Yearly Archives: 2010

Little Girls And Boys

A Lightbulb Moment – New Video

April 6, 2010 | eSpares Updates  |  Kitchen Appliances Repair, Help & Advice | No comments

As a retailer one of our business objectives is to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring that you get the right product every time. In the world of spare parts we acknowledge that it can be a bit confusing to find the correct part the first time around.

Oven light bulbs are an area where we knew that we needed to improve. Oven lamps had a high return rate in addition to customer reviews that shared the sentiment the bulb didn’t fit but wasn’t worth the hassle to return. We weren’t happy about this; it reflects a very poor customer experience. In response we shot this short and simple video to ensure that our customers get the right oven bulb the first time around:

Our objective for this video is to help reduce our returns rate for cooker light bulbs and increase our customer happiness.We’ll be watching our customer reviews and returns rates to make sure that we’ve achieved our goal.

Hands Holding Microphones

2 Minute Interview With..

March 23, 2010 | eSpares Updates | 1 comment

Name:
Lloyd Handahu

Job title:
Business Development Manager

Length of time at eSpares:
6 years

Most recent CD purchase/download?

Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite

Favourite TV shows?

Scrubs, Arrested Development, Dave Chappelle Show, Chuck and very embarrassed to say Glee

Worst habit?

White Converse trainers

What stresses you out?

When I leave South London, and Bruce because he is never nice to me

What do you do to relax?

Sleep ZZZ

Why are we here?

To live and enjoy life

Who is your role model?

My Mum

Which celebrity annoys you the most?

Jordan

What are you up to this weekend?

Just a little drink, and sleeping if I’m lucky

You’re in a time-machine – where would you go?

Into the future just to see how I turn out, and give my future self a big hug

Do you know who broke the microwave in the Unit 21 kitchen?

Tofik Saad heating up a fish lasagne which stank up the whole office.

Favourite spare part?

Universal 4 Sided Oven Door Seal Kit – it’s a love-hate relationship.

Funniest thing that has happened to you at work?

Too rude to say; basically involves a very lovely housewife trying to proposition me due to my nice telephone manner.

Ideal holiday scenario?


-With a fruity cocktail

What should we do for our next company night out?

Karaoke night

Who do you want to be interviewed next?

Michael Kuhlmann [Customer Support]

Mikes Running Medal

Easy Rider

March 19, 2010 | eSpares Updates | No comments

The weather in London has been slightly less abominable in the last few days, people have been venturing outside with little more than t-shirts and the odd sunbather (perhaps misguided) has been spotted in green areas. Spring must be upon us.

Spring can be a magical time, the temperature dial begins to creep up, you get a couple of long weekends in May, daffodils bloom… but on London’s streets, a different kind of photosynthesis occurs. After the cold winter months when only the most devoted/foolhardy cycle to work, longer evenings and slightly warmer temperatures cause the less fanatical cyclists like myself to germinate and multiply on to the roads and dedicated cycle paths of the city.

Since my last ride to work at the end of November last year, the muscles I used to move and steer seem to have fallen in to disrepair; after getting in to eSpares Towers on Monday morning I was good for nothing more than going back to bed and moaning about my legs pumping what felt like battery acid. I’ve progressed very slightly over the week, to the point where it’s now Friday afternoon and I don’t feel the need to sleep until I go home and my legs aren’t quite as cramped as they have been on previous days.

My physical failings aside, here at eSpares we think cycling is a great way to get to work; you save money, get some exercise and have a bit of fun too. Ten of us are cyclists at the moment (video star Helen being the most devoted/foolhardy), and our number may grow over the more clement months ahead. We operate the national Ride2Work scheme with the good folks at Evans Cycles, which offers eSpares employees the chance to pay for bikes over twelve months, with significant savings made through tax relief.

Here’s to more sunny mornings and evenings this year; anything to keep us off London Underground can only be a good thing!

Internet Icons

How To Replace a Flymo Lawnmower Motor – New Video

March 18, 2010 | Gardening Tips | No comments

I’ve got to hold my hands up to say that I’ve never fitted a lawnmower motor before. To be quite frank I would have found this task daunting and may even have considered just replacing the whole lawnmower if the motor bit the dust. This video on how to fit a Flymo lawnmower motor surprised me as it demonstrated that fitting is actually really easy. After watching this I feel confident that I could take on the task of replacing my mowers motor should the time come.

Karcher Pressure Washer Videos

New Karcher Pressure Washer Videos

March 12, 2010 | Gardening Tips | 1 comment

We’ve always thought that we were missing a trick by not having video content for the pressure washers we offer. Whilst we clearly list the features of each pressure washer we sell, it’s not universal knowledge what exactly 100 bar of water pressure really means or what level of clean you can expect from the dirtblaster lance. If our customers could see how truly easy (and fun) Karcher pressure washers are to use surely it would make the decision of which one to purchase much easier. In basic terms we simply wanted to demonstrate how a pressure washer works. These first two videos demonstrate the functionality of the Karcher pressure washers.

This year Karcher have released an update of their Hose and Handgun Kit for all pressure washers from the K2 to K7 series. Last year we received a lot of questions on the old kit and how to fit it and we’re pleased to see that the upgraded version features “Quick Connect” technology.

Grey Pencil And Paper Icon On White Background

Retail Week Awards 2010

March 11, 2010 | eSpares Updates | 1 comment

It’s now nearly a week since the biggest night of the retail calendar and I’m only just getting over it. We were short-listed for the Best Online Retailer gong, so we donned our DJs and best frocks and headed up to the West End for a lavish bash at the Grosvenor House Hotel. All of the leading figures from the UK retail sector were there and a good night was had by all.

Jeremy Vine was the somewhat surprising choice as host for the evening. However, we were treated to the irreverent sounds of Tim Minchin on the piano. His performance of Canvas Bags was a joy to behold. The somewhat confused looks from some in the audience just added to the enjoyment.

Unfortunately, we didn’t walk away with Best Online Retailer award – Amazon were the worthy winners on the night. Although a bit disappointed, we are nonetheless honoured to be shortlisted alongside such illustrious online retailers. The full list of finalists for Best Online Retailer was:

Amazon
Argos
Asos
eSpares
N Brown Group
New Look
Shop Direct Group
Tesco

The Retail Leader of the Year award went to Britain’s best grocer, Mark Price from Waitrose. Mark has been with the John Lewis Partnership since 1982 and is now MD at Waitrose. Very well deserved.

But the big winner of the evening was Primark and its founder Arthur Ryan. Primark took the Retailer of the Year award and Mr Ryan was honoured for his outstanding contribution to retail. Making what was described as his first ever public appearance, the septuagenarian accepted his award following a video tribute from Sir Philip Green. Retail Week’s editor, Tim Danaher, said: “Primark has transformed fashion retailing over the past decade, and that’s all down to the vision of Arthur Ryan.”

Snow And Trees

How The Web Keeps Products Going For Longer

March 11, 2010 | eSpares Updates  |  Kitchen Appliances Repair, Help & Advice | No comments

Undeniably as a company we love it when eSpares gets name checked in a blog, who wouldn’t? Aside from the mention I enjoyed the recent blog post by @robram, because he highlights how the web keeps products going for longer. The post explains how Rob used the resources available online to diagnose and fix the broken door lock on his dishwasher. The Internet allowed Rob to fix his dishwasher himself, spending only £10 and 30 minutes of his time.

I personally love stories where people empower themselves via information gleaned from the Internet. Whether it be learning to play the ukulele from MusicTeacher2009 on YouTube or using the 367 recipe reviews for Chocolate Stout Cake to pimp out your baking and create a thing of beauty.

Rob Mansfield, I salute you for fixing your dishwasher yourself. Long live the Internet!

Happy Fathers Day Cupcake

2 Minute Interview With…

March 10, 2010 | eSpares Updates | No comments

Name: Tofik Saad

Job title: Customer Support Supervisor

Length of time at eSpares?
6 or 7 years, not sure

Most recent CD purchase/download?

Paolo Nutini – Sunny Side Up

Favourite TV shows?

Family Guy, Scrubs, Black Books, Heroes, Bottom, 24, Boston Legal

Worst habit?

Bacon

What stresses you out?

QPR losing games, so I’m stressed all the time

What do you do to relax?

Listen to classical music, jog, sit on Brighton Beach

Why are we here?

To enjoy the journey

Who is your role model?

Muhammad Ali

Is there anyone you’d like to fight?

Cilla Black (my arch nemesis) and the whole cast of Hollyoaks (past and present)

What are you up to this weekend?

My dissertation (boring)

You’re in a time-machine – where would you go?

Japan, Samurai era

Is it you that makes a mess in the Unit 21 kitchen?

Me! Never! I have a warrant out for the culprit. There is a reward don’t you know?

Favourite spare part, including ES number?

Fridge lower bottle shelf ES478390

Funniest thing that has happened to you at work?

When doing a cheque order we have to give the customer our address so that they can send their cheque. I took a call for an old aged pensioner, who had difficulty hearing. So the first line of the address, which is eSpares Ltd, took 10 minutes for the customer to spell correctly. Then the rest of the address took another 25 minutes (Unit 13-14 Chelsea Wharf, 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ). She then asked me for my name, which to my surprise the customer couldn’t spell but was adamant that she would take it, so that took another 10 minutes for her to jot down. And it was only for an order that was under £10 but we both laughed at the situation.

Ideal holiday scenario?

On a beach and it’s 35C in the shade

What are your chances of winning the eSpares bowling competition tonight?

No chance [And he didn’t]

Who do you want to be interviewed next?

Lloyd [our Business Development Manager]

When It’s Time For a New Appliance, It’s Time For Appliances Online

March 9, 2010 | Uncategorized | No comments

Although our business model is based on you mending your existing appliances to get them working properly; we fully recognise that all appliances come to the end of their life at some point. If you are shopping for new appliances online I would recommend that you have a look at the Appliances Online website.

Here’s why I recommend them for your next appliance purchase:

  • From a functionality perspective their website instills trust. It’s easy to navigate and the product descriptions are clear and accurate.
  • Appliances Online encourage customers to rate the products they purchase. This means that you can get the real story on that new cooker you wish to purchase from someone who uses it every day.
  • They’ll price match if you find the item elsewhere cheaper and they’ve got a ‘no fuss’ 10 day returns guarantee.
  • They only charge £9.99 to recycle your old appliance. Make sure to check out the full details of their appliance recycling scheme.
  • If you have any questions for them Appliances Online are on Twitter.

I’d like to be clear in stating that eSpares has no commercial agreement with Appliances Online to promote their website. We truly like their website and have heard great things about them from our customers who have decided that it was time to buy new.