Travellady MagazineTM


Do You Need an Expert?

Reviewed by Madelyn Miller

Americans have become dependant on the services they patronize.  From banking, to carpentry, to child care, consumers trust these service providers with the maintenance of their finances, the upkeep of their home, and even the safety of their children, and yet most people leave their selection up to chance, by picking a random name from the yellow pages or asking for a referral from a friend.  Susan Ten Abby Shay, author of "The Consumer's Guide to Experts," has interviewed industry insiders who reveal where consumers should begin their search for the most qualified service provider, what to look for - and look out for. 

In "Consumer's Guide to Experts," Susan profiles the questions consumers need to ask to find first-class service marked by respect for the client and passion for the profession.  She teaches people how to assess their own needs; what kinds of education, certification, licensing and experience are required or desirable in each trade or profession; what trends are affecting service providers and consumers; and insider facts that will give them the edge in getting their money's worth.

Top Pros in 50 Fields Show You How to Hire the Best...From Accountants to Veterinarians

By Susan T. Shay

A typical American uses and pays for at least 10 services each month and up to 20 each year, which are at various times intimately involved with physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing.  The Consumer's Guide to Experts (Kiplinger, October 2001) provides readers with tips and guidelines from industry experts who reveal where to begin searching for, what to look for - and what to look out for, in determining whom to go to for the professional services they need. 

Based on the premise, that the best sources of information about how to choose a good service provider are those who provide excellent service, more than 800 insiders were asked to contribute because they have earned the respect of both clients and their peers.  These people give readers practical insight into what questions consumers need to ask to find first class service marked by respect for the client and passion for the profession. 

Each chapter focuses on different service fields such as:

  • Accounting

  • Automotive Repair

  • Banking

  • Building and Repair Contracting

  • Cleaning Services

  • Counseling

  • Dentistry

  • Health  Clubs

  • Hair Styling

  • Insurance

  • Landscaping

  • Massage Therapy

  • Optometry

  • Personal Training

  • Pharmacy

  • Plumbing

  • Medicine

  • Stock Brokering

  • Travel Agencies

  • ...and more

Through these profiles, readers learn how to assess their own needs; what kinds of education, certification, licensing and experience are required or desirable in each trade or profession; what trends are affecting service providers and consumers; and insider facts that will give readers the edge in getting their money's worth.  Listings of consumer resources with web site addresses are also available for more information and insight.

Consumers no longer have to leave the task of selecting service providers up to chance.  The Consumer's Guide to Experts gives readers the tools they need to make informed decisions on the quality of service professionals they use day-to-day.

About The Author

Susan Ten Abby Shay is the author of four books and numerous professional and popular publications.  She has written and edited professionally, and currently serves as president and CEO of a high-tech design and manufacturing company.  She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Consumer's Guide to Experts
Published by Kiplinger Books October, 2001
ISBN 0-938721-87-9   Softback $19.95
416 pages

Buy it now at Amazon.com

Back to TravelLady Magazine

 

 


Join us on Facebook
Copyright 1995-2010 TravelLady Magazine