How to succeed in business? Answer the phone!
I know we’ve all called a company and we get a message to push #1 for sales, then push #2 for service, push #3 for whatever, and so we do it, and then we get another message to push this, and push that, and you just want to pull your hair out when you finally get the right department, and then your call goes into voicemail. It’s enough to drive a person crazy.
This has been one of my pet peeves for years. Nobody answers the phone! Everyone thinks we have all the time in the world to waste sitting and waiting for their precious customer service. Have they all lost their minds? Do they know my time is valuable to me and I’m sure yours is to you?
We are Arnev Products, Inc., at www.arnev.com, the “Hard to find Switchplate” company, and we actually pay someone to answer our phones. Isn’t that amazing? We have customer service, so why can’t all the other companies just answer the phone too? Do they know how much money they are loosing with missed phone calls? Do they ever check their caller ID to see how many customers did not leave a message?
I can’t tell you how many times our customers are amazed that we actually answer the phone with a real human being on the other end. Many of them are totally shocked. Most of our competition on line do not even put a telephone number on their website so you could call them. I’m expected to just enter my Visa Card into their shopping cart, and I can’t even speak to a real person? And if the product is not what I need, I have to pay a re-stocking fee, when I couldn't even ask someone if this is indeed the product I need! Something is not right about that!
Other companies expect you to order their products and if you have a question, the only way you are allowed to speak to them is by e-mail! And they don't respond for two days! I am busy, and when I have the time to order something, I want to conclude the purchase NOW, at MY convenience, not in two days. When I encounter this, I just figure I have two days to find someone else who values my business.
Americans have gotten so accustomed to automated answering systems it’s almost second nature to us. When are we going to fight back? When are we going to make a stand? Don’t they know how much business they are loosing because of this ridiculous nightmare of forcing us to wait and wait, and then we have to leave another stupid message? Hire someone who is courteous, with a nice voice, and attentive to your customers needs, even if all they can do is take a message. At least a human being is answering the phone. I promise sales will go up.
Then some companies have customer service reps who can hardly speak English. Human, yes, but often very difficult to understand. I never in my life thought I would be making so many international calls, especially to India.
If you’re looking for electrical switch plate covers, floor boxes, electrical receptacles, audio-video floor boxes, and want your questions answered before you buy, or just want someone to talk to, you can call us at Arnev Products, Inc. 800-260-1181. We actually answer the phones from 8 AM to 4 PM, central time. After that, we go home.
Audio Video Floor Boxes for Churches and Stages
A few weeks ago my wife and I were guests at our neighbor’s church for a Sunday worship service. That Sunday they had a Contemporary Christian service with young and old people joining in with their electric guitars, electric keyboards, and even a set of drums were in the chancel area of the church. There was a complete sound system with microphones, as well as acoustic instruments like guitars, violin, and even a cello. There was also someone with a video camera that was hooked to a very large video screen to show up close pictures for the congregation who were sitting way in the back. It was a beautiful thing to see and hear that Sunday morning. I was wondering how all those devices were hooked up with no extension chords running along the floor for people to trip on, when I saw these floor boxes where everyone was plugged into for power, or plug a microphone into for the audio. They even had the video camera that was plugged into this one box on the floor, and what a great idea I thought this was. No extension chords all over the place for them to kick out, or to trip over, so the next morning I went on line to see what I could find for our church, as this was something they could really use.
I found Audio-video floor boxes by Arnev Products, Inc at www.arnev.com and they came in many sizes and with some colors as well as solid brass and stainless steel covers. When the cover was closed on the box, there was a spot for the chords to come out so the cover did not have to stay open. What a brilliant idea. Here are some of the style boxes they had available for purchase.
Half Pocket
Double Wide Pocket
These Audio-video floor boxes can be used for stage areas, concert halls, banquet rooms, or even in your home for surround sound and Internet access in your family room. They come with many accessories like RCA plugs, CAT5, Telephone jacks, High-Density TV hook-ups, and well as AC power, and microphone connectors of all kinds. Speaker wires, ¼ inch phone jacks for electric guitar and keyboards, as well as Karaoke audio equipment. They are also available with solid brass or stainless steel covers. These boxes can be mounted with flat or 45 degree angles for the plug adaptors on the inside of the box. All covers close with a space for the chords to stick out even with the top lid closed. And when they are not in use, the area that opens for the chords to come out is lifted back into a level position so the cover is totally closed when not in use. This is to prevent someone from getting their shoe caught in the slot. These boxes are all UL approved. The AC power ports all have a separated port as required by code. They are available in standard black as well as a couple other colors, and really do the job. You can find these all at Arnev Products, Inc. www.arnev.com 800-260-1181.
Here are some of the accessories which are available.
Custom finished switch plates
 Gold Finish
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 Corinthia
Pictured in #3 Bronze with
Gold Wash
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 Gold Finish
Fleur De Lis
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 Oceanus
Bright Finish
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 Pictured in
Pewter
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 Pewter Finish
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38 custom
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 Bamboo Hardware 23 products |
 Chamberlain Hardware 14 products |
 Corinthia Hardware 21 products |
 Fleur De Lis Hardware 5 products |
 Hammerhein Hardware 21 products |
 Oak Design Hardware 24 products |
 Oceanus Hardware 20 products |
 Pompeii Hardware 24 products |
 Roguery Hardware 25 products |
 Sonnet Hardware 22 products |
These custom finishes will put that special touch in your home, and they are all availabe at Arnev Products, Inc. 1-800-260-1181 and someone will answer the phone.
#9 Rust
Jeweled tone glass switchplates by Susan Goldstick
You just installed a specialty glass tile or painted glass backsplash in your kitchen or bath, and now you can't find a switch plate cover that will compliment this beautiful new product. We think we may have a solution for you with Jeweled Glass Switchplates in High-Gloss Glass. They are available in 32 electrical configurations, and in 24 specialty colors by the artist Susan Goldstick. And, are available at Arnev Products, Inc.
All Jeweled tone real glass switch plates are referred to as a mid-sized part and they are real beautifully beveled glass. The glass is painted on the back sides to let the beautiful color finish and texture comes through to the front side of the clear glass switchplates. They are a bit larger than the standard size, but not over-sized, and this is for a preticular reason. Many times when installing the glass tile backsplash, it is very difficult to cut perfectly around the electrical box in the wall, so this gives you a bit extra room to cover up any slight mistake by your installer. All Glass switchplates include matching screws.
Available Colors
Paintable Switch Plates
About Paintable Switch Plates
When you are redecorating and you are changing the switch plate covers, it’s very hard to find new switch plates in the exact match for the new color of your painted walls, or even a color that will compliment the color of the painted wall. So, why not just paint the switchplates with the same color of the new wall paint? Well, it’s not that easy, as sometimes the paint will not stick very well to the plastic or metal switchplates.
One of Arnev Products, Inc's. products specialize in pre-primed metal switchplates that are all mid-sized to cover up any old paint or wallpaper marks on the wall that may have been there for years, without you noticing it until you pulled that old switchplate off the wall.
Here is how these look with a pre-primed smooth finish
Are you a crafter or artist with a special design or faux finish in mind? These Pre-primed Paintable Metal Switch Plates have a ready to paint smooth black primer coating for that special color or texture you desire, or to cover with wallpaper. All switchplates come with pre-primed screws, also ready to paint.
Some tips on painting
- Be sure to wipe off the switchplates with a solvent, or paint thinner to remove any light surface oil before you start painting.
- We like to recommend that you take the plates off the wall and lay them on a large piece of cardboard.
- You can use either a latex or and oil based paint on our paintable switch plate covers, however oil based paint is a bit more durable.
- No need to apply a primer, as they are already primed and ready to paint.
- We recommend that if you are using a spray paint, to start with testing how to do this with several light coats on the back side of the plates to first get the technique to a comfortable level. Also do the same if you are using a brushing technique.
- Be sure to let the paint dry before the next light coat of paint, and it’s always better to give 2-3 light coats, rather than one heavy coat so you can eliminate any runs on the wallplate cover.
- It is a good idea to punch the screws into the cardboard and stand them with the heads up and paint all the screws at the same time.
All our switchplates are referred to as a mid-sized part. They are a bit larger than the standard size, but not over-sized. Having them a bit larger usually covers up any irregularities that could have occurred when the dry wall was cut for the electrical box openings, which does occur quite often. Also, this would cover up any outlines, or paint or wallpaper color differences left by the old light switch cover. However, they are not so over-sized that they don't fit into the space usually allotted for the standard sizes.
| Our switchplates can be flipped up-side-down to fit your particular electrical configuration. Let's say you have combination style, with the switches on one side, and the outlets on the other side. You can just flip the part over, and this works great in all cases. | |
These are available in all the “Hard to Find” configurations, and are all in stock items and ready for immediate delivery at www.arnev.com 1800-260-1181.
Stonique Simulated Stone Switch Plate Covers
You just installed a new tumbled marble or stone backsplash, and you can’t find that perfect color and texture match for the switch plate covers, so here is something that could work for you. Stonique® simulated stone are a perfect match for your marble or stone backsplashes, and they look great with on brick, too! They are available in 12 popular colors and in over 25 electrical configurations. They can also be made in almost any electrical custom configuration.
These Stonique® Switch Plates are created by combining a special resin with real crushed stone to give you the look and feel of natural stone. These plates are made to match tumbled marble and travertine by retaining the texture that occurs naturally, but with more durability than natural stone and are a perfect match for your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere in your home. They look great with a tumbled marble, stone or brick fireplace, also. Delivery is usually 7 to 10 days, as these are all custom made to order.
Our Stonique® wall plates are a bit oversized to cover up cutting mistakes around the electrical box in the wall. They are 3/8th inches larger on all sides, so a single size is 5-1/4 by 3-1/2 inches.
You can also order 2” by 2” Stonique® square samples for a perfect color match. And if you place an order for more than $50.00, Arnev Products, Inc. will also give you a refund when the samples are returned, so this is a great way to shop for that perfect finish.
Arnev Products, Inc. 800-260-1181 can delivery these usually within 7 days.
Beveled Glass Light Switchplates for your new glass backsplash
You just spent time and money on a beautiful glass backsplash, but now you have those ugly plastic switchplates starring you right in the face, so what do you do? Here is a great way to custom finish with the same color tones of the new backsplash, and in glass. You can make a custom glass switchplate for your glass backsplash in your kitchen or bath by painting the back sides of the clear Beveled glass switchplates . Or, here's another idea you might consider. Take a photo picture of your tile, granite, or glass backsplash, and cut out the electical openings and put the photo image behind the clear beveled glass switchplates by Arnev Products, Inc. And, this almost make the switchplates disapper. You also could take a picture of your grand children, favorite pet, or holiday theme and put that behind the beveled glass switchplate for that special finishing touch. Here's is how that would look.
How to paint the back sides
When painting the back sides, we suggest using either a latex or an oiled based paint. To see the directions for painting these switchplates yourself and see our link below for the painting instructions. And, it's easy.
With the translucent appearance of glass tiles, you can now custom paint to the exact color match you need with this do-it-yourself process with painting instructions. For sizing check it out here Switchplate Sizing.
Rustic North Woods Home Decor’
Rustic Home Décor’ for your North Wood Home or Cabin
You just renovated your north woods cabin and you are looking for the right décor. You have it decorated with trophy animals heads that you bagged, and you keep looking at those ugly plastic switchplates on your walls. Wouldn’t it be great to have some Rustic Animal and natural woods themes to display around your home? You need look no further than Arnev Products, Inc. And all Made in the USA.
How about something special for the hunter or fisherman in your life? You can't miss with these switchplates in 15 different designs Rustic Animals Switchplates. These Rustic Theme Switchplates are available in a Copper Patina and Matte Black finish, and they are available with the themes looking left or right, and in over 50 electrical configurations up to 10 gangs in length.
Check out all the matching home accessories including tissue paper holders, coat racks, paper towel holders and special North Woods style mirrors. They are a Must see right here and will turn your North woods home or cabin in something very special with this Rustic Home Décor’.
Toliet Paper Holders in our Copper Patina finish
Rustic Theme Mirror Collection
See all of our fine hand crafted item made in the USA at Arnev Products, Inc. 800-260-1181
Mistake Rings Blog
Mistake Rings for Floor Boxes
You hired a contractor to put in some electrical outlets in your new hard wood floor. However, when the contractor cut the hole in the floor the floor box cover was not large enough to cover up the rough edges they left in your beautiful new floor! What do you do? Or how do you cover up an existing concrete floor box in the floor where the tile is all cracked and chipped? We have the solution for you.
“Mistake Rings” by Arnev Products, Inc.
These will fit almost any round box cover on the market by all the manufacturers, and can be glued or screwed to the underside of the floor box cover to give you the extra width needed to cover almost all cutting mistakes. These are 4” ID (inside diameter) by 7 1/2” OD (outside diameter), or 4 1/2" ID by 7 1/2" OD, and are beautifully brass plated for years or wear. Or, Arnev Products can customize both your new or existing floor box cover and new Mistake Ring in 38 custom finishes. You could have the Mistake Ring and Floor box cover in Bronze, Pewter, Copper, or any one of 38 custom finishes at this page on their website,
and you can even order the custom finish sample chips.
This could be the fix you are looking for, so check out the floor box mistake rings or call Arnev Products, Inc. at 800-260-1181.
How to install Socketops
- Turn off the power
- Remove wallplate if needed
- Clean grease and dirt from receptacle by spraying a household cleaner (Fantastic, Windex) on a soft cloth and wipe surface. Dry thoroughly.
- If the receptacle is sticking out too far from the front of the switchplate, you will need to remove the wallplate and adjust the adjusting screws on the receptacle in or out, and then test it by putting the wallplate against the wall to get it to the right location. The receptacle should be slightly behind the wallplate for the best appearance. You might want to take a permanent black marking pen and color in where the plugs go into the receptacles, as you will still see the white or cream color in the receptacles, even with “Socketops” in place. This may not be an issue to many customers, but just a thought to make them look perfect.
- Peel off Socketops small “hanging chads” if there are any, and peel off backing exposing the adhesive side. Try not to touch the adhesive side if at all possible.
- To help with the alignment, you could insert two electrical plugs into the Socketop with the adhesive side toward the receptacle. Duplex style receptacle will only need one plug. Insert plug (plugs) into receptacle and press firmly. Remove the plugs and continue to press firmly. If you can eyeball this section, then it will not be a problem.
- Replace plate cover and restore the power.
- Please note: There may occasionally be very slight differences in the size of Decora-Decorator devices because of a different manufacturer. We manufactured our Decora-Decorator Style plugs and switches a bit larger to accommodate all sizes. You may have to trim off the bottom edge carefully to accommodate your size Decora switch.
