Consumer Feedback: Does It Pay?


Where would companies be without consumers? It's in their best interest to keep us buying their wares, so most manufacturers want to hear our opinions and are interested in what we have to say about their stuff. Yes, those oft-printed (but rarely used) 800 numbers on the backs of the syrup bottles and on the tomato-sauce labels are there for that express purpose, with eager operators waiting to take calls from us, the customers. Smaller companies, at the very least, have addresses to which we can send snail mail feedback. (How old-fashioned!)


Now, I've called these "consumer hotlines" occasionally when dissatisfied with a product, but I was curious as to what would happen if I called or wrote these companies with praise, or with questions. So I selected a few items that I use regularly (and like), and decided to contact their manufacturers and share my thoughts. Over the next few days, I'll be cranking up the letter-writing machine and wielding my phone, and I'll share the results of my experiment here.


The frugal advantages to such efforts are twofold. First, consumer opinions enable manufacturers to develop products that better suit their customers' needs. If Fleischmann's Yeast, for example, begins selling yeast in larger packages like I want them to, I would probably be able to buy more yeast for less money, given the fact that "family size" packages are often better values. Plus, it would keep me from making special trips to the grocery store just to buy yeast, as I often find myself doing on bread-baking days. So, larger packages would mean greater value.


Second, companies often reward customers who care enough to share their opinions. Receiving consumer feedback helps them keep their professional, expensive market research to a minimum, so they're usually glad to send coupons for discounts, or even free products.


I only started my experiment this morning, but already I've gotten favorable results. I called the toll-free number for Oil of Olay to ask them if their Complete moisturizer with sunscreen came in anything higher than SPF 15. The very polite rep on the other end said no, but she promised to pass my comments along...and then offered to send me a coupon for $2 off my next moisturizer purchase! Since I use Oil of Olay moisturizer every day, and it can get quite expensive, the coupon will be a big help to me.


So like I said, I'll post the results of my experiment as they come along, and I invite you to get feedbackin' too! You can post your results in the Message Boards.

Recipe: Cornbread


Good old-fashioned cornbread is one of the easiest and cheapest complements to your main course. What's more, it's easily customizable - you can add cheese and chili peppers for a Mexican flavor, or canned corn for a bolder flavor. This recipe is from the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book.


Ingredients:
1 c all-purpose flour

1 c yellow, white or blue cornmeal

2-4 tbsp sugar (I always use just 2)

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 c milk

1/4 c cooking oil or shortening, melted


In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl beat together eggs, milk and oil or shortening. Add to flour mixture and stir just till batter is smooth (do not overbeat). Pour into a greased 9x9x2-inch pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or till golden brown. Makes 8-9 servings.


Mexican variation: Add 1 4-oz can diced green chilies and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to batter before baking.