By Colby Horton
Shop Site of the Month
Hargrave's Body Shop - Phoenix, Ariz.
www.autorepairaz.com
Newly redesigned, this site uses easy navigation techniques to help inform existing and potential customers about their shop and history.
Web Wise
The Internet Reduces the Stress of Summer Traveling
It's that time of year again. The kids are out of school, the temperature is heating up, and you just survived the first six months of a new millennium. It's time for a vacation. Taking a trip is a great idea. But, like most people, you probably don't like all the initial planning and preparation. It's time to put the Internet to good use.
Since its conceptual beginnings, the Internet has been a gateway of information. It has become such a powerful medium that planning a trip is as easy as staring at a computer screen.
The Internet can provide you with a virtual vacation, exhibiting the sights and sounds of exotic places from around the world. You no longer need to spend hours at a travel agency; brochures are now online and ready to be viewed at the click of a button. American Airlines (www.aavacations.com) and Delta Vacations (www.delta-air) both have their travel brochures online. The Internet also provides trip planning for the last-minute traveler. Sites like 11th Hour Vacations (www.11thhourvacations) allow travelers to find last-minute travel bargains.
Major hotel chains offer sites that provide room and price diagrams as well as restaurants, shopping and entertainment guides.
If you're taking a car trip this summer, the Internet can help you plan as well. Sites like MapQuest (www.mapquest.com) and AAA (www.aaa.com) can map out your route. Priceline (www.priceline.com) is now offering a gas card that allows you to name your price for a gallon of gas. They claim that you can save 10 to 20 cents per gallon by using their card.
Your computer can become a virtual travel agent, helping you locate the best deals on hotels, airfare and rental cars. Beware, however, that some online plans do not give you the option to back out without paying in full. And as always, make sure that the site is secure before submitting any credit card or personal information. For more information on secure transactions, refer to the Net Worth column in the December '99 issue of AutoInc.
Net Numbers
In 1999, 20 percent of Internet users
had used the Internet or an online service
to make travel reservations.
Source: Travel Industry Association of America (www.tia.org)
ASA Web Ways
Tips of the Month
Before they head cross-country this summer, remind your customers to look in the Automotive Tips section of the ASA Web site (www.asashop.org) for featured tips on understanding your brakes, taking good care of your car, advice concerning accidents and important items you should carry in your car. Each month, a new Tip of the Month is published to help fully protect them and their investment. Archived tips of the month date back one year and include tips on safety, improving your vehicle's gas mileage, fluids and filters, and tire maintenance. When using these tips in monthly newsletters or e-mail lists, be sure to accurately cite the source. If no source is identified, attribute the tip to the Automotive Service Association Web site.
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Net Worth is written by Colby Horton, ASA's electronic communications manager. He can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 234, or by e-mail at colbyh@asashop.org.
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Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
