Posts Tagged ‘Phoenix’

An “Ultimate” Outing for QwikBids!

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Cathy’s Clips

The staff had a wonderful time at the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center. We had an exhibitor’s booth awaiting us when we arrived. We’re getting good at this so set up went very qwik this time around!

In our industry, we have found that the bulk of consumers that generally use services to locate quality service providers are overwhelmingly women. So we didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to put on display the ease and convenience of using QwikBids for their next home project. We got their attention! The busy woman is looking for ways to avoid having to endure the task of looking for a service provider. Do you need landscape in the Metropolitan Phoenix area? Do you need swimming pool repair or maintenance? Is your roof in need of repair? Demonstrating how QwikBids takes the pain out of locating a service provider that will treat customer’s right, was relatively easy.

We handed out literally thousands of our cards, and explained to all who we are and how we not only benefit consumers and service providers, but also charities. Attendees were very adamant in saying what a great idea QwikBids is and how they plan on utilizing our service on their next home project!

The Expo went on for two days. The first day, Valerie Bertinelli spoke about empowerment, and her battle with weight loss. It was a very heartfelt speaking engagement, and a very crowded one. Women from around the Valley applauded Valerie for her courage and determination.

Speaking of courage and determination, the second day of the Expo presented Olivia Newton-John (who was accompanied by her new husband, John Easterling). Olivia expressed her battle with cancer, and the resulting victory overcoming it. According to her, a new lease on life and outlook in the future has forever been changed. She is reaching out to women globally in an effort to raise awareness of cancers that plague women from every walk of life.

How could we not applaud both Valerie and Olivia? The entire gang loved it!

This is just the beginning for QwikBids, a business that’s in the business of helping others and showing all other businesses that profits are not the only issues that need to be addressed. As many of you already know, QwikBids is modeled for charities as well. The recession has affected everyone, so it’s a breath of fresh air knowing that when you use QwikBids, you’re giving back to the community.

It seems we are in recovery, and we’re bouncing back! Stay tuned for more events the QwikBids team attends. And if you see us, drop by and say hello!

Home and Landscaping Show: QwikBids is back at it!

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Cathy’s Clips

 Once again, QwikBids hit the road to spread the word about a unique way for consumers and service providers alike to come together. The destination this time was the Maricopa County Home & Landscape Show at the Maricopa County Fairgrounds in Phoenix. The mood was cheery, and the smell of food cooking was everywhere. We found our referred service providers are able to handle all Phoenix landscape needs!

We got situated rather quickly, then settled into the routine of meeting consumers and the many service providers that came out to show their stuff. We had more visibility this time around, so we were busy! Thousands of consumers were in attendance, wanting to get the most for their money during these recessionary times. These consumers represented the many homeowners looking for home improvement ideas. Yes, consumers want to spend money!

We explained to consumers (and service providers) what we were all about, and they knew we would come in handy for their upcoming projects. There was one that was interested in using our service but also owned a business. So they are not only a consumer using QwikBids, they are also now a service provider on our site. Awesome!

I had the crew by my side, and as always we had tons of fun. The bid requests have picked up as a result, meaning business is picking up for our service providers. The three days at the show were a success, and look forward to attending many more.

Next up is the American Cancer Society Charity event in Goodyear (we are a sponsor), then we will be attending the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center October 17th and 18th. Come on down and visit our booth, I would like to meet all of you personally!

Contractors that Work with You!

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Qwik Hits!

 

 Commitment to satisfaction doesn’t show itself every day, but at QwikBids, things are a little different. We believe that through registration with us, Service Providers are stating the obvious, “We’ll do whatever it takes to not only provide quality, but competitive pricing as well.

It came as no surprise then, a consumer was so impressed with their contractor they just had to let us know; and so, QwikBids wants you to know too!

“MS” writes, [The company I chose] “was fantastic. They were prompt, clean and did a fantastic job. We had several schedule changes and they were willing and able to accommodate us at the very last minute. I would recommend them to anyone who needs perfect craftsmanship at a very competitive price.”

Keep them coming consumers!

QwikBids is more than happy to share these experiences with our readers, Service Providers, and of course, customers who use our unique system to get the job done right!

Party Decorating 101 – Keep It Simple!

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

By guest author Amy Wolff, CID

 

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). 

Interior Decorating Ideas

Friday, July 24th, 2009

How Are Your Bones? 

 

By Guest Author Amy Wolff, C.I.D.

When you are starting a new design project, the first thing you must do is assess the bones of your space.  The bones of a room are the shape and details that are a part of its structure.  Unless you are remodeling, there are limits on what you can do with the shape and architectural interests of a room.  The best thing to do is to enhance the positive elements, and downplay the negative elements.

The bones include the ceiling, all walls, archways and shapes of doorways, doors, built-ins, fireplaces, moldings and baseboards, and unusual elements such as stonework or tongue and groove walls.

We must also consider the function of the room to determine which features should be embellished, accented, hidden, or played down.  Many homeowners find this easier to do with the help of a professional.

The very best way to begin a good diagnosis of a room is to remove most of the furnishings.  Of course, it is often not feasible to remove the furnishings from your room – but sometimes just removing the accumulated accessories and then rearranging as you bring them back into the room helps.  Don’t be afraid to seek the help of an interior decorator who can see things with a “fresh eye,” ask the right questions regarding how you want to use the room, and even provide a project plan that will enhance the function, feel and look of the room.

If you are starting a new design project for a room, and you are not planning to remodel the space, you will have a better result if you remember this: The bones are there to stay, and you must design or decorate with the bones in mind first.