Archive for May, 2010

Published by Michael Ellison on 25 May 2010

Zap that Trade!

As we mentioned in our e-Monitor Update (Corporate Insight subscription required) this week, Zecco alluded to a major innovation that was slated to arrive today. This morning, the firm introduced the Zecco Zap Trade, which is a little widget for Firefox that automatically enters a pink “Z” on web pages where it recognizes a stock name or symbol. This allows Zecco clients to easily enter a trade for that stock - a very convenient little tool indeed!

 

Click the Read More link to view a video where I show the Zap Trade tool in action and how it integrates seemlessly with a live account.

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Web 2.0

Published by Michael Ellison on 19 May 2010

Cardmember Loyalty

I had a call yesterday with a credit card company to activate a replacement card for one I had lost. The rep was a courteous fellow, if not bordering on obsequious, and as he was reviewing my account he said, “I see that you’ve been a member for…wow, 19 years! Just want to say thank you for your continued support.”

Besides making me feel a bit old (really? 19 years?), his comment got me thinking what happens on my 20th anniversary with them? Will I get some recognition? A card? A free cup at Starbucks? Marketers often talk about customer loyalty and how important it is. The thing is, do they acknowledge the loyal customers when they get them? It’s something to think about and it’s so easy to do. Just a simple, “Thanks for being a great customer. Have a cup of coffee on us.”

It’s all about creating a great customer experience. Experience matters.

Credit Cards, Customer Service

Published by Ian Lundahl on 10 May 2010

Retirement Resources and Mobile Capabilities Reign Supreme During Tax Season

Apple iPadWith financial issues on the minds of many investors during tax season, firms utilized the opportunity to promote new online retirement-focused ideas. April also brought with it Earth Day, and a few firms highlighted their various environmental incentives, especially electronic document delivery. Mobile was also once again a hot topic with Apple’s iPad taking center stage with one e-Monitor firm rolling out an iPad app. Continue Reading »

Annuities, Banking, Brokerage, Credit Cards, Mobile Brokerage, Retirement

Published by David Rosenberg on 04 May 2010

Vanguard Reignites the Brokerage Commission War

And the war rages on… With its announcement today of slashed stock and ETF commissions, Vanguard went from charging the highest commission among self-directed firms that we track to among the lowest. Effective today, all of Vanguard’s 46 ETFs will be available to clients commission-free. Continue Reading »

Brokerage, ETFs, mutual funds