flexible dates. I think you may need to register for some of the features, but it is worth it.