Understanding The Value Of Time For Consumers

A shopper was once shopping for a bag; and after hours of searching online, he found one that he liked that was valued at $19. As affordable as it was, to have it shipped in from Europe though would cost an additional $45. 

Understandably hesitant about paying more than twice the retail value of the product just to have it imported, he searched for local stores that carried the bag. He found one that would require him to go out of his way for about an hour. 

Image source: prospectorsacademy.com

“Is an hour of one’s time worth $45?” This is an example of the time versus money dilemma that almost every consumer faces when they pay for products or services. 

Many economic researchers have devised means of measuring the monetary value of time. And what they agree on is that time spent on non-income-generating or even meaningless activities, such as waiting, queuing, commuting, and walking around while shopping, can be considered wasted time. 

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This is the reason airlines have offered nonstop flights for significantly higher fares. It is also the logic behind the success and popularity of online commerce, and other time-saving services. Businesses have also invested a lot of resources on increasing the efficiency of the delivery of their products and services to show that they also value the time of their customers.

Club Luichi is comprised of an expert team of personal managers, retailers, and service providers that gives its members the opportunity to access a wide selection of exclusive products and services at reasonable prices. Learn more by visiting this website.

Two Financial Reasons To Hire a Personal Shopper

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There are different reasons an individual hires a personal shopper. But it is usually dependent on the client’s short- and long-term goals. Below are two financial benefits of hiring a personal shopper.

Personal shoppers save money in the long-run: The main contention to hiring a personal shopper is that it is an expense. Many financial advisors caution against this term and instead compare the nuances with the other term, cost. The initial price of hiring a personal shopper has to be balanced with how much a company or an individual save in the long run. Personal shoppers are highly skilled in negotiation and often have an established network of manufacturers and suppliers. This allows them to get the best prices for certain goods and products. Thus, the price becomes a cost rather than an expense as the former suggests that a return of investment is expected after a given period.

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Personal shoppers help build connections: Jumping from the previous point, personal shoppers introduce businesses to other contact points. These may or may not be useful in the future. Still, it makes future coordination easier. Financial analysts always highlight the importance of building connections in the beginning, without any expectation or goal. These networks should be kept in mind’s reach as they can be proven useful in the future. It must be emphasized that there should never be an underlying financial intention when starting a relationship – companies and individuals pick this up instinctively. Instead, a friendly relation should be formed without any assumption.

Personal shoppers help businesses and individuals achieve their shopping goals. Speaking with one will ease any hesitation and caution most people have.

Club Luichi is a specialized group composed of respected personal shoppers. Learn more by following this link.

Using Personal Shopping as Leverage for Business Growth

What separates successful businesses from the mediocre is leverage. Financially astute entrepreneurs understand that business and economics are dependent on using what one has in the best way possible. This means turning to other industries that may initially seem incompatible. One of the latest (though still relatively untouched) collaboration opportunities involves personal shoppers. This relationship has been viewed with caution, considering the initial (and perhaps continued) perception of personal shopping being solely for fashion.

 

 

Image source: styleusfashioncurators.com

 

However, one must consider the life and function of a personal shopper. It is true that personal shopping has focused on clothes and accessories, but in the process, trained personal shoppers create an invaluable skillset and network that could potentially benefit businesses.

Today’s global market has encouraged companies to expand constantly. The business of supply chain management and logistics has never been more important. But for many businesses, they may not know where to begin or how to start. This is where personal shoppers can help. Already they have the knowledge of how to interact with manufacturers and distributors. It is also likely that these groups or people have a special relationship with their personal shoppers as well. The products may be different, but the skillset is what is valued here.

Recent financial studies have concluded that personal shoppers may be used as a fantastic leverage for businesses wishing to assume a more global status. The transition from clothes to finance is done seamlessly.

Image source: stylemy.co.uk

Learn more about personal shopping and its many uses for various industries by following this Club Luichi blog.

Celebrations 101: How to Plan for a child’s Birthday Party

Image source: kingsmillshotel.com

Planning a child’s party need not be stressful if parents know how to go about it. In fact, they may just find the whole experience enjoyable.

One of the very first things that parents should determine is their child’s current interest. Is he or she into dinosaurs? Or cars perhaps? How about the latest Disney movie? Parents can directly ask their child, or they can observe and plan a surprise birthday celebration.

The next step in party planning is setting a budget. How much budget is allocated to the party? Answering this question will help in determining other party essentials.

The following questions should be about party specifics and logistics. When is the party going to be held? Where is it going to be held? What time is the party? These questions will help parent answer another set of questions: How many people can the party venue accommodate? And how many invitees?

Next, parents will have to focus on party supplies. These include how many invitations should be printed out, how many balloons to order, how many tables and chairs should be rented (if necessary), and of course, the headcount for food.

Once all of these has been settled, the hunt for suppliers begins. Parents might want extra help with this part of the planning process since the quality and price of supplies vary from supplier to supplier. Choosing the right suppliers could save parents a fortune.

Image source: ibsrt.com

Club Luichi’s personal consultants help members save a fortune when looking for suppliers for party merchandise. For more about the company and its host of services, visit this LinkedIn page.

Rare Assets: The Nitty-Gritty Of Vintage Shopping

If you're looking to invest in rare pieces, then you must prepare yourself to splurge. It’s highly unlikely that you'll find true vintage gems in yard sales or thrift shops. Do your research first and educate yourself on points that make an item valuable and collectable. To be on safe, enlist the help of a reputable dealer and consider these major points: 

Vintage fashion

 

The thrill of the hunt ultimately lies in how well you know vintage clothing. Aside from quality, you have to focus on the historical or cultural significance and the timelessness of the design. Always remember that the older the piece, the higher the value, so you need to learn the details that make an item genuinely classic. Limited edition pieces from deceased designers like Alexander McQueen are also considered vintage staples with high currency that's likely to increase in the years to come. 

Image source: homesandantiques.com

Rare stamps and coins

 

Experts recommend investing in “key date” U.S. coins that are perennially favored by collectors such as the Morgan Dollar, the 1913 S Buffalo Nickel, and the St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle (1907-33). If you're into rare stamps, you need to focus on rarity, condition, liquidity, price, and authenticity to ensure more bang for the buck. Stanley Gibbons rare-stamp indices—the GB30 and GB250—contain a list of stamps highly recommended for investment.

Art and antiques

 

These pieces are illiquid assets so you must be prepared for the long holding periods. What's good about these investments is that you get to enjoy them as accents to your walls just like antiques. The value of antique pieces can grow over time as specific crafts gain popularity. 

Image source: imperialcollectables.co.uk

Rare assets aren't something that you purchase on a whim. For some, vintage shopping is a more like a lifestyle, a mindset to be precise. Those who are well-versed in sifting through the vintage bin know that each piece is an investment that holds both monetary and historical value.

Club Luichi is a premier personal shopping and lifestyle network that offers exclusive access and discounts on a wide range of products and services. Click here to learn more about online concierge services and their benefits.

The Big Gadget Sale: Is It Safe To Buy Electronic Products Online?

Convenience and cheaper prices are some of the reasons most people are making the big online shopping switch. A lot of buyers purchase online their needs, including clothes, cosmetics, and even gadgets. But before making the big purchase, here are some tips for a successful online gadget shopping experience. 

Image source: 123rf.com

 

Compare prices

An important purchase demands quality and a bit of research. Make sure to look at various sites before settling on an item to take advantage of promotions and other sales.

Track price history

Impulse buying gets shoppers in trouble and increases the chances of missing out on discounts. Track a product’s price history and see if there’s a possibility of a price drop in the near future.

Be mindful of scammers

Online scammers are everywhere, and they are out to fool those who have the money to buy gadgets. Shop for gadgets at well-known sites, and look for reviews from previous buyers. 

Ask for insured shipping 

While online shopping is convenient, accidents and losses during shipping are common occurrences. Go for insured shipping and be informed of shipping policies. 

Image sources: getyourtips.com

Need tips about online gadget shopping? Club Luichi is an online community helping consumers make their best purchases. Subscribe to this Twitter page for more information and similar reads.

Event Planning: When to Seek help and When to do it Yourself

Other people opt to do the event planning themselves because they believe doing so saves them time and money. You may be organized, driven, optimistic, and brilliant, but ask yourself—can you handle the stress of event planning?

Image source: Moleskine

Do you have enough connections?

Professional event planners have secured relationships with vendors like photographers, musicians, decorators, and caterers. If you think you cannot handle dealing with a lot of vendors, have a professional do the talking for you.

Need manpower?

As the old saying goes, there is strength in numbers. Event planning requires a lot of people working together towards a goal. If you know a lot of people who can help with décor and logistics, do it yourself. Hire a party planner if you think you can’t pull off giving orders to other people.

If you enjoy the stress of planning and have the skills and resources needed for it, do it yourself. It can be a rewarding (and equally tiring) experience, and you might even consider doing it for a living. But if you’re just getting started and have limited skill with doing all the tasks required to pull off a successful event, go on and hire a professional event planner to do the job for you.

Image credit: Entrepreneur.com

Check out this Club Luichi blog for your personal concierge and event planning needs.

The Benefits of Community Marketing Through Social Media

Successful brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce retailers know the value of building and engaging a community.

Community marketing is an advertising strategy that involves creating an attractive, relatable brand presence to engage existing customers. Starbucks Corporation, for example, incorporated community marketing in its social media strategy via its “My Starbucks Idea” program, through which their customers could make suggestions on everything from new products to loyalty programs.

Image source: sabusinessindex.co.za

Another type of community marketing is one that involves creating an audience first before building a brand. A recent example is Tribesports, a company which describes itself as a “global community of sportspeople.” After creating a large following of amateur and professional athletes through its fitness challenges and groups, the company asked members for suggestions and released a line of athletic clothing tailored to their needs.

Communities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media websites give consumers a place to connect with like-minded people. They also serve as platforms where potential customers can air their needs. Online communities also give companies the opportunity to address customer requests and complaints to make their customers feel valued.

Apart from building and enhancing brand-customer relationships, community marketing through social media provides other benefits. Online communities allow companies to create a multi-directional, real-time conversation with their customers, helping companies build a strong brand identity through honest, engaging storytelling.

Instead of simply posting links to product websites or tweeting about a new promotion, companies can share content that informs, moves, and motivates. Authenticity matters a lot to modern consumers, who want to know that they're purchasing products or services from a company that cares about them and shares their values. The modern customer rewards companies that meet his or her needs with loyalty.

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Community marketing is also low-cost, compared to other more traditional forms of marketing, and has the added benefit of allowing companies to tap into a wealth of information and feedback to improve their products and services.

Club Luichi is an online shopping hub that provides its members access to exclusive discounts and deals on a wide range of products and services. For more discussions on community marketing, follow this Google+ account.

How e-commerce has revitalized trade and business communications

One of the more fundamental learnings in business development is understanding trends and how they can be translated into more revenue. Any businessperson would understand that there are many trends to look for and understand; but perhaps one of the most important considerations is e-commerce. This form of trade focuses on business relationships conducted electronically. This suggests the absence of a third party; meaning that both the consumer and retailer are directly communicating with one another.

This trend began with the rapid growth of technology and mobile apps. Entrepreneurs were no longer inclined to hire another company or person to get their message across. Smartphones created an avenue for people to communicate with each other in real-time. This was the catalyst for a new business model.

Image source: business2community.wordpress.com

Many factors changed. Marketing strategies now were more intimate. Consumers were asked to take a closer look at their desired product. Since there was no middleman, consumers operated solely on what they knew and how they reacted to a specific situation. Retailers, on the other hand, had to become more engaging with their customers; not only for sales but to better gauge their market. This drastically changed the way business models were made.

Economists believe that e-commerce dramatically changed trade. Perhaps it was influenced by earlier models of business communications, but it has evolved into its own platform.

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Club Luichi is an online platform that connects consumers to wholesalers in a safe and secure environment. Learn the benefits of becoming a member by visiting this LinkedIn page.

How to save on peak-season travel costs

Many travel articles espouse the cost benefits of traveling during the low season, but for those who have yet to embark on their summer vacation, all is not lost. There are ways for travelers to save money even though summer is already in full swing. Below are some tips.

Be flexible with travel dates

For those who don't have to travel on specific dates, being flexible when it comes to arrival and departure dates can mean huge savings on airfare. Booking a flight a day earlier or later can sometimes help travelers save hundreds of dollars. Try websites that allow flexible date searches for air travel, such as Travelocity.com, Google Flights, and Kayak.

Image source: rollingout.com

Book tickets on off-peak days

Experts recommend booking flights on Monday and Tuesday mornings when airlines have just finished meeting the demand for weekend flights. According to Independentraveler.com, airlines typically charge less for tickets from Monday noon to Thursday noon.

 Rent a house, not a hotel room

In some areas, finding residents willing to rent their house or apartment to you might be cheaper than booking a room at a hotel or resort. Most homeowners are willing to negotiate as well, and houses and apartments come with amenities (such as kitchens) that hotel rooms do not.

Image source: occidentalvacationclub.com

Airbnb and VacationHomeRentals.com are two websites that provide information on homes, apartments, and even rooms for rent across the country (and in Airbnb's case, all over the world.) To save even more money, travelers could consider renting out their homes while they're away.

 Club Luichi provides its customers with exclusive discounts on airfare and other travel costs. For more articles on saving money while traveling, subscribe to this blog.

Business Tips: Seeking The Best Supplier

Picking the right supplier is important to the growth of a business. Often overlooked, the right supplier can help entrepreneurs turn prospects into profits.

Image source: news.thomasnet.com

Below are three considerations when searching for a supplier: 

• Suppliers can be classified into four general categories: (1) manufacturers (2) distributors (3) independent craftspeople, and (4) import sources. Generally, surpassing manufacturers and distributors can help business buy raw materials at a more affordable price.
• Source locally. To avoid freight, shipping, or other delivery costs, try to find local suppliers for the same goods. For those searching on the Internet, narrow the search by phrasing keywords based on location. For example, for wholesale boxes in New York, key in “wholesale boxes New York” or “wholesale boxes NYC.”
• Another way to find the best suppliers is to attend trade shows. These shows, which are typically industry-specific, provide goods at competitive prices, especially for wholesale dealings.

Finally, once you find a supplier, make sure to establish a good relationship. This will allow you to grab more discounts and access to products exclusive to your type of business.

 Image source: www.federalmogul.com

Club Luichi provides professional service that connects consumers and manufacturers worldwide. Get updates about the company by following this Twitter account.

Traveling Like a Boss: Tips on Booking Your Next Flight Online

If you’re planning your next getaway or if you’re packing for a business meeting a thousand miles from where you live, then the following tips may help you book a cheap flight online.

Image Source: www.businessinsider.com

1. Buy early or buy late During peak travel periods, booking reservations late may cost you to lose the game. Travel tickets usually go up two weeks before the actual flight. So you better reserve your ticket before this deadline. Also, if you’re planning to fly internationally, then it is suggested that you make the call three to six months in advance. But say you weren’t able to do this. You could just wait at the very last minute to buy the tickets when airlines lower the prices for failure to fill their planes. Although there’s a high risk you won’t be able to get one. 
2. Keep your searches top secret Have you noticed the flight price change after searching it a few times? It’s true that flight price changes in most websites based on the cookies in your browser. You may counter this by searching for flights in incognito or private browsing. In Google Chrome or Safari, incognito is enabled by hitting Command (or Control if using PC), Shift, “N”. For Firefox, hit Command, Shift, “P”.
3. Keep looking You may find a good deal the first time you hit the search button, but more often than not, there are still better deals you have not seen yet so keep shopping around. Visit known booking sites with good reviews and you are sure to find the cheapest of them all. 

 Image Source: www.thriftynomads.com

Use these tips, save money on your next flight, and travel like a boss. Bon voyage!  

Club Luichi provides a wide range of services including travel booking and planning, and hotel reservations. Visit this website for more information.

E-commerce evolution: Key factors influencing the modern buyer’s experience

The constantly evolving market is becoming more diverse as technology and the drive toward sustainability influence production and marketing. The emergence of e-commerce is boosting the profitability of local companies and products, some of which may even be merely in the conceptualization stages.

Image Source: dailysabah.com

With the expanding coverage of Internet-based markets, the demographic of online shoppers is also accounting for more patrons, including mothers who are loyal store-goers, and seniors who have been influenced by their millennial children.

Convenience. Easily accessible information. Options. These are the fundamental characteristics that draw consumers to e-commerce. With the ubiquity of mobile phones and the Internet that allows unlimited access to intelligent mobile applications, the integration of social media into people's daily routines, and the expedited delivery of goods and services, more consumers are participating in and finding e-commerce transactions more rewarding than traditional shopping.

Image Source: marketingland.com

But while e-commerce is winning over the crowds, the offline experience is actually evolving as well. The truce between traditional and online shopping is leading to a beneficial relationship as the physical retail store resizes itself to accommodate consumers who do not find online shopping advantageous. Traditional stores are now focused on providing the ultimate buyer experience in-store, customizing service based on consumer demand.

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Success and failure, both for consumers and retailers, not just depend on an accurate understanding of the market, but are also influenced by flexibility in maximizing emerging market trends and responding to the demands of the hyper-empowered consumers immediately.  

Club Luichi offers a worry-free personalized shopping service. Add this Google+ page to your circles for more tips on easy shopping.

REPOST: Hassle-free Holiday Air Travel Tips

Year-end travel can be stressful: costly airfare, crowded flights, and cramped hotel rooms are just some of the regular pickings. The Huffington Post provides tips for dealing with holiday travel nightmares in the article below:  

Image Source: huffingtonpost.com

Now that you've survived the dreaded Thanksgiving travel weekend, it's time to start preparing for the next busiest period: year-end travel. And though Christmas doesn't see the same volume of travelers as Thanksgiving (the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that the number of long distance trips increases by 54 percent around Thanksgiving; Christmas and New Year's only see a 23 percent upsurge), it's still a hectic time to travel.

In an effort to help you get through this busy season, U.S. News talked with several travel experts for tips on improving the experience. Last week, we got the scoop from CheapOair.com on preparing for and dealing with weather-related flight delays, and this week we talked to Courtney Scott, senior editor for Travelocity.com. Her No. 1 piece of advice? "Be as armed and prepared as possible when heading into holiday travel." Here are some crucial tips for dealing with all aspects of year-end air travel.

Plan ahead

Avoiding holiday travel headaches starts long before you get to the airport. Scott advised shipping your gifts at least a week before you depart -- the cost of shipping is ultimately cheaper than those checked baggage fees, so why not sidestep the hassle? Plus with just a carry-on, you don't need to worry about the airline losing your luggage. If you do need to check a bag, consider paying the fee online before you get to the airport. Some airlines, such as Sun Country, Spirit and Frontier, offer discounted checked bag fees for customers who pay when they check in online.

Scott also recommended prepaying for airport parking. Companies like Park N' Fly and AirportParkingReservations.com allow you to reserve parking spots and pay ahead of time, meaning you won't have to waste time circling the lot in search of an empty spot. Some of these services also offer competitive rates that are lower than those offered in the airport's long-term lot on your departure date. You should also check to see if the airport offers a discounted prepaid option directly through its website, such as the one offered by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Ready your smartphone

Your smartphone is your best tool for holiday air travel. Scott recommended downloading the My TSA mobile app, which has a "Can I Bring?" feature that allows users to search if an item is permitted or prohibited. Use this while you're packing to avoid delays at airport security. If you're a frequent flier, you're probably already using the FlightAware website and app, but its Misery Map is especially useful during frequent winter storms. The map shows worldwide cancellations and delays, an important tool if you're flying from or to an area hit with winter weather. If you do encounter a delay, GateGuru can help you monitor the status of your flight and point you in the direction of airport amenities with its AirportCard feature, which also includes a map. And if you don't already have the Uber app, now's the time to get it. Scott suggested using the app if you need a cab during off hours, when airport taxis may be scarce. Another bonus: All of these are free to download.

Scott also advised adding emergency travel numbers to your phone, including the airline reservation and customer service lines, and if you used third-party booking sites like Expedia or Priceline, the numbers for them as well. If you booked your ticket through these sites, their agents may be able to find an alternate flight for you should your trip get delayed or canceled. While it's easy to look these up on the fly -- especially with the ubiquity of free airport Wi-Fi -- having the numbers already plugged in to your phone can save you precious time.
 
Get to the airport early

This may sound like a no-brainer, but getting to the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight is essential, according to Scott. Remember that mile-long security line at Chicago's Midway Airport the Sunday after Thanksgiving? We're guessing those passengers wished they had more time to get through security. Plus, according to a new report from the U.S. Travel Association, 13 of the nation's largest 30 airports already experience Thanksgiving-like traffic once a week. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your gate by checking in online as soon you receive the reminder email from your airline. This is especially critical if you're flying with an air carrier that determines seats or boarding groups by check-in time (like Southwest Airlines, for example). It's one less stress you'll have to worry about the day of your trip.

Know your options

That old military axiom "the best defense is a good offense" couldn't be truer for holiday air travel. It may be a bit time consuming, but mapping out a plan B can save you some scrambling should your flight get delayed or canceled. Scott suggested looking up and jotting down alternative flights before your trip gets disrupted. If you know which backup itineraries work best for you, you can suggest them to the airline representative rebooking you.

And if you're worried that you could get stranded at the airport, check to see if there are any airport hotels nearby, and their availability and pricing. This is where tools like HotelTonight, Hotels.com and LastMinuteTravel.com come in handy.

Once you've survived the holiday travel season, why not reward yourself with a vacation? Next week, we discuss why traveling should be your No. 1 New Year's resolution, with input from Joe Diaz, co-founder and chief product officer for AFAR Media.

The personal managers and service providers of Club Luichi help busy travelers secure their flights and plan their itineraries efficiently.Subscribe to this blog for more discussions on personal concierge services.

REPOST: Hassle-free Holiday Air Travel Tips

Year-end travel can be stressful: costly airfare, crowded flights, and cramped hotel rooms are just some of the regular pickings. The Huffington Post provides tips for dealing with holiday travel nightmares in the article below:

Image Source: Huffingtonpost.com

Now that you've survived the dreaded Thanksgiving travel weekend, it's time to start preparing for the next busiest period: year-end travel. And though Christmas doesn't see the same volume of travelers as Thanksgiving (the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that the number of long distance trips increases by 54 percent around Thanksgiving; Christmas and New Year's only see a 23 percent upsurge), it's still a hectic time to travel.

In an effort to help you get through this busy season, U.S. News talked with several travel experts for tips on improving the experience. Last week, we got the scoop from CheapOair.com on preparing for and dealing with weather-related flight delays, and this week we talked to Courtney Scott, senior editor for Travelocity.com. Her No. 1 piece of advice? "Be as armed and prepared as possible when heading into holiday travel." Here are some crucial tips for dealing with all aspects of year-end air travel.

Plan ahead
Avoiding holiday travel headaches starts long before you get to the airport. Scott advised shipping your gifts at least a week before you depart -- the cost of shipping is ultimately cheaper than those checked baggage fees, so why not sidestep the hassle? Plus with just a carry-on, you don't need to worry about the airline losing your luggage. If you do need to check a bag, consider paying the fee online before you get to the airport. Some airlines, such as Sun Country, Spirit and Frontier, offer discounted checked bag fees for customers who pay when they check in online.

Scott also recommended prepaying for airport parking. Companies like Park N' Flyand AirportParkingReservations.com allow you to reserve parking spots and pay ahead of time, meaning you won't have to waste time circling the lot in search of an empty spot. Some of these services also offer competitive rates that are lower than those offered in the airport's long-term lot on your departure date. You should also check to see if the airport offers a discounted prepaid option directly through its website, such as the one offered by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Ready your smartphone
Your smartphone is your best tool for holiday air travel. Scott recommended downloading the My TSA mobile app, which has a "Can I Bring?" feature that allows users to search if an item is permitted or prohibited. Use this while you're packing to avoid delays at airport security. If you're a frequent flier, you're probably already using the FlightAware website and app, but its Misery Map is especially useful during frequent winter storms. The map shows worldwide cancellations and delays, an important tool if you're flying from or to an area hit with winter weather. If you do encounter a delay, GateGuru can help you monitor the status of your flight and point you in the direction of airport amenities with its AirportCard feature, which also includes a map. And if you don't already have the Uber app, now's the time to get it. Scott suggested using the app if you need a cab during off hours, when airport taxis may be scarce. Another bonus: All of these are free to download.

Scott also advised adding emergency travel numbers to your phone, including the airline reservation and customer service lines, and if you used third-party booking sites like Expedia or Priceline, the numbers for them as well. If you booked your ticket through these sites, their agents may be able to find an alternate flight for you should your trip get delayed or canceled. While it's easy to look these up on the fly -- especially with the ubiquity of free airport Wi-Fi -- having the numbers already plugged in to your phone can save you precious time.

Get to the airport early
This may sound like a no-brainer, but getting to the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight is essential, according to Scott. Remember that mile-long security line at Chicago's Midway Airport the Sunday after Thanksgiving? We're guessing those passengers wished they had more time to get through security. Plus, according to a new report from the U.S. Travel Association, 13 of the nation's largest 30 airports already experience Thanksgiving-like traffic once a week. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your gate by checking in online as soon you receive the reminder email from your airline. This is especially critical if you're flying with an air carrier that determines seats or boarding groups by check-in time (like Southwest Airlines, for example). It's one less stress you'll have to worry about the day of your trip.

Know your options
That old military axiom "the best defense is a good offense" couldn't be truer for holiday air travel. It may be a bit time consuming, but mapping out a plan B can save you some scrambling should your flight get delayed or canceled. Scott suggested looking up and jotting down alternative flights before your trip gets disrupted. If you know which backup itineraries work best for you, you can suggest them to the airline representative rebooking you.

And if you're worried that you could get stranded at the airport, check to see if there are any airport hotels nearby, and their availability and pricing. This is where tools like HotelTonight, Hotels.com and LastMinuteTravel.com come in handy.

Once you've survived the holiday travel season, why not reward yourself with a vacation? Next week, we discuss why traveling should be your No. 1 New Year's resolution, with input from Joe Diaz, co-founder and chief product officer for AFAR Media.

The personal managers and service providers of Club Luichi help busy travelers secure their flights and plan their itineraries efficiently. 120382864 Subscribe to this blog for more discussions on personal concierge services.

REPOST: About 3 out of every 4 people plan to travel this fall

It may be a good idea to book airplane tickets and hotel reservation this early. According to FoxNews.com, three out of four Americans are planning to travel this fall. Details below:  

 

Image Source: foxnews.com

Think that summer is the time to take a trip?  According to a new poll,  3 out of 4 Americans are planning to travel this fall, according to AAA’s latest Consumer Pulse survey.

The survey questioned 1,200 residents of Florida, Georgia and Tennessee and found that about 75 percent of those polled plan to take “at least one leisure trip of 50 miles or more away from home, requiring overnight accommodations” in the next three months.

And while a majority (an average of 83 percent) of those trips are likely to be in the U.S., 13 percent of respondents say they plan on traveling both internationally and domestically.

Most respondents expect to spend an estimated $500 - $1,000 for these trips.

“People like to travel during the fall, because they can find great deals,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, told News4 WJXT Jacksonville. “School is back in session, which means hotels, cruises and attractions are not quite as crowded, so vendors are more likely to roll out lower rates to get your business.”

Some of these include cheaper cruise excursions and lower hotel rates. The exception may be airfare, which often sees a significant spike around the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel seasons.

For those with a little flexibility, planning a vacation in the coolest months may be the best way to score a deal.

Club Luichi provides a wide range of services, including travel planning and hotel reservation. Get professional and personalized help for your various travel needs here.

REPOST: 6 Ways to Retain Ecommerce Customers

One of the challenges that owners of online businesses face is the ever changing e-commerce landscape. How then can they keep up with all these changes and still maintain and grow their customer base? Find out from this article from Entrepreneur.com.

Image Source: apptha.com

For every business, the best customer is the one you already have. And in today’s noisy, ever-changing e-commerce landscape, developing and maintaining a base of loyal customers is as essential as it’s ever been. We talked to 3 experts for their tips on how to keep customers coming back.

1. Dangle a carrot. Sometimes a small gesture can go a really long way toward making a customer feel valued. Terry Lin, e-commerce educator and founder of Baller Leather fashion accessories, points to Diamond Candles, who figured out a creative way to build great social incentives into their customers’ purchases. Existing customers would get a $5 discount code for friends after their first purchase. Once their friend used the code, the original customer would get another $5 credit.

“By doing so, they have built in a viral coefficient where one person has to tell another in order to realize the benefit of the $5 off code,” Lin explains. “Most businesses just give the code away without much incentive built in.”

Image Source: esellermedia.com

2. Make customers feel special. Since shopping online can be a sort of lonely and impersonal experience, don’t neglect good old-fashioned customer care. Dave Huckabay, who sells scientific and industrial equipment, calls clients after they make large purchases. He suggests e-retailers consider a similar strategy for certain major purchases, reaching out through email or phone to make sure the product arrived and that the customer is enjoying it. “They'll remember this. Follow up with an email thanking them for their time. Then send them an email coupon before the holidays.”

3. Use their inbox. Email newsletters are underutilized according to our experts, and are a great way to make customers feel they have the inside track. Give your buyers the first look at new product lines or sale items. Consider coupon codes that are only available to email newsletter subscribers. Make sure they know they’re getting an exclusive.

4. Beckon them back. Once a customer does buy something, it’s crucial to give them a reason to return. Huckabay suggests including a coupon in the box with their order. Did they buy a coffeemaker? Perhaps they’ll come back for a discount on coffee, filters or other related items.

5. Track customer behavior. Study your customers’ buying habits. If they usually make a purchase once every four months, send them a promotional email once every three months to preempt their buying decision. For regulars, Huckabay says it’s a good idea to encourage customers to sign up for refill subscriptions.

It’s important not to be overbearing though. “You should come at this from the perspective of ‘how can I possibly help this person,’ not ‘how can I milk the fact that he’s on my email list,” Huckabay adds.

Huckabay says it also pays to make inferences about what motivated a particular purchases and how to capitalize on that information. “If they bought jewelry in the last half of January, it’s probably a valentines present, Huckabay says. “Then, he gets an email from me about valentines day.”

Image Source: sealglobalholdings.com

6. Check your analytics. With advances in web analytics, site owners have a range of powerful tools to see what content or items are popular or cause users to bounce away from your site. Lin says heat map software is a great way to see what parts of your site potential customers use the most. This is a feature available through both free and paid software.

“Heatmaps allow you to see where visitors are clicking, reading, and dropping off on your website. From there, you can make certain design changes to your site,” Lin says. “If a lot of folks are scrolling down to click on a certain page, you may want to consider moving it higher up to make things more convenient for them.”  

Club Luichi offers a new kind of concierge service that connects consumers and manufacturers worldwide. Read more about this latest twist in the e-commerce model here.

REPOST: 7 Super Successful People Share Their Best Travel Tips

Going on a business trip need not be stressful. This Business Insider article lists CEO’s and corporate bigwigs’ ways for getting the most pleasure and purpose out of your out of town or international sojourns.

 Business trips are often associated with long hours, uncomfortable hotel beds, and perpetual jet lag.

However, these trips prove necessary for building relationships with clients and closing deals, so it's important to make the most of them. Whether it's avoiding lost luggage, exploring new places, or simply using your time as efficiently as possible, there are plenty of ways to maximize business travel.

Image Source: businessinsider.com

In their most recent editorial package, "Out of Office," LinkedIn asked top minds to share their best insights on getting the most out of business travel.

Over 60 leaders across all industries provided original posts chronicling their worst traveling experiences, favorite tips for flying, and lessons they've learned over years of business trips.

Here's what seven of these super successful people had to say:

Beth Comstock says that if packing were an Olympic sport, she would be a gold medalist.

The General Electric chief marketing officer avoids hassles in the event of a last-minute flight change by traveling only with a single carry-on bag.

To make everything fit, Comstock packs light and employs a lightweight, fabric bag with lots of pockets and zippers. She also recommends utilizing hotel laundry services to stretch a small wardrobe (which she builds around a single pair of business shoes) over a long trip.

Still, packing everything into a single carry-on bag can occasionally make things awkward at the airport.

"I was a laughable sight wearing way too many clothes at a Lufthansa gate in Hong Kong, refusing to let my bag be rejected as too heavy."

Halliburton president Jeff Miller wakes up at 5 a.m. local time, no matter where he is.

Though it can sometimes be painful, Miller thinks it's extremely important to get in sync with his surroundings in whatever city he's in.

He also recommends going for a run outdoors, not only as a means of recharging the body and soul, but as a method of getting an up-close look at the city that other tourists and businesspeople don't often get.

"In my travels, I've run through the streets of every major city of the world. London, Paris, Beijing, Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, New York," he said. "I've also had the chance to run through deserts in places like Saudi Arabia. Again, the oil and gas business is everywhere."

Don Peppers has a foolproof plan to avoid jet lag.

The self-described "thought leader" and Peppers & Rogers Group founder begins planning two to three days before a trip by setting up his Outlook calendar to show the timezone in the place he's visiting alongside his home time.

Once he gets on the plane, he makes the international timezone his primary time, which changes the timestamps on emails and the time on the computer's display screen.

Then, he begins the transition for real by only eating and sleeping when he would in his destination city, using a 3 mg dose of melanin to help fall asleep.

Once he lands, he furthers his adjustment by exercising in the morning to help set his mental clock and refusing to take a nap (which can make people revert to their original timezone).

HighTower CEO Elliot S. Weissbluth uses his time on planes to disconnect.

The financial services executive says he appreciates the lack of in-flight distractions because it allows him to put on some noise canceling headphones and let his mind wander.

Weissbluth massages the creative part of his brain by reading novels and long-form non-fiction, and by listening to his favorite music (specifically, Led Zeppelin).

 "If you want to improve productivity and focus, you need to let your analytical mind rest," he writes. "Regularly devoting attention to books, magazines, stories, films, music or whatever else sparks your imagination is critical to staying at the top of your game in business."

Designer Rachel Zoe packs as many meetings into 48 hours as possible.

Since having kids, Zoe began prioritizing family time over leisurely business trips. Taking a cue from friend Stella McCartney, she now caps business trips at 48 hours and schedules meetings straight through, morning to night.

"Whirlwind tours don't leave room to tack on any socializing, which is a small sacrifice to make to return home sooner to your babies," she says.

Zoe also makes her trips work double-time by extending them and bringing the kids, or combining in business travel with plans to visit out of town family.

Peter Guber, CEO of Mandalay Sports Media and owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, always studies up on his destination's local culture before boarding his flight.

On one disastrous trip to Japan, Guber's speech fell flat after he spoke too fast, his jokes didn't translate, and he offended the audience by attempting to get them to participate.

"I was culturally out of sync, out of touch, and likely perceived to be out of my mind," he says.

Since then, Guber takes special care to research local culture and social customs in advance and adapt his speeches accordingly. Learning to mold his talks to each specific audience allows Guber to connect with the crowd without offending or boring them.

Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International, believes the biggest mistake of business travel is avoiding it.

"There's nothing like meeting colleagues face-to-face, on their turf," he says. "It not only expands a leader's perspective, but it also builds relationships that are the foundation of every company."

Though many leaders gripe that unnecessary travel is costs to much to justify, Sorenson notes that networking face-to-face builds relationships in a way that digital correspondence can't replace.

Sorenson also greatly values the varied perspectives and insights he gains from getting out of the office and exploring new places.  

Club Luichi members enjoy exclusive discounts and wholesale prices on a vast range of goods, services, and travel packages. Keep posted on the company’s updates by following this Twitter account.