Mar 12
How can we show you our appreciation?
There are many companies that you could choose to do business with for your life insurance needs, but let’s say you chose AccuQuote. As a customer of ours, we would like to do something special to show you our appreciation. However, we’re not quite sure of the best way to do that. So, we thought we’d ask you the following question:
“As a consumer, what would you want service companies, like AccuQuote, to do in order to show you their appreciation?”
We struggle with this for a few reasons:
- First, we want to provide you with something that is valuable and meaningful because as customers of ours you are valuable and meaningful to us.
- Second, due to the nature of insurance regulations as implemented by the government, we are limited as to what we can and can do in regards to “free stuff” or “rebating”.
Here are two ideas we came up with, but we’d really like to hear yours:
- Send you a FREE copy of a financial planning book or guide
- Send you some a token of our appreciation (a key chain, pen, calendar, etc.)
So, tell us what you think. How would you want us to show you our appreciation for doing business with us? Leave us a comment and let us know.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Print This Post
March 13th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Why not offer your customers a benefit that will help them with a variety of life events? A \”Family/Personal Assistance Program\” or Identity Theft resolution services are examples that would not cost AccuQuote much to offer (less than the cost of a book I suspect).
March 13th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I like the idea of the financial planner. I could use it. thank you.
March 13th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
A simple thank you is enough. However, I must add, I found Mike Hawke \”above and beyond\” helpful, personable and professional. Good customer service is difficult to find these days, he was great.
March 13th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
How about insurance discounts or rebates for classes taken or certificates earned regarding safety, defensive driving,first aid & CPR, etc.?
March 13th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
What I like for the company to do is how about giving one month free.
March 13th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I am certain a company such as yours could offer a magazine subscription-even if it were a trial basis- as a thank you to its customers. As you know the greater a magazines subscriber base the more it can charge for advertising in the magazine.
March 13th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
how about something to help us get in shape, so we stay healthy and live longer (and don\’t collect on our life insurance – and keep paying premiums)? Maybe some free running shoes, shorts, a gift certificate to a sporting goods store, or something like that.
March 13th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
I agree with a previous comment that the \”Thank You\” is enough. If you are set on doing something more I never get to many opinions on financial planning
March 13th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
A simple thank you is enough and goes a long way!
March 13th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I am very satisfied with your service and product and don\’t expect anything else. Thank you for asking.
March 13th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
The thank you is great, but everyone likes magazines and that would be nice also. Your company was really nice and helpful both on the phone and in person.
Thank you also.
March 13th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
I SURELY ENJOY PLANER/CALENDARS WITH SQUARES BIG ENOUGH TO WRITE NOTES BIG ENOUGH TO READ AND THE CALENDAR WILL STILL FIT ON A COUNTER TOP OR SMALL DESK AREA. MOUSE PADS WORK WELL FOR SOME PEOPLE. A BIRTHDAY CARD IS ALWAYS WELCOMED BY YOUNG AND OLD . ANOTHER SMILE GETTER WOULD BE GIFT CARDS TO RESTURANTS LIKE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE MEAL OR JUST YOUR THANK YOU WAS ACCEPTED AND APPRECIATED. HAVE A BLESS DAY.TERRY
March 13th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Ken,
Thanks for the suggestions. We have been exploring services to offer for identity theft protection. Currently, we offer a few other services (health, auto, annuity, long term care, Turbo Tax) through http://www.accusource.com .
I\’ll get together with my marketing team and the senior management team to further explore how we can better assistance our customers with their other life events.
Thank you for taking the time to offer your suggestions!
March 13th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Barbara (comment #8),
Thanks for your feedback. I\’ll also pass along your kind words to Mike. He\’s a great person who has been with AccuQuote for several years.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Mark (comment #1),
Thanks for your suggestion. As a CPR/First Aid instructor myself, I like your idea. I\’ll look into it with my team and see which discounts we\’ll be able to offer.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
By just thinking of us is enough…
Thank you for the great customer service…
March 13th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Robert (comment #12),
You just perfectly illustrated one of the roadblocks our industry faces. Unfortunately, we\’re legally prohibited from offering any type of rebate or discount. The insurance industry is extremly regulated, and this type of \”rebate\” as it\’s defined is not possible.
Thanks for your feedback.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Milton (comment #2),
Thanks for your suggestion. I\’ll look into giving our customers the option of a variety of magazine subscriptions.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Thanks for your suggestions Adam (comment #3). While we are prohibited from giving away \”rebates\” such as the gifts you mentioned, I don\’t think we\’ll have a regulatory compliance issue with partnering with fitness/wellness companies to give discounts or specially negotiated prices. I\’ll look into it with my team.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Thanks Stephen (comment #4). We\’re on the same page with you regarding financial planning options. We\’re currently searching for a financial planning strategic partner.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Thank you Teri(comment #5). We appreciate that you trusted AccuQuote to handle your life insurance.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Thanks Sharon (comment #6). We\’ll look into the magazine idea.
March 13th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Thanks for your suggestions Terry (comment #7). From a regulatory standpoint, we have to be careful what we can give out as a \”thank you\” without being classified as \”rebating\” which is illegal in our industry.
Instead of giving away gift cards, etc…, my team and I will look into partnering with companies to offer discounts or specially negotiated prices.
March 13th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
i think a nice smooth writing pen would be great.
March 13th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
You can send the Finl Planning book.
Thanks
March 13th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Thanks for the suggestion Kevin (comment #21). We\’ve been searching through countless catelogs to find a pen that we like enough to send to our customers without breaking the bank. We\’re still keeping our eye out!
March 13th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Clark (comment #23),
Thanks for your feedback. We also like the idea of the financial planning book.
March 13th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
How about a box of \”heart healthy\” Seas dark chocolate?
March 13th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Thanks for the idea Paul (comment #25). You\’re going to make me walk downstairs and raid my pantry for some chocolate now!
We\’ve considered several types of food items before, but have run into too many logistical problems, especially during the summer months. Also, the cost involved borders on \”rebating\” which is something we\’re regulatorily prohibited from doing.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:55 am
A simple thank you is fine and your companies newsletter on new products and services.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:06 am
This maybe too much, but how about dinner for two?
March 14th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I am very interested in the stock and options markets. I realize other people might be interested in other topics…how about putting a list of books on your website so we can choose the topic we are most interested in?
March 14th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Thank you for sending the message. It is a clever idea, letting customers know that you are thinking of them. A book of financial planning or a kit to write a will would be nice, since it has something to do with Life Insurance.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:38 am
I appreciate you allowing me to get insurance coverage. A free monthly planner would be nice or a book on staying healthy. Regardless of the appreciation, I want to thank you for the great customer service.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:39 am
My understanding is that costs of term life are steadily declining. Therefore a high value-add would be for you to analyze my current portfolio of products I\’ve purchased via Accuquote (3 policies) and tell me if I can re-insure for comparable coverage at lower cost.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Try suprising me.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:49 am
i WOULD LOVE A CALENDAR….
March 14th, 2007 at 8:53 am
The thank you is nice but I agree with previous comments, a variety of magazine suscriptions would be nice.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Thanks for your feedback Daren (comment #30). While dinner for two would be considered \”rebating\”, we\’ll look into partnering with companies where we can get specially negotiated prices.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Joseph (comment #32),
Great idea. I love it! This should be very easy for us to implement.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:26 am
I appreciate the \”thank you\” and was impressed with everyone\’s nice comments. If rebates or discounts are against the rules, I would endorse the suggestions of magazine subscriptions, restaurant discounts, or store vouchers (sporting goods or other). I have more than enough financial planning material, which is widely available on the web or the public library.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:26 am
I agree with the suggestions about a discounted magazine subscription.
Thank you for asking
March 14th, 2007 at 9:29 am
Stay professional. Savings & Loans used to give away toasters for opening a new account, and see where that got them. So just keep us informed of any new ideas regarding insurance or financial planning.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Other companies have offered a free month as a thank you. It is always appreciated and a nice surprise. No tokens/little gifts are good because they just go in a pile with all the other \”tokens\” and freebies that other companies give away. Also we get free financial planning stuff from other companies. Perhaps a free seminar in our area such as CPR/First Aid training would be useful.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:58 am
I would appreciate a planning guide for planning my funeral/burial, etc.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Financial Planning book will be preferred. Thanks a lot.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:28 am
COST SAVINGS – Lower my premiums or add to my exsisting policy at no additional charge.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:29 am
How about offering a comprehensive insurance package for individuals that can be priced close to what a large company would pay.
IE: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Car, Home, Umbrella. This way it is one stop shopping and you could probably offer a huge savings to an indiviual consumer or small business owner.
Riders, adding / subtracting plan participants and increase / decreases in coverages on specific parts of the plan would have +/- pricing effects that can be tailered to an individuals need.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Thanks for continuing to appreciate your customers, a custom that seems lost in most places these days.
I\’m not too much into financial planning (should be but I\’m not) however I think any small token is welcomed, at least by me. It\’s always nice to receive something in the mail that isn\’t a bill. Thank you.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Forget the trinkets and do your job better! That\’s what I expect from a service provider – lower costs, better service and quality products will makes customers happy and loyal! Your company is good but everyone can improve. Have a great day.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:40 am
I think a pen would be fine. Perhaps a small credit card size list of products you provide and the web site.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:45 am
I like the idea of a financial planner.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:49 am
I would suggest something like a small squeezable stress ball or small calming water hour glass, these could display the AccuQuote logo & website, which would serve 2 fold by advertising for AccuQuote and giving the customer a token of appreciation.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Accu Quote the first add that I responded to via the internet for insurance! Al Flugg was the most gracious internet gentleman and responded with a 35% better rate for the exact same policy I had taken out just 9 months earlier via my local independent agent! Al and I have never met, but I felt as if he was working harder for me than my local agent! No gifts please, just great cost effective service!! In fact, give Al a little something extra!!!
March 14th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Everyone gives calendars and they are just thrown in the trash. Pens are at least useable. More information on policies available and pricing.
March 14th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Help us to renegotiate our life insurance policies or find a company that offers cheaper policies (equal quality).
With the savings, I could then decide if I subscribe for a magazine, enroll in a health club, or buy a keychain or a mug.
Thanks!!
March 14th, 2007 at 11:28 am
I don\’t like getting stuff/junk/etc in the mail. However, I keep coming back to Accuquote because of the great service. Thanks!
March 14th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Thank you is nice, anything related to your service/product would make sense. don\’t really need pen or keychain
March 14th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Thank You for the great service
March 14th, 2007 at 11:59 am
How about a donation to the charity of our choice? Instead of the .50 or 1.00 you might spend on a keychain or pen I might never use, I would love for a donation to be made to a worthy charity,preferably something that benefits children. I know .50/1.00 seems like a small donation but if thousands of your clients did it…it could make a difference!
Thank you.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Life insurance is kind of transparent once it\’s in place. A quarterly email letting me know everything is great with my policy would be nice. Also, I would love a couple free music downloads from the itunes store.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thank you for asking, I guess , right now, it would be really great to have a protective cover thing or leather for keyless remote for vehicles. It\’s only a small token but it really is useful for car owners. Thanks again.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
A financial planning book would be great.Thanks
March 14th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Hmm – let\’s see. I know – I personally would like a Lamborghini Murcielago – or equivalent. However, I\’m sure that would cause my premiums to go up. Perhaps a free meal or an actual NICE pen – not one of those cheap pens that so many companies give out that either dry up or break within five days. A pen you want to hold on to and not leave on your desk, because it WILL get stolen. Calendars are cool, but unless you give them out a full two months before the beginning of the year, they have to be good enough to replace the two calendars you received for Christmas – not to mention the Bikini Beach calendar you bought yourself. A magazine subscription WOULD be nice, given a wide enough choice. If I had to choose between Insurance Monthly and \”Reader\’s Digest: Classic Interviews\” – I wouldn\’t get either. If I could choose between about twenty of today\’s most popular magazines, it would be cool – I could always find something, even if it were Cosmo for my 19-year-old daughter. So – something useful – something popular – something that tastes good and doesn\’t require a purchase. Yeah that would all be good – birthday cards? No way. Not unless they had a check for $20.00 in them & then I\’d call you Grandma!
March 14th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Wow! Thanks for asking! Please, no trinkets. I like the magazine subscription idea. I also like the charity idea; however, I\’d rather see the money go to a charity involved in educating the public about ways to cut back on global warming. This would benefit children for generations to come.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Trinkets are nice…however, I feel negotiating the best possible rates for the customer would go a lot further towards customer satisfation
March 14th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Thank you is enough for me.
I would not have done business with you if you were not the best alternative!
March 14th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I\’m glad you are asking this question; and I don\’t feel you are \”over-thinking\” it because it requires some thought, especially given the regulatory issues. My preference would be for really high quality information, relevant to insurance and financial planning. I stress high quality because if its too generic, I won\’t find it helpful. I advise businesses so I\’d like help from that perspective. Thanks
March 14th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Bob (comment #49),
Thanks for your feedback. Since the rates are set it stone and filed with each state, our form of \”negotiating\” is finding the insurance carrier that has the best rate you\’re able to quality for.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Without my permission, my Chase insurance life policy was just assigned to a fly by night company that I can\’t even find on the web! How about keeping the policy in the hands of the reputable company that I trusted with my family\’s security!
March 14th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Thanks is great – - and a pen or I love the idea of something that encourages a healthy lifestyle – -fitness magazine for a year.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Your comments: Without my permission, my Chase insurance life policy was
just
assigned to a fly by night company that I can\’t even find on the web!
How about keeping the policy in the hands of the reputable company
that I trusted with my family\’s security!
March 14th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Your comments: Without my permission, my Chase insurance life policy was
just
assigned to a fly by night company that I can\’t even find on the web!
How about keeping the policy in the hands of the reputable company
that I trusted with my family\’s security!
March 14th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Thanks Dzung (comment #54). I like the idea of the will kit. I\’ll look into what we can put together.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Thanks for your suggestion JG (comment #56). We\’ve just teamed up with a partner company to offer this service to you. More details will be coming over the next couple of months.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Adam (comment #58),
The \”free month\” is something that has to be done by the insurance carrier themselves, and cannot be done by AccuQuote. That is the distinction. I like your idea about the classes / CPR training and will be looking into it.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Its nice to say Thanks, but this seems like a roundabout way of getting customers to say, \”Don\’t do anything special, just say Thanks\”. It is a good step. A pad of post it notes (with some advertising!), a decent (maybe even PRETTY) calenar, or unique financial planning tool would be helpful. Don\’t just send junk for the sake of it, that\’s a waste of $.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Matt (comment #58),
While this would be nice to do, we\’re unable to do this. The only way to reduce your premium is to qualify under a better health risk class.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
An E-mail \”Thank You\” & Great customer Service is adequate.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Suzanne (comment #71),
Interesting suggestion. My team and I will look into it.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
A financial planner to help us organize our life would be a wonderful appreciation.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I think the e-mail you sent was plenty enough. You already got us the best deal you can find. But, I would\’nt complain about a free pen. It could be good advertising for your company.
March 14th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
A small token like a pen or key ring would be nice. Thanks
March 14th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Good idea; I will take the free hand outs.
Thank You, Jim
March 14th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
The financial planner is a good idea.It is a practical gift.Something you can use everyday,thanks James
March 14th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Please send some gift cards to restaurants or movies.
Thank You
Gary
March 14th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I think you should send a pen for my wife, it was her idea to get the extra insurance and she loves nice and unique pens. As a matter of fact she collects them, so justing sending her a nice pen and maybe a calendar will be thanks enough. The customer service representative that helped my wife when she called his name was Vince and he was very helpful.
March 14th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Either of your ideas would be nice; I\’d certainly appreciate a financial planning book or a (better quality) pen. Either would remind me to think of you. But the best thing you do, and the reason I will continue to deal with AccuQuote, is save me money on insurance.
March 14th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Of the two options listed, a guide to financial planning would be preferred. Discounts with partnership organizations with strategic financial planning is another option.
March 14th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
How about partnering for other services and making them available to your clients? How about partnering for free financial magazines, free health magazines or other newsworthy information that would assist your clients?
I\’d be very happy to be a recipient!
Sincerely,
A. Torrens
March 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
A personal thank-you is of utmost importance. Personally, I would prefer a financial planning guide over a pen or calendar, because I have lots of pens but I really need to spend more time evaluating finances, etc. I also like the ideas around fitness, but I prefer books over magazines.
March 14th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Discounts on premiums for getting in shape, staying in shape, etc. With proof from the physician (lab reports, weight loss records, smoking cession records…things like that). I, possibly like many others, am spending a significant amount of money to make sure I am staying healthy. I am very proactive. I would love to save money on my insurance premiums as a reward for that.
Of course, I have no idea what is legal or acceptable in that area. My second choice would be the FREE financial book…..since finances are way up on the list of important issues.
Thank you for asking our opinions!
March 14th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Actually a thank you is enough but if you insist on spending money the fianancal planning book would be nice.
March 14th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
I\’m just looking at the square cardboard Anheuser-Busch coaster that\’s been on my desk for two years and gets daily use, the Bekins ruler, and an advertising mug that serves as my pen holder. I imagine part of your goal would be to keep your name in front of folks, so a few coasters, a pen, a small ruler or a mouse pad are all great ideas.
March 14th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I think it\’s great that you thought of us enough to offer us a gift to say \”Thanks\” for using Accu-Quote. Just the thought of an offer and your \”Thanks\” is enough for me; but if you need a suggestion, then how about a mouse pad with your LOGO on it or a keychain w/flashlight to keep in the car for emergencies.
March 14th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
FREE copy of a financial planning book or guide would be fine and the thanks do go a long way
March 14th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I shop for the value, not free gifts. I think the fact that you take the time to generate this shows the level of concern you have for your customers. But, since you asked, a nice wall calendar can always be used.
March 14th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Our office goes thru pens like water thru a sieve. Particularly the pilot thin xtra fine points flow out the door. However, this is the first time ANYONE from accuquote asked me for my opinion of your customer service. I had VERY POOR service, and there did not seem to me any simple way to provide this information to a DECISION MAKER. The lower-level clerks I spoke to at the time, made it clear that excuses were sufficient and as soon as the phone was hung up, there would be no change and the call would be forgotten. You might consider an INDEPENDANT place (email address/web connection from your front page, once-a-year request for feedback etc) to give the TOP MANAGEMENT feedback. And then follow-up to us, the customer, letting us know how the situation is addressed or resolved. THAT would be better than \”stuff\”…even the pens that we love to lose!
March 14th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Whatever you decide would be fine. Just make sure to follow up with your customers. The last time I purchased a policy I was sent a card that if I had referred someone to Accuquote and they purchased a policy I would receive a $25.00 gift. So I did and that person used my name and was told I would receive a $25.00 check and it Never Happened. But even with that I still came back as a return customer.
March 14th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Financial planning book or guide would be appreciated.
March 14th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Not a financial guide please!! — How about lower prices or some small token
Thanks
March 14th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Good question, i struggle with this in my business also. For me a simple thanks is sufficient. Tokens are nice and appreciated but they are an expense that in some way is passed on to the cusumer. Save that expense and reduce/maintain our premiums. GOOD customers will always be kept by fair pricing and great service.
March 14th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Good question, i struggle with this in my business also. For me a simple thanks is sufficient. Tokens are nice and appreciated but they are an expense that in some way is passed on to the cusumer. Save that expense and reduce/maintain our premiums. GOOD customers will always be kept by fair pricing and great service.
March 14th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Hi! Personally a Keychain would be the last thing I would want, it would certainly end up in the trash can. Calendars I feel are too personal of a choice (with the selection you can find nowadays you can get one that is exactly what you want) and anything that isn\’t will, again, end up in the trash. A good quality pen is always useful, I always seem to be losing them and have to buy new ones once a year or so to replenish my stock around the house. Personally, I\’d love a free pen, but again, it needs to be high quality, something that isn\’t going to jam up, leak, or run out of ink in 2 days.
Financial books, I\’m not interested in. If I need one, I search out the best and get it myself. I don\’t want just any old financial advice!
Magazine sub would be nice, but only if there\’s a wide variety from which to pick.
What about the possibility of a donation? You decide that you\’ll donate some amount per customer, and each customer gets to pick from a list of charities that they would prefer their portion of the donation go to.
March 14th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Financial Planner for Dummies is good. The more money I make, the more I will buy your products!
March 14th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Tough Question. My company is going through a similar exercise and there is a long list being reviewed right now – many items not being viable because the cost is just too high ($50 restaurant gift certificate for example).
I personally have no use for the personal financial planning kit. I prefer corporate schwag – the pen, the light up toy, the canvas bag you get at a convention to carry all of the material you pick up. If nothing else, I can give them to my daughter who enjoys them. The reasonable monetary limits on what is reasonable is going to make it difficult for you to convey \”thanks\” unless you go the route of the sweepstakes with 5 customers getting a trip to location X.
Since the vast majority of your cusomers probably have kids, you might be able to reasonably aim at that market. Make my daughter happy and you made me happy.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Gary (comment #93),
While we\’d like to be able to do this, we have regulatory issues with \”rebating\” to our customers. Instead, we\’ll be working on partnering with other companies to offer discounts.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I have been smoke free for two months. How will you know when my year is up so I can get the non-smoker rate.Do I need to let someone know now? Maybe help people in some way to quit smoking.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Angela (comment #94),
Great idea. This has been a theme in the blog response, and we love the ideas. We\’ll be looking into these partnerships next week.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Thank you goes a long way that should be good enough but a free calendar is a nice practical gift!
March 14th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
I thank a simple \”Thank You\” is enough.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Thanks for your feedback Joe (comment #101). I\’ve forwarded your note to one of our admin managers to follow up with you regarding the referral bonus.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
I would appreciate any gift, but would prefer something grom your second group keychains etc. Thank you
March 14th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Michael (comment #105),
Good job keeping smoke free! After you\’ve been smoke free for one year, please call our office and we\’ll shop around for better rates.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I agree with Stephen Long\’s (#4) point of view. Financial planning information is invaluable and something that I would certainly use, as opposed to a pen, which I would probably lose before I used.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
How about a $25. gift certificate to a restaurant?
March 14th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Send my planning book ASAP and tickets to a movie. Don\’t forget a coupon for popcorn and drinks. Oh yeah, candy too:)
March 14th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
KEYCHAINS!!!??? We don\’t need no stinkin\’ key chains! Hey, could I get one of those cool bent pens like chiropractors give out?
March 14th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Total professionalism, personable personnel and outstanding service…recommend to anyone with a grade of outstanding!
March 14th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
YOu\’re a great company doing great things for your clients. I would appreciate a financial planning guide book as opposed to a keychain, etc… Your staff was most reliable and professional in helping me with my insurance needs.
March 14th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
YOu\’re a great company doing great things for your clients. I would appreciate a financial planning guide book as opposed to a keychain, etc… Your staff was most reliable and professional in helping me with my insurance needs.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Financial planning book or guide would be appreciated.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Evalation of the current products that I have purchased, and information which could reduce the cost of the product. I.E. If I bought life insurance 3 years ago from company xyz, and nothing has changed except my age maybe company ABC would be a better deal now.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I am truly impressed at the email thanking me again for my business. I think that customer service is at an all time low these days and for your company to take the time out to send emails to customers goes a long way. A suggestion on top of this would be to somehow come up with a monthly or quarterly news letter about healty eating habits and exercise tips. Not just diets, because they just don\’t work. Healthy eating goes a long way.
Thank you again.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
A financial planning book would be fine.
Thanks, Dennis Trabert
March 14th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
A financial planning book or guide sounds nicer than a pen or key chain, but a simple thank you with periodic reminders to review insurance needs is sufficient.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
A financial planning book or guide sounds nicer than a pen or key chain, but a simple thank you with periodic reminders to review insurance needs is sufficient.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
I would like you to reconsider life insurance for my wife Linda DeVito
March 14th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
It will be great if you have sone booklet to explain about different type of life insurance (Ilit, term, whole etc..)as many of your customers will have
varieties of life insurance policy.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
A financial planner would be fine thanks,,,,,
thanks,
March 14th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
a financial planner would be fine
thanks,,,,
have a good day
Manuel gil
March 14th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
A thank you is nice. Beyond that, please save the money you would otherwise spend so our rates don\’t have to be raised. That\’s why we went with your company in the first place (lower rates).
March 14th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I like the idea of a financial planning workbook that is self scoring or self assessing. I planning for retirement type of workbook that is independent of sales personnel with agendas would be a good thing.
I have about as much interest in sitting with a salesman for financial planner that I do sitting through a time share sales presentation.
A self planner would be a great token of appreciation and might even result in more sales.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
How about in the beginning of the year you send your customers a daily business calendar/planner, which could also have little tips inside on eating healthy and the benefits of exercise as well as your company info and new programs you may be working on.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
OK–send the free stuff. I prefer a calendar with pictures.
A notepad would be nice.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
My first choice is that your thank you is enough, and do your best to keep rates low. That is why I selected you. An extra pen or trinket will just get thrown away, so I don\’t want that. If you insist on something, how about a gift card for Amazon.com or a Visa Check Card. It is about as close to one size fits all as you can possible get. Premium rebates would also be a nice option if you insist on a tangible thank you.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I like the idea of a financial planner. I know there\’ a lot of information out there and we\’ve probably received plenty over the years, but it seems like now is the time my husband and I are paying attention. So, send it along! Thanks.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Some sort of an annual rebate would be an excellent consideration.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
A financial planning guide would be useful.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
The thank you was very nice. Save the promo money and give your super-great crew an extra day-off as a thank you to them too. Thank you too.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
I feel that a good price and thank you letter is enough but, if I had to pick one I would prefer to have a book on finincial planning.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
I would like a free copy of the financial planning guide.
Thanks in advance!
March 14th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
I would like a free copy of the financial planning guide.
Thanks in advance!
March 14th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Financial Planning Guide would be appreciated
March 14th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
I am just impressed that you are asking for feedback. It was very nice to work with your company and we saved money in the process.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
I like the first option, but thank you is good too.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
I LIKE the FIRST OPTION, BUT THANK YOU IS GOOD TOO.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
A simple message of Thanks is wonderful. However, what would beneficial is an e-mail or newsletter updating customers on new and improved insurance for our age bracket. Example: I have a 30 year policy. Is it possible to extend it to 35 or 40 years?
March 14th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
I like the idea of a financial planning book, if it was a nice book and not a glorified pamflet. I also liked the desk calender and mouse pad ideas o.k.
March 14th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Sean,
Regarding comment # 17, consider partnering with the Medical Fitness Association. They represent roughly 800 fitness centers across the US that have some level of medical oversight to include initial baseline fitness and health testing, health risk appraisals offered at annual intervals for members so health risks are identified and tracked over time, etc. I am a former President and Chairman of the Board of this group and would be happy to discuss with you or a member of your team and put you in touch with the Executive Director. Very professional group!
Bob
March 14th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I have had a great customer experience-thanks for asking! It\’s been a while since the initial \”interview\” but the gentleman (I think he was based in CO) who helped was very personable and when the nurse came to do the blood draw, she was surprised to see all the medical questions already completed. The follow up has been superb and while I agree that a simple \”Thank you\” is appreciated, I would like to suggest movie passes for 2. I have enough industry-professional and for-fun magazines that one more would be unwelcome. Another thought…what about a choice of \”rewards\” that way those that want a magazine could select that option while others could select something different (like movie passes).
March 14th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
USEFUL (so much is junk!!) Financial info or a points system to earn a loyalty discount.
Thanks
S
March 14th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I like the idea of a financial guide. Other Ideas…
Offer no penalty for 1st time late payment. (as long as the payment is made within a 2 week period)
Publish a comparison booklet on the different types of Insurance and what the estimated cost is of each type of insurance they sell. Limit to the top 10 companies in each category.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:26 am
I think a good PEN is useful for customers and reminds them of the company they are dealing with.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:47 am
I think it will be good idea if customers are shown appreciation by receiving some a gift token.
March 15th, 2007 at 6:51 am
how about something to help us get in shape, so we stay healthy and live longer (and don\’t collect on our life insurance – and keep paying premiums)? Maybe some free running shoes, shorts, a gift certificate to a sporting goods store, or something like that…sounds great !!
March 15th, 2007 at 7:12 am
the thankyou is very appreciated, i have no other suggestions but it is a nice thought.
March 15th, 2007 at 7:38 am
A simle thank you for your business is fine by me, howwever any info regarding better health ideas or a free financial planning book or guide would be a nice and helpful thing to have and would be very much appreciated, and I\’d like to say \” Thank You \” all at accuquote for offering the best quotes and service around.
Thanks again
March 15th, 2007 at 8:00 am
A financial planning book or guide would be great! Diane Gibbons was very helpful and answered my questions patiently and concisely.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:13 am
I found the woman sales rep that contactrd me to be helpfull and informative. Her follow up calls were greatly appreciated. A fianceial booklet is what I WOULD CHOOSE.THANK YOU
March 15th, 2007 at 8:37 am
A discount off of my annual premium would be the best, if not, then the magazine subscription sounds reasonable or how about a coupon for a discount at a restaurant.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Lower my insurance rates, or show me how I can do it.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I agree with a previous comment that the \”Thank You\” is enough. If you are set on doing something more I never get to many opinions on financial planning
March 15th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I\’ve really appreciated the excellent customer service from your representatives, which leads me to dream of the possibility of having all my insurances from one company…it seems crazy to pay for instrument insurance (I\’m a professional musician), car insurance, life insurance, dental insurance(which I wish I had), hospitalization insurance, etc. all to different companies…couldn\’t there be some kind of consolidation, and a way to save some money? There are probably many reasons why this could never happen, but I\’m curious…
March 15th, 2007 at 8:58 am
How about a heart rate monitor for exercising? A case of bottled water, or a gift certificate for some nutritional type snack foods. If these seem exorbitant, then I\’d settle for a nice 12 year old single malt.
Thanks for asking!
March 15th, 2007 at 9:04 am
I also think that anything that supports fitness would be a great thank you, like a discount for fitness products.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Fitness gear certificates would be appreciated.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I agree with one of the statements aboth; 1 month\’s free premium would be greatly appreciated. Also, tote bags are a nice gift and great advertisement for your company.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:45 am
The \”thank you\” is certainly a nice gesture and greatly appreciated. I think information on financial planning or financial matters in the form of a newsletter or magazine subscription would be very helpful. I also think calendars are great for many people. But keeping us in your thoughts and remembering your clients in a client-based company is crucial. Again, we appreciate it.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Sharon (comment #143),
While a $25 gift certificate would be considered \”rebating\”, which is not allowed in our industry, my team and I will be investigating partnerships with companies (including restaurants) for offering discounts.
Thanks for taking the time to give your feedback.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:15 am
I agree with one of the previous comments above \”A complimentary magazine subscription\” Men\’s health perhaps.
a simple thank you for your business comes in second.
The goal would be to keep your customers as healthy as possible. The longer we live the more business and referrals your company will get.
Just a thought.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:23 am
The thank you is enough. Pens and what-not are usually cheezy and not a good use of money. If you feel you must do something then I agree with the notion of a healthy living newsletter. Good for us and good for you. Win-Win.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Calendars are really a thing from the dinosaur age. I think most people keep their calendar in their computers. So if you want to give an ad specialty item… call us to consult on what would be truly memorable, as we are an ASI distributor and have some very cool ideas.
That said… I think that a insurance related info kit would be nice, but that is also something that is really a part of your business, and I\’m not sure I\’d look at it as a thank you kind of thing. If you want to show appreciation for your clients, you might sponsor a breakfast, a cocktail party, a networking event, a seminar with a theme about new ways people are using insurance, an estate planning seminar where you aren\’t specifically trying to sell something and buy us lunch or dinner. A nationally known speaker could be invited to teach us something valuable.
Yet another approach would be to assign a budget for prizes and conduct a lottery, or maybe even offer a game plan for qualifying for some reward system based on the volume of purchases we make.
I hope some of these ideas help.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Michael(comment #150),
Thanks for your feedback. While we\’re unable to do any sort of \”rebate\” since it\’s prohibited in our industry, we will be working with other companies to provide valuable discounts. As soon as we put these in place, we\’ll make sure to communicate them. Thanks again!
March 15th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Bob (comment #155),
Thanks for your feedback. An introduction to this group would be much appreciated!
March 15th, 2007 at 10:50 am
How about some advice about healthy eating. Americans are killing themselves with what and how much they are eating. It could save you money by helping someone avoid obesity and live longer. Thanks to Bill for the great customer service.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Lauryl (comment #157),
Thanks for your feedback. The choice of \”rewards\” is what we\’re thinking as well. The way we\’re going to approach it is to seek out many strategic partners to offer periodic discounts to our customers.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:04 am
I would prefer to have the FREE copy of a financial planning book.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:05 am
I agree that a magazine subscription (preferably one related to personal finance) would be nice. Thank you for caring about our feedback.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:06 am
I was thinking along the same line as Terry K…the calendar or personal planner would be welcome. And since you obviously know our birthday, perhaps you could send whatever you have in mind on that day, along with an appropiate card.
I wouldn\’t mind knowing about other services you offer–like do you have renter\’s insurance? And business insurance?
Thanks!
March 15th, 2007 at 11:08 am
We\’d love either software or a book on wills….
March 15th, 2007 at 11:09 am
The financial planning guide sounds good or health magizine like was mentioned by someone else would also be appreciated. I have enough pens and key chains.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I don\’t need freebies, magazine prescriptions etc. What I want in a company I do business with is honesty, integrity, being able to talk with a real person when I need to and not having to spend time with prompts, and good customer service. These are just things a company should employ but which a lot just don\’t. That\’s all I want.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Thanks for your suggestions George (comment #170). We\’re very limited in what we can give out for regulatory reasons, expecially when it comes to prizes or gifts. I like your idea about the seminars. Since we do business nationally, we\’ll look into the feaseability of doing this via conference call, video conference, or Webex.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Kathie (comment #172),
Great suggestion! We\’re in the process of putting together our next quarterly newsletter and we\’re searching for a \”wellness\” content partner.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Rob (comment #174),
Thanks for the feedback. We currently have http://www.accusource.com , where we have a handful of additional services. Also, we\’re actively searching for partners for other services as well.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Extend my current premium 10-15 years! That would be the best way to serve your loyal customers. Thanks for asking.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:36 am
I think a free financial planning book or guide would be helpful to me. I will be turning 65 in May of this year but I plan to keep on working until I am 70, therefore, I would make good use of the planning book.
Thank you.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:37 am
The service has been terrific from the start. I refer your service to my friends…without a freebee because when something is good you tell everyone willing to listen. You always say thank you in your newsletters and I feel its sincere and enough for me. Perhaps it\’s because your rep was so helpful and personable. If you decide to send something as a token please let your customer make a choice to receive or not.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Some of the ways you can really add value to me are
- send me reminders a month or so before my insurance premium is due
- send me information on comparable products – by this I don\’t mean your marketing brochure – but are more tailored product information. e.g. I already have a 10 year level for 500K. If you can send me a quote for a 20 year leve for the same 500K or maybe a 10 year quote for an additional 250K.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I like the personal finance book idea. Thanks.
March 15th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Dave (comment 33) We sold you a Federal Kemper Life Insurance Policy which was part of Zurich Financial. Zurich sold to Bank One, which recently sold to Chase. What company specifically was your policy assigned to? I can assure you that Chase is rated A by AM Best and Company. A is an excellent rating. If youÂ’re not familiar with Best\’s Rating, it is a strategic tool that can enhance consumer confidence in the organization\’s stability, as well as its attractiveness to investors. A rating also enhances an insurer\’s credibility with reinsurers a valuable resource, particularly for insurers entering new markets.
Please provide me with some additional information as I may be able to help you a bit more. Thanks Dave.
Best,
Denise Mancini
800-442-9899 ext. 258
March 15th, 2007 at 11:57 am
We already receive numerous offers for magazine subscriptions through alumni associations and credit cards, most of the magazines are not ones we are interested in and tracking down whether the subscription is actually filled is a pain. Likewise, we are inundated with free calendars (pretty pictures, but not a real planning calendar and not enough space to write down events), pens, keychains, etc. from lots of companies and schools – we get rid of all of these because they are really cheap stuff that breaks. We would be interested in a financial planning book from someone who is well respected in the field (maybe Suze Orman?) and easy to understand, or a document kit for organizing and storing important financial documents, or software that would generate a legal will or revocable trust to avoid estate taxes. Thank you.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Carol (comment #182),
While that would be a nice thing to do for our customers, it\’s just not possible, at least from us. Remember, there is a distinction between the things that AccuQuote, as your agent, can do compared to what the carrier can do.
While the carrier is probably also unable to simply extend the premium under the same pricing, they do have options to convert your policy into permanent insurance. If you give us a call, we\’ll be able to explore these options with you.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Sarah (185) – We’re happy to hear that you received excellent customer service from AccuQuote. Unfortuantley, the reason why most insurance companies don’t offer all types of insurances is because they like to specialize in one of a few. In addition, please read our blog called “Thinking about buying life insurance from your care insurance agent…think again. It talks about how different insurance agencies have different pricing for things like life insurance. Again, this goes back to how they specialize in certain areas. http://www.accuquoteblog.com/2006/07/19/thinking-about-buying-life-insurance-from-your-car-insurance-age/
March 15th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I think it\’s a great to have different ideas to keep your customers happy.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I would have to say a yearly discount return would be nice. Not any large amount, but just a little something to say thanks for the business. I was unhappy that my orginal premium quote was double at the time my policy went into affect, but other than that the service was good.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for the feedback Michelle (comment #187). Although a yearly discount would be great, it\’s not something that AccuQuote, as your agent, can do. There is a distinction between what your insurance carrier is able to do versus what we are able to do. One thing to consider is that if your health improves to the point where you can now qualify under a better risk class, please call us right away so that we can explore ways to save your money.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I really appreciate the fact that I saved over $800 a year with your quotes. Thank you, I should be sending you a token of my appreciation.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
I hope i get my free gift soon, whatever it ends up being, because to ask what we like and not send anything would be kind of rude. Does a lot more harn than good.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
A \”thank you\” is enough. But a free copy of a financial planning book or guide would be great.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I think any of the above suggestions would be good–I\’d personally put the magazine subscription as last choice. Or maybe a gift card for a dvd/video rental? or movie theater tickets to one of the large national chains?
March 15th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
How about 1 month\’s free insurance.
March 15th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I would like to be notified when there are similar policies (to those we\’ve personally chosen) with better rates that come up to consider. Generating this study on my end is time consuming. Geneneral reminders to review are not enough; there needs to be some personal incentive.
March 15th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I\’d like to get a small, useful \’token\’ of your appreciation (like a kitchen towel) no cheap key chain, please. Thanks for asking.
March 15th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
My experience with you was great but I would like someone to call once a year to see if any of my needs have changed, and to go over my policy. You have already got me the best deal for life insurance. I have referred some friends to your organization.
Thank you!
March 15th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Being retired and on a fixed income I find the premiums on my life insurance a burden. To cover this and other burdens I need to unload a points system time share we unwisely purchased some years back and cannot effectively use. I have searched the web for good counsel on how to get a reasonable settlement and find mainly sites that seek to hoodoo me out of upfront money to assist me in unloading the commitment for half of what I paid. I am sure I am not alone among your clients in having such a burden. How about some help in finding an honest resale broker?
March 15th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
My company did something neat recently. They wanted to show their employees their appreciation, so they set up a web site where we could pick the type of gift card we wanted to receive. We could pick from tons of different online and physical stores…Sports Authority, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, AMC Movies, and so on.
If you\’re going to spend some money to tell me \”thanks\”, then maybe you could put something in my hand that I can spend how I want.
Financial planning…got it covered. Pens, keychains, etc….I lose those in 2 days.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
a simple thank you is sufficiant enough, that is something that is not said enough in this day and age!!! thank you for yours!!!!
March 15th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Personally, I have more magazines than I can read each month. I would prefer the financial planning guide. If you go with a promotional product I always like good quality pens and note pads with which to take phone messages.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Any thing you do would be ok with me.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I appreciate the thank you, I do also think you can never get enough financial planning help, so receiving that would be nice.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
A financial planning book or guide would be nice, but it would really have to be one that is objectively independent of your company and the products you sell.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
How about giving us a free upgrade on the amount of life ins. or adding a year for free at the same price?
March 15th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Sue Cherry was my rep she is fantastic. She helped me chose a great plan that met all of my needs. Alicia Blankenship is a great facilitator. Promote these women and give them raises! As for me I would prefer a free financial planning guide as a token of Accuquote\’s appreciation. Thank you
March 15th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
I forgot to say that I really like how Sue Cherry says Make it a great day. I appreciate a proactive person helping me with my insurance needs.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
In response to Lynn, #203 – Certainly, insurance companies reward people that are healthy with lower rates that people who don\’t take care of themselves. Often, a policy gets issued at one rate, and a few years later, a client presents evidence of lost weight, smoking cessation, etc., and we can either get reconsideration from the existing carrier, or we can reapply in the market and find the client a better rate.
It happens all the time. Unfortunately, it also is quite common for many clients\’ health to deteriorate over time, making the existing policy look more and more like a bargain.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
David (comment #203),
Due to the regulatory nature of life insurance, this just isn\’t possible. Also, there is a distinction between what we can do as your agent, versus what the carrier itself can do.
Depending on health changes (for the better), you may qualify for a better rate.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Sue Cherry is a great agent. She helped me find a policy that met all of my needs. Alicia Blankenship was a great facilitator. Give these women raises and promotions. I would prefer a free financial info booklet as a token of you appreciation given the choice. Thanks
March 15th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
A simple and appropriate gift would be a gift certificate from a place like Amazon or Crate & Barrel.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Sean,
Within the past year I launched my own public relations-marketing communications business. Right now I\’m getting slammed by the high cost of health insurance. I\’m guessing that I\’m not unique among your customer base. Any tips, leads or advice that Accuquote can provide in the area of health insurance would be tremendously helpful.
Best regards,
Chris Florentz
March 15th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Chris (comment #209),
I recommend going to http://www.accusource.com . At the site, click on the health insurance tab where you\’ll see information about our partnership with ehealthinsurance.
March 15th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Chris (comment #209),
I recommend going to http://www.accusource.com . At the site, click on the health insurance tab where you’ll see information about our partnership with ehealthinsurance.
March 15th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
A \”thank you\” is fine but if you were going to do something small I believe the financial planning book would be a nice resource for most people. thank you
March 15th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
i always appreciate just being told thanks and knowing that instead of sending me little items the company applies the bucks tp keeping my coverage costs low.
if you must send a novelty item a financial planning/calendar type thing is okay IF 1) it has squares large enough to make notes in at each day and 2) if i can count on it coming so i don\’t run to the store to buy one and then your gift comes or i plan on it coming and it doesn\’t get here.
thank you.
March 15th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
A \”thank you\” is just fine with me. If you wished to send a small something I believe a financial planning book would be a great resource for most anyone. Thank you.
March 15th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Thankyou is enough, but how about emailing us to let us know if a better policy becomes available or and equal one for less cost since it seems policies are getting cheaper.
March 15th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Free 1 year subscription to money management magazine like Smart Money or Money would be great.
March 15th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
I like the idea of a free book of some kind.
March 15th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
If you feel the need to spend money to show your appreciation take what you\’d spend on branded tokens – which many people will just send to the landfill – and donate to a worry cause.
March 15th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
I like the idea of a free book or guide of some kind. Calendars are great too!
March 15th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Firstly, thanks for asking. Secondly, how about offering a discount for a years membership in a health club. It would work similar to BC/BS plan where you send in proof of joining and proof of attending/paying for at least six months….and the rebate or discount would be up to a max of $$$ what ever you believe is apprapos….
March 15th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Thank you for your suggestion. I would prefer the free copy of a financial planning book or guide.
Again, thank you!
March 15th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
While everyone likes the gadgets and gizmos that we get, I know I do, I like the financial planner and calendar ideas the best, of the ones listed.
Additionally, information on possible commercial plans, state plans, and the associated tax issues would be helpful for those of us with small children, in trying to plan for the college education; maybe a rating of best to worst, if such a thing exists.
I would also like to see information on what steps should be taken by both parties during a divorce.
Thanks for the great support and superb assistance!
March 15th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
I read all of the above ideas and like the free running shoes for health and fitness and also like the free magazine subscription since you cannot lower the rates. The customer service from your company was very helpful.
Thank you.
March 15th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
how about no premium for one-month this year?
btw, don\’t waste your money on printing financial planning book etc etc. There are boat load of those stuff avaialable for FREE on sites like yahoo finance, motelfool, smartmoney etc.
gone are those days when you choose to have key chain, pen, calendar. we are in the digital age. Think of something more creative please
March 15th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
I know about \”rebating\”, I am aslo in the insurance industry. Calendars, note pads, ect are common practice for many insurance companies and would keep you in line but everyone seems to go this route. #3 had a good suggestions that seems to be a good fit for a life insurance producer. Even if only a monthly informational periodical without a \”gift\” would be great…
March 15th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Just a simple thank you is good enough,but a financial planner would be just great.Unlike some company that just take and continue take and don\’t say thank you.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I\’d like the financial planning guide
March 15th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Tid bits about health and prevention of weight gain (including receipes), updates of factual health care (eyes, heart, feet, etc), and places of travel to visit that are relaxing, refreshing, and health conscientious. Maybe send one of your customer on one of these trips once or twice a year as a thank you for their patronage.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
a small token is always good and its a good way to advertise, when someone else sees the key chain or calendar, they will ask question about your company and you will be getting clients through your gifts. so if you give the gifts you should have an incentive program that will allow us as an existing client to get a discount through each new client that gets generated because of us.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
I thank you for the thank you and the very good customer service you provide to your customers. That is why I got my policy (life insurance) through your service. I would recommend for a gift to customers something to benefit our health. (ex. discounts for gym memberships, athletic shoes or clothes) Thank you for your asking your customer\’s opinion.
Brian Ibenthal
March 15th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
A financial planning book would be fine. Thanks
March 15th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Sean:
I would ask if AccuQuote has some sort of discount program for goods/services offered by your partners…whether that is rental cars, movie tickets, etc.
Of course, I would prefer a Home Depot gift card or something along those lines. But, seriously, AccuQuote is a very professional company from A-Z.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
First, thank you for the opportunity, second if you could add an other 10 years to my contract, I would appreciate that. This would be the token of your appreciation to me. Thank you and may God bless you…
Sincerely,
Therese Clersaint
March 15th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I am happy with Accuquote and the way I am treated as a customer. The health magazines or health club discounts could possibly benefit Accuquote in the long run, as well as make the customers very happy and healthier. They are great ideas, but I am happy with the company either way.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
The ideal gift for me would be another discount in life insurance rates or perhaps one month free. Second to that a pen woudld be nice
March 15th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
send a free copy of financial planning
March 16th, 2007 at 12:06 am
Thanks for the suggestion Jerome (comment #238). I\’ll look into it.
March 16th, 2007 at 12:12 am
Thanks Fred (comment #239). We\’re going to be looking into partnering with several wellness and fitness companies to offer discounts to our customers.
March 16th, 2007 at 12:15 am
Great suggestions Andy (comment #240)! We\’re looking into content partners to provide the levels of expertise in some of the areas you suggestions.
March 16th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Anything free will not be turned away! Feel free to send anything from a keychain to money.
March 16th, 2007 at 12:17 am
I\’d love to receive the financial planning guide.
I am very happy with your service and pricing.
March 16th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Right now I\’m good with everything…you guys have been great…very attentive. Because life is so hectic, I really like your periodic emails to remind me of what\’s going on. Thanks.
March 16th, 2007 at 11:01 am
I\’d like a financial planning book or guide with helpful tips and reminders (e.i. have you written you will, set up a trust?)
March 16th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
i think it is great what you want to do. i feel that either of the two things that you suggested is great. it is wonderful to know that you care about your customers that much. you have great representatives of your company.
March 16th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
You could distribute Accu-Quote caps this way it will be easily to justify the accountants as advertising and easier to determine who customers are.
Thanks again and keep up the good work
March 16th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Joe – (249)Thanks for your feedback. Our customer referral program is not valid on the referral of immediate family members living in your household and the $25 will be issued after the policy is paid for and put into force. If your referral was not an immediate family member, please provide me with the name of the person and I will check into whether or not the policy has met all of our requirements. We’d be happy to provide you with the $25 because we appreciate your referral and apologize if we overlooked it. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again for your business and feedback.
March 16th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
As for something to remember the value Accuquote brings, a copy of a financial planning tool, or a brochure explaining the various tax implications a life insurance policy would provide should I die, etc. Information that is helpful for estate planning, etc. In my opinion this would be much more valuable than a trinket.
March 16th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I would like the company to give me a call and ask if everything with the product/service that i ordered/purchased is to my liking and satisfaction even after everything has been done. This would show that they care about their customers and not just say \” the order has ben fulfilled, lets go to the next guy \”
March 16th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Want to be able to pay my annual premium by credit card.
March 16th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Don\’t send stuff. Just maintain or lower rates.
March 16th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I think a fiancial planner would be great…we all need help in planning our finances.
Thanks
March 16th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Please send me the financial planner
March 16th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Calendars are nice or maybe a journal or other small office supply. No more financial planning stuff – we get it from so many sources I would hate for another company to waste its (our) money. Thx for caring about our input.
March 16th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Why not provide a list of options that you are legally allowed to give so that customers could choose the option that most fits their needs and or circumstances? While one customer may want a magazine, I might want you to plant a tree in my name because I want to save the environment and don\’t have enough time to read the magazines I already get. A book store gift card is a nice option, as is a gift certificate for Lands End, for example. Or you could pick some charities and donate to them in the ame of your customers. Thanks for asking and thanks for the offer to provide comments.
March 16th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
MY EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS WAS MORE THAN WHAT I EXPECTED FROM AN INSURANCE COMPANY. THE SERVICE WAS GREAT, PRICES GOOD AND AGENTS WERE HELPFUL AND KNOWLEGABLE. THANKS ALOT!!
March 16th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
A Financial Plan Guide for Young Couples would be great. It would be a great investment in helping the next generation be financially responsible.
March 17th, 2007 at 6:12 am
I am always interested in obtaining unbiased advice
March 17th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
A simple Thank you and great customer service is more than enough in my book.
Thank you for being the company that you are.
March 17th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Sean, are you a senior manager at Accuquote? This is the first I\’ve been to your site and I\’m very surprised that a senior manager would be so poor with spelling and grammer. I\’ve attached a few of your errors. You really should be more careful when communicating with customers. Hope this feedback helps.
Second, due to the nature of insurance regulations as implemented by the government, we are limited as to what we can and can do in regards to \”free stuff\” or \”rebating\”.
Send you some a token of our appreciation (a key chain, pen, calendar, etc.)
I\’ll get together with my marketing team and the senior management team to further explore how we can better assistance our customers with their other life events.
March 18th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
If you send a small token, calendar with large squares,
keychain, would be nice to have too! It\’s always fun getting something in the mail. Thank you.
March 18th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Promotional gimmicks are often tossed or (in my case) stuck somewhere to gather dust, or lost amid the clutter. Promotional magazine subscriptions usually lead to annoying harrangues for renewals or worse, automatic renewals if you don\’t \”opt out.\”
Why not continue to do what you do best. Perhaps look into expansion of services offered: i.e. health, homeowner, auto, or long term care insurance.
The occasional \”thank you\” note doesn\’t hurt, either.
March 18th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Obviously for those of us who buy life insurance we feel it is a necessity but at the same time it is an expense. I am always looking for ways to reduce my expenses. If it is not possible to provide rebates or reductions to our premiums what about discounts for services we use which you negotiate with the service providers?
March 18th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
The calendar, pen, key chain is something that most companies send and I probably have a drawer full of them, but a restaurant coupon would be well remembered. I don\’t something to hang on the wall, as I carry your insurance policy and will have that with me forever.
March 18th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Ken (comment #267),
I appreciate your comments and respect your opinion when it comes to grammar and spelling.
As a senior manager at AccuQuote, who oversees all marketing and communications, I am conscious of both spelling and grammar when it comes to our corporate communcations.
When it comes to the blog as well as our marketing materials, we typically focus more on the message as opposed to correct grammar. Effective communication doesn\’t always tranlate into using the Queen\’s English. Especially when it comes to this blog, our goal is to engage in a two-way conversation, not put out a communication piece that mirrors the perfect grammar and spelling of a press release.
March 18th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Thanks Joseph (coment #268) for your feedback. We current have additional services through our partner companies listed at http://www.accusource.com . The additional services include: annuities, health insurance, auto insurance, long term care insurance, and Turbo Tax tax preparation software.
March 18th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I would be helpful to have written information about insurance options as we get older including options in going from term-lime to another plan.
Sincerely,
Carlos Muller Pereira
March 18th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
I would prefer the FREE copy of a financial planning book or guide. I am particularly interested in information about insurance options as we get older including going from term-lime to another plan.
Sincerely,
Carlos Muller Pereira
March 18th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Keep prices down and servce up. No need for any free gifts. A heartfelt thank you is all that is needed.
Wade
March 19th, 2007 at 3:30 am
My suggestion for showing appreciation for services provided to any and all customers would be to offer an incentive to remain a satisfied customer (ie makeing all insurance opptions (like Life, Health, Car, and Home etc.) available for les than $30.00/mo for a period of no less than 2 years). This would greatly benefit the Lower and Middle Class workers in the Nation, and in turn they would speak highly about your amazing service to their friends and family, which would generate more customers for you to service. Thank You for listening to my insight
March 19th, 2007 at 9:50 am
As you are providing a financial product, having a GUIDE to refer to would be extremely beneficial for the long term. The more I understand, the better I am able to make informed decisions. Please send your planning guide.
And thank you.
– Merle
March 19th, 2007 at 10:11 am
I prefer not to receive any \”freebies\”. I\’d rather you save the money and spend it on something that will add value to your service either by cutting our cost or improving your service – which is already superior in my opinion. The only thing I can think of that would be helpful would be reminders about upcoming payments or additional products we need to consider when the timing is appropriate (like long-term care insurance, etc.)
March 19th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Romeo – 275 – Thanks for your feedback. Generally speaking, we do indeed call people once they receive their policy to see if they have any questions about it that we can help answer. As consumers ourselves, we agree that itÂ’s important that weÂ’re not just treating our customers like some sort of assembly line. Thanks again for your feedback.
March 19th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Charles – #274 – that would indeed be great if we could do that. However, unfortunately the way insurance companies work wouldn\’t allow us to do so. First, we cannot incentivize due to various government regulations when it comes to insurance. In addition, insurance companies set prices based on individual underwriting guidelines. For instance, with car insurance it will cost you more if you had an accident or tickets within the past few years. Same thing with health insurance – if you have cancer, you will pay more. So, you can see how insurance companies would lose money if they were to do this. While it would be a great benefit to middle class people, it wouldn\’t last for long because most insurance companies would be out of business as a result. Thanks again for your feedback.
March 19th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Due to regulatory constraints a financial planner and or a pen would be fine. The most important gift you may give is offering the customer appreciation for their business. Thanks again.
March 19th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I think your suggestions sound good as well as a birthday card to let us know we are still remembered. Keep up the good work.
March 19th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
starbucks gift card would be nice.
March 19th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
I appreciate the email.
In addition a calendar once a year would be nice, large enough for a desk top or wall to write in appointments etc. Would be visible to myself asa thank you year round and to guest visiting who may be interested in your services.
Or a pen would be nice with your web site address and or contact phone number
thanks
March 19th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I think a progressive and proactive way to show your appreciation of your clients would be to reduce payments
based on lifestyle changes a client makes to better their health and longevity. A doctor\’s evaluation would be sent to the insurance provider with recommendations that the client should undertake to become healthier. If the client completes these recommendations a second evaluation is sent to the provider and the client\’s payment is reduced.
March 19th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
This was a truly wonderful experience. Never has any company worked so hard or been so helpful in purchasing insurance. Thanks a million and I will recommend you to anyone looking to purchase coverage. Again, thank you. B Head
March 19th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Give my wife a discount on life insurance. As a high risk candidate, I would love to find a company that would give my wife some life insurance to help protect my family. Unfortunately, we cannot find a company that can make life insurance affordable for her.
March 20th, 2007 at 9:11 am
\’Thank you\’ a great start. A free e-newsletter providing updates on healthcare studies would be a nice low-cost, useful gift. A pen or desk calendar would be much more than I would expect. However, it would offer some value to the customer as well as provide your company with some additional marketing. I would not mind providing free marketing to a great company!
March 20th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Rick – #284 – Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately this is impossible due to the way life insurance is underwritten. Byron Udell, our CEO, wrote a great blog about this entitled \”The doctor says not to worry about my cholesterol by yet I\’m paying more for my life insurance because of it.\”
http://www.accuquoteblog.com/2006/08/07/the-doctor-says-not-to-worry-about-my-cholesterol-but-yet-i-m-p/
Basically, this post explains the difference between \”clinical medicine\” (the kind practiced by your doctor), and \”underwriting medicine\” (the science of using medical information to better understand how a given condition or combination of conditions affects mortality).
I urge you to read it. I think it will help explain why what you suggest would be very difficult to do.
March 20th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Joe – #285 – I\’m sorry to hear that your wife cannot afford life insurance. I\’m not sure of your wife\’s exact condition, but our agents could help you figure out a plan and rate that might be affordable for you and your family. While we can\’t give a discount per se, we can work with you to find the right face amount and legnth of term to get your wife coverage. Also, she may want to consider an accidental death policy or even a policy where she doesn\’t have to complete a medical exam. For more information about either of these two plans, give us a call. Thanks.
March 20th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I would appreciate the key change and pen.Thank You
March 20th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
thank you for thanking me and for all your e-mails, It is nice not to be just another number on your customer list.
March 21st, 2007 at 4:25 am
How about offering a family weekend getaway fully paid?
March 21st, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Thanks is plenty, what a wonderful gesture to offer to give back. We appreciate the thought. I guess I would like some financial planning advice. Thanks Much!
March 21st, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Well-researched financial advice always goes a long way. Perhaps a CD-rom can be sent to policyholders that contains a variety of subjects (i.e., investment options/alternatives for various age groups). This will enable busy folks to listen as they drive to work.
March 21st, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Well-researched financial advice always goes a long way. Perhaps a CD-rom can be sent to policyholders that contains a variety of subjects (i.e., investment options/alternatives for various age groups). This will enable busy folks to listen as they drive to work.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Please send me a free copy of a financial planning book or guide.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:57 pm
personal financial planning book.
March 29th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Financial planning bok would be good. Duscounts on additional products would be great.
March 29th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Thank You for the nice email. Financial Planner guide and a calender is good enough. Thanks!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
A simple thank you is enough.
March 31st, 2007 at 9:01 am
I would rather have a free token (a pen)
March 31st, 2007 at 9:05 am
I would be very interested in a book about about Financial Planning.
April 1st, 2007 at 7:02 pm
A donation to my alma mater or a school in need of my choice.
Also, I adopted 2 daycare centers in a 3rd world country (chairs, water, electricity, toys) and last Christmas I sponsored a party for all the kids for just $200. Such a treat in my name would be a fantastic thank you from you.
April 4th, 2007 at 10:19 am
I\’m very satisfied with your service and attention given to me…
I\’ve and would recommend your company to others too.
Any momento is fine.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
#2
April 13th, 2007 at 11:24 am
I don\’t expect a gift but given the two choices, I\’d prefer a book on financial planning so long as it\’s not a solicitation.
April 24th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Accuquote best asset is it\’s workers. I can tell that they have pride in what they do. I was treated with enthusiasm and respect. With your guidance and expertise I switched my term life and saved a substantial amount of money.
April 24th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Thanks Oscar (comment #313). Everything you touched on is a great source of pride for us. We tell our team that their attitude, expertise, and \”customer first\” mentality is our competitive advantage.