Welcome

May 8th, 2009

Welcome to the the QwikBids.com Blog! Here you will find exciting and informative articles from QwikBids. New features are added frequently to make your QwikBids experience the best it can be.

Now is the Time!

February 25th, 2010

QwikBids Investigates – Brian M. Smith

 

Doubts in our economy have caused many problems and setbacks for consumers and businesses alike. 2009 was a difficult year indeed, as we witnessed record job-losses, businesses failing or cutting back and consumers spending much less. These things apply to us all, but there is much to rejoice about in 2010.

As our economy slowly makes its way back to recovery, the result is increased consumer spending. This spending is what fuels the engine for our valley businesses, and is vital to being successful with QwikBids.

QwikBids has hung in there, and the reward for patience is paying off.

Recent data tells us we are in recovery, and as we heal from the past 2 years of hardship, there will be an influx of consumer spending not seen since the recession began. Projects by homeowners and commercial businesses have been put off, and this year we project a large swell in bid requests to fulfill these needs as they come in larger numbers.

Now is the time to act!

Yes, it’s time to prepare for the inevitable consumer and business spending. No longer should service providers put off being in place to bid on projects in their respective professions. If it’s affordable, proven and easy to set up, coming aboard QwikBids just makes sense!

Take it from our own service providers.

John Wifler, owner of John’s Design and Tree Service, is playing it smart. Specializing in landscaping, tree care and irrigation systems, John realizes the importance of being ready and willing to take on additional projects to keep his crew busy. “Since joining QwikBids, I have been really busy, especially since December. People seem to feel a little safer about the economy and are now spending more money,” John states.

John says that he also landed a commercial job from a local college on QwikBids, and adds that the client was so happy with his services, they’ll be using his company again. In the beginning John rolled the dice with his marketing budget and joined QwikBids, and after his initial experience, it dawned on him just how valuable our services really are.

“I decided to sign up to QwikBids for an additional two years instead, as they gave me a discount on a special they have. It was a no-brainer. I’m now looking to expand my crew and invest more money in my business,” John says with confidence, adding, “Both door to door and word of mouth also work, but immediate results came with QwikBids.”

Getting involved with QwikBids is easy, economical ($399 per year; no hidden fees) and exposes registered users to ready-to-buy consumers. Set-up can be done online, but if assistance is needed, businesses are encouraged to contact customer service or arrange a visit to offices located in Scottsdale. Ask about specials that QwikBids offers to valley businesses as well.

Much is being accomplished to draw consumers to use this service, free of charge. It allows the consumer to remain anonymous if they wish, choose the best value for their needs and all from the comfort of their own home. What’s more, consumer confidence is high with QwikBids, as they know all service providers are verified for licensing (if it applies), insurance and reputation (references). These things are vital to consumers looking to spend their money again.

Lastly, QwikBids donates to charity when consumers leave feedback on a business that performed work for them. Giving back to the community is yet another incentive for consumers and service providers alike.

Again, we cannot express the importance of being prepared for the re-growth of our economy. Don’t put it off, visit QwikBids today. Now is the time!

Tricks to Brighten a Room

February 17th, 2010

by Amy Wolff, C.I.D.

 

Not everyone has the luxury of having large windows that let in lots of sunlight.  Many homes have at least one room that is continually dark.  A dark room can cause accidents, eye-strain, and even a poor disposition.  If you’d like to add more light to that room – without taking a sledgehammer to your walls, try a few of these room-brightening tricks.  A brighter room will lead to a brighter mood!

 

  • Paint your walls a light color, and use eggshell or semi-gloss paint.  Dark, matte finishes actually soak up the light, making the room seem darker – even when you put the lights on.  Lighter, glossier paints will reflect the light back into the room.

 

  • Keep your ceiling white.  We know it’s fun and fashionable to paint ceilings “anything but white.”  But in that very dark room, it’s amazing the difference that a white ceiling makes.  Just like dark walls, a dark ceiling will absorb a lot of the available light.

 

  • Add more lamps.  Yes, this seems obvious.  But many homeowners rely solely on overhead lights to illuminate a room.  Light needs to come from various levels – low, middle, and high.  Combining up-lights on the floor and lamps on tables around the room with overhead lighting will create a brighter, more comfortable room.

 

  • Hang large mirrors.  Large mirrors can act like windows, reflecting the light back into the room.

 

  • Choose reflective surfaces.  Just like walls, other large surfaces can absorb or reflect your light.  Opt for glossier furnishings, add glass to your framed artwork, and place mirrored trays on top of dark tables.  We are seeing more and more sophisticated metallics in paints and fabrics, too!

 

Light is important for your physical and mental health.  So make sure your home is getting all the light you need!

 

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).  Amy can be reached at 480-683-0200, or amywolff@rnsmte.com.

Why Customer Feedback is Crucial!

January 22nd, 2010

Qwik Hits!

 

Word of mouth is always great when you seek services and have no idea where to begin. But sometimes, there are projects around the home that require a specialist for an array of odd things you may need done. Too often, there are no suggestions from family or friends. However, there’s an alternative to having to “shoot in the dark” when choosing a service provider for your many projects.

Rely on feedback from homeowners like you!

QwikBids offers a unique rating and feedback system that’s easy to understand and is always completely free to consumers. Aside from word of mouth, feedback from other homeowners is the most reliable way to know you’re getting the best deal in addition to supreme workmanship.

Consumers have an incentive to leave feedback too. For their feedback, QwikBids donates $10 to the charity of their choice! How cool is that?

Very recently, a homeowner decided it was time to visit QwikBids with an assortment of projects that needed to be done. From what we could tell, she was looking for one company to come in and do it all. She placed her bid request (always free!), got numerous bids and scheduled a reputable handyman to come out to do the work.

After the work was completed, she happily gave feedback. She wrote, “Dan is the best! He is very knowledgeable, efficient, honest and his prices are very fair. He did a great job on fixing a messy electrical problem I had in my master bathroom. Dan is the first person I will call when I need any electrical, plumbing or repair work done in the future.”

This feedback will help many in choosing a service provider, but this is also very favorable to Dan, as he has now established a customer relationship through his performance and fairness. Good job, Dan!

What’s more, the customer chose Sequoya Elementary School for the $10 donation. She had her projects done superbly at a great price, and helped our kids!

It all starts with all-important feedback. Visit QwikBids today to take advantage! It’s free to consumers, plus you remain anonymous until you choose a service provider. Convenient, easy and just makes sense!

Beat the Post Holiday Blues

January 19th, 2010

By Amy Wolff, CID

 

 

Once the decorations are back in storage, here are some ideas to spice up your rooms!

 

Planning and installing holiday decorations consumes a lot of time – and we all get real satisfaction once the scene is set for entertaining.  But what happens when once the greenery and ornaments come down?  Our homes feel bare and lose the warmth they held for those few weeks.

There are lots of simple ways to transform your rooms once the holiday decorations are stored.
§ How about the walls of stairways and hallways?  This is a great time to frame and hang artwork or photos.
§ What about those empty corners?  Consider adding that accent table you never purchased or the lighting needed in that space.
§ What about color?  The house may have looked more inviting because the decorations added a shot of color that is missing the rest of the year.  Reupholstering one chair or painting an accent wall will impact the whole room!  Think about an interesting wallpaper in the powder room, too.
§ Is scale a problem?  The absence of that holiday décor may reveal that the scale is incorrect – especially in rooms with generous ceiling heights.  Place something higher on the wall or an item taller than 6 feet.  Clear away some smaller items for one large accessory!

Consider this a season of opportunity for your home.  In the coming year, our homes will become even more important to us.  It’s a new age of cocooning – entertaining at home and adjusting rooms to better fit our needs.  Even if you can’t do a major redecorating project, these small things will bring emotional warmth to the home!
 

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).

Party Decorating 101 – Keep It Simple!

November 14th, 2009

by guest writer Amy Wolff

 

In addition to being the busiest time of year, the holiday season is the most popular time to entertain and make merry with family and friends.  Seek out decorating inspiration that’s simple, yet adds warmth, cheer and style to your home!  Some simple ideas to make your home more festive…

 

Holiday Greenery:  Add holly berries, evergreen boughs, and pine roping to banisters, doorways and centerpieces.  Fill a large bowl with colored glass ornaments for tabletops and mantles.  Easier still, faux evergreens are great looking, re-usable, and easy to find at craft stores. 

Holiday Scents:  Use pine, gingerbread, sugarplum or peppermint scented candles or potpourri. Even grocery stores offer candles and “plug-in’s” with seasonal scents. 

Holiday Table Wrapping:  Linens, placemats or runners add holiday flair to tables.  Turn functional items like chairs, doors, banisters and plant containers into decorations by “wrapping” them in fabric and bows.  Buy green, gold, red, blue, or silver linens without holiday themes and think about all the other occasions in which you can these!

Holiday Sparkle:  Use bead strands and candles to create a holiday glow. String the beads on light fixtures or over window treatments and watch them twinkle!

Holiday Sounds:  Have a diverse selection of festive holiday tunes to set the mood for a party – or even for yourself!

Decorate and Forget It!

The most important part of the party should be spending quality time with family and friends.  Keep the holiday displays on the mantle instead of the dinner table so you won’t need to re-arrange for every meal.  Get your decorating done early and simply, so you can sit down and enjoy the season!

 

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).

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