Isn't it ironic that it takes years to build a great customer relationship but only moments to tear one apart? There are so many ways to lose your existing customers, if you aren't careful in your dealings every day. Here are 10 ways to lose your customers, but this is by no means the exclusive list. 5 Aug 2008
USA - Wonder why the smoking-hot 3G Apple iPhone only costs US$199, less than half the price of the original? Here's a two-word hint: Randall Stephenson. Stephenson, who became AT&T's chairman and CEO a year ago, championed the idea of paying Apple about $300 per device, analysts estimate, to help hold down the retail cost. 5 Aug 2008
The USA's National Retail Federation's venerable retail trade publication, Stores magazine, announced the results of its 2008 Top 100 Retailers Study in July. 4 Aug 2008
The national campaign to promote the second phase of Nedbank's AskOnce programme, which is reportedly resonating with consumers who battle to get good service from their bank, has seen the company launch five additional service promises. 4 Aug 2008
A recent advertising campaign has eBay exhorting consumers to "Shop Victoriously," and, it's true, winning an online auction can be fun. My recent score - vintage hand carders to process wool for spinning, won for a mere US$15 - was a hoot. I got solid tools for an obscure craft at less than one-third the price they cost new. 4 Aug 2008
Motorola performed better than analysts had expected in Q2, delivering net earnings of US$4 million on Thursday. Revenue was $8.1 billion, beating expectations by Wall Street analysts of $7.5 billion for the handset manufacturer. 4 Aug 2008
Though focused on the pharmaceutical industry, the study may have broader reaching appeal to e-marketers in other industries. 4 Aug 2008
When Mount Everest Mineral Water Ltd drew up a new game plan for its mineral water brand, Himalayan, it was sure that the bottle had to pack more than just water. It had to tell consumers a story about the brand, its iconic source and the link with Indian mythology. 4 Aug 2008
Computer hackers are whipping out exploits at an accelerating rate, according to a new IBM security report. They're able to come up with ways to attack newly discovered vulnerabilities faster thanks to automated programs, and they also benefit from well-intentioned security researchers who make too much information available too soon, according to the report. 4 Aug 2008
Manufacturing companies are increasingly looking to warranty management processes in order to enhance both bottom and top line performance. The resulting investment in technology is creating a significant opportunity for technology vendors. 4 Aug 2008
The price of petrol is to decrease by 27 cents per litre on Wednesday, the Department of Minerals and Energy said on Friday. 3 Aug 2008
The South African economy is stronger than ever with numerous employment opportunities, says Minister for Trade and Industry Mandisi Mpahlwa. 3 Aug 2008
Despite a tight consumer environment, retailer Clicks' roll-out of pharmacies in its health and beauty stores is continuing apace. The retailer yesterday launched its 150th in-store pharmacy with the opening of a dispensing section in its Hyde Park store. Another five to six stores are set to be opened within the next month, before the company's financial year-end. 1 Aug 2008
The V&A Waterfront celebrated the its third Annual Restaurant Awards, as well as the launch of the 2008/2009 Restaurant Guide, at a one-of-a-kind event held in the predator tank at the Two Oceans Aquarium on Wednesday, 30 July 2008. 1 Aug 2008
The biggest mystery about the 2008 Mandela coin, also known as the 90th birthday coin, is not why anyone would want to pay more than R5 for a coin that is worth exactly R5. The mystery is how is it possible that no one in the South African Reserve Bank saw it coming? After all, there have been precedents: the 1994 Mandela Presidential Inauguration R5 coin, as well as the 2000 Mandela R5 coin. 1 Aug 2008
Renowned South African actress Terry Pheto is joining cosmetic house, L'Oreal Paris's international list of Dream Team spokespersons. 1 Aug 2008
A record number of white wines and first time entries from new winemakers and cellars have made the cut for the prestigious 2008 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Now in its 23rd year, the auction will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Saturday, 27 September 2008. 1 Aug 2008
Storage vendor Fabrik has introduced an external hard drive with a manufacturing process focused on reducing its impact on the environment. 1 Aug 2008
In this heated battle for the consumer dollar, retail marketers are looking to establish a personal and consistent relationship with shoppers through integrated customer loyalty programs that leverage traditional offline and emerging communications channels. Not surprisingly, it can be overwhelming for retailers to figure out where to start. 1 Aug 2008
Although retailers are struggling in an economic slowdown, there is strong demand for retail space at Melrose Arch's R2,27bn mixed-use node, The Piazza. 31 Jul 2008
