Posts filed under 'Pet Crates Direct News'
I admit that I’ve not been very attentive to posting on the blog lately.I apologize. I’ve been a little sidetracked implementing a couple of features that hopefully my customers will appreciate….
In an effort to ease concerns of customers hesitant to purchase online due to security fears, I’ve contracted with SCANALERT. SCANALERT performs daily scans of my domain to ensure that my website is secure for shoppers. Meeting the highest standards, ScanAlert’s HACKER SAFE certification is the only security scanning technology recognized to meet both the U.S. government’s benchmark FBI/SANS security test and the security standards of all major credit card companies. With daily scanning and visible compliance seal (taken away if not compliant) you can be sure that Pet Crates Direct is among the safest shopping sites on the internet.
Of course I will still take your order on the phone if you prefer, which brings me to the second new customer service feature that I’ve recently implemented - a toll free number. Now you can call me with your questions and orders free of charge at 1-800-793-5011. Keep in mind that I’m a one-person office so if I happen to be on the phone or away from my desk you’ll get the voice mail. If you leave a message I’ll be happy to return the call as soon as possible. I’m usually in the office 9-5 monday-friday and I’m back in New Mexico now so I’m on mountain time. The old 724 number in Pennsylvania is still active as I have a satellite office there from which my daughter works but customers should use the toll free for quickest reponse time. I still check the PA number for messages daily, just in case.
Be sure to check the blog over the next couple of days as I anticipate I’ll have a savings coupon that I will run for a couple of days while I sort out the May sale products.
Thanks for your continued patronage and support.
Lori
May 2nd, 2006
I’ve finally gotten around to adding dog crate replacement trays to the website. After many requests from customers for availability and pricing as well as taking a large number of phone orders, you can now easily purchase them online. Be sure to know your crate model before ordering a pan so you can be sure of a perfect fit. Crate sizes vary so it is important that you order the correct pan. If you need a pan and do not know your crate model or have a brand other than Midwest, then I recommend that you measure your crate. Find a Midwest model with the exact same dimensions and order the pan for that crate. Large pans are costly to ship due to package size so you’ll want to be sure you are ordering the correct pan to avoid costly mistakes. You can find dog crate replacement pans on the dog crate accessories page
April 12th, 2006
As an online shopper myself, one of my peeves is visiting a site that requires I create an account or enter my full name, address, etc. before I am able to access the cost of shipping. For that reason, I invested in an extra software module that works with the petcratesdirect shopping cart to provide easy access to shipping cost based on your state and zip. I have included a brief explanation as well as a link to the shipping calculator in the left sidebar of each product page under the “shipping calculation is easy” subheading. I have attempted to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible but must have fallen short of my goals as periodically I will be asked by customers about shipping costs as they explain that the website wants them to enter all of their info before calculating. Sometimes the person designing the site doesn’t see the obvious so if you have found the process confusing and would like to share feedback on your experience, I welcome your input.
Another point of confusion seems to be in my use of Fedex ground for shipping. Customers on occasion indicate to me that they “paid extra” for Fedex shipping and/or expect faster delivery because the item was shipped Fedex. I suppose the confusion is created simply from the Fedex name which originally only offered express shipping at a premium cost. Fedex now offers ground service which is comparable to UPS. My references to shipping on the website are in the form of “Fedex Ground”. I also explain on the shipping page that expedited shipping is not available as all items ship via ground only. I have found Fedex Ground to be the most cost effective shipping service. The website’s shipping calculator is linked directly to Fedex Ground so rates are calculated accurately based on the weight of the item as well as state and zip.
Please feel free to post your feedback on the above or any other aspect of petcratesdirect.com on which you might have had issues or been confused. There is always room for improvement and I look to shoppers feedback for indications of areas in need.
March 28th, 2006
When it comes to 54″ giant breed dog crates, Midwest presently makes available three different models - 99, 1154, 1154U. Basically the most cost efficient model intended for direct shipping to customers is the model 1154U. This is a slightly narrower version of the 1154 that has been designed with the specific purpose of shipping at ground oversize two rates. The pan for this crate is boxed separately to allow both crate and pan to ship at oversize two rates. Aside from the difference in width and the packaging configuration there is no difference between the 1154 and the 1154U. It should be noted that since the pan is not included in the box with the crate you must order crate (1154U) and pan (1154UPAN) separately. An optional divider panel is also available for this model.
Many customers are familiar with the Midwest Concepts model 99 Colossal crate which, until fairly recently, was the only 54″ crate available from Midwest. So what are the differences between the newer 1154 Starter Series and the Concepts model 99? The finish on the 1154 is black e-coat while the 99 is silver zinc. The 99 also includes a free divider panel. Both crates are heavy duty. The 1154 crates, which are made in China are more economically priced than the American made 99 models. You might note that the 1154 is part of the Starter Series of crates which is a medium duty series. The 1154 is an exception as this crate is heavy duty with same wire gauge and construction as the heavy duty model 99.
So the bottom line is that unless you need the additional width (2″) or divider panel then the 1154U and 1154UPAN will likely be your best buy. See the giant breed dog crates page for full product descriptions and prices.
If there is something I haven’t covered here or you have questions please feel free to post a comment so I can reply for all to see.
March 2nd, 2006
I received word from the factory today that model 1624 Life Stages single door dog crates are on backorder until the week of March 6th. Please consider the double door version in the meantime. I have noted the backorder status on the webpage as well.
February 13th, 2006
Some of you have been patiently waiting for the arrival of Bay Isle models 1824 and 1830 which have been on backorder. We got word yesterday that they have arrived and all orders in house will ship today. We’ll forward tracking numbers on monday. We appreciate your patience and orders.
February 10th, 2006
Midwest had announced that they would discontinue the Championship series of dog crates beginning in January of this year. This includes all models in the series with the exception of the side by sides. I’ve just gotten an updated status as to the stock situation and have updated the pages on the site to reflect the models that are still available. Don’t hesitate to purchase if you are interested in one of these crates as they seem to be going quickly.
February 9th, 2006
I’ll be using this blog as an easy way to keep customers abreast of what’s going on at Pet Crates Direct. I’ll post info on new products, stock status, savings coupons, etc via this format. I’ll also provide pet related articles that you might find of interest as well as industry news.
Since my newsletter production has been less than consistent (my apologies to subscribers) I have decided the new role of the mailing list will be exclusive to alerting subscribers of new products and subscriber-only specials. So if you don’t mind an occasional email from me, I encourage you to subscribe to the list and reap the benefits 
I’d like to thank those of you who have purchased from Pet Crates Direct and welcome your comments and suggestions as to how this form of communication might best benefit you as a customer. My initial ideas about this blog and its use are only that - initial ideas. I expect and anticipate this forum will evolve and grow with your input and look forward to the process.
Check back tomorrow for more!
Thanks for your continued support,
Lori
February 8th, 2006
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