Office1000 Blog June Archive

Profiles; Namiki Fine Pens

By Office1000 at 06/16/2006 06:57

From a culture that has revered the art of writing for more than a thousand years comes instruments that celebrate both writing and art. Where traditional techniques and modern innovations are fully realized in writing instruments that bridge art and technology, poetry and science, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

For the Namiki Collections, skilled Japanese artisans use the finest materials to create a line of writing instruments that look beautiful and perform flawlessly. We introduce Maki-e lacquering, a centuries-old technique in which multi-layered patterns are drawn on the barrel and cap with urushi - sap from Japanese lacquer trees. The hand-painted designs richly interpret scenes of nature in precious metals and lavishly colored pigments.

Other products feature 18 karat gold, sterling silver, lacquer or celluloid finishes, executed in styles ranging from the enduring beauty of the Emperor Collection to the intricate designs of the Yukari Collection.

However, superior craftsmanship is just the beginning. For as beautiful as they are, Namiki writing instruments are designed to be used. A precision nib and superior ink and lead delivery systems ensure an exceptionally smooth stroke and clean line. In every aspect, Namiki redefines quality in premium writing instruments.

For the collector and connoisseur, Namiki is a revelation. For the valued client, friend or family member, it will be the gift of a lifetime. For every creative endeavor, Namiki is the ultimate writing tool.

You can purchase many Namiki pens from Office1000.com

Profiles; Iceberg Enterprises

Originally conceived in California in the mid 80's and branded MICRO COMPUTER ACCESSORIES, this unique line of office furniture has seen substantial change in brand and design ever since. The product line was acquired by RUBBERMAID in the late 80's and subsequently purchased by NEWELL in the mid 90's. Both companies updated design and marketed the unique characteristics of Resinite - a combination of foam filled, blow molded HDPE with steel reinforcement, which results in a good looking, durable and functional furniture system.

In March of 2000, two entrepreneurs and innovators, Howard Green and Rich Gilbert acquired the product line from Newell with the intent of building on the history of success and the uniqueness of the product. Both Howard and Rich have long, successful track records in building quality products that perform function over time and give consumers the best value.

Now branded ICEBERG, the product line is well positioned for the next millennium. Many new, innovative products will be introduced in the coming months - all incorporating the long lasting, functional features of Resinite.

Howard and Rich have assembled a team of highly capable and professional business people who share the vision and values of ICEBERG - to produce functional, high quality products backed by unequalled service and never forget, the Customer is King.

We invite you to browse the web site and learn about all the innovative products from ICEBERG incorporating the unique features of Resinite. Afterward we know you will agree our products are truly Furniture for a Lifetime.

You may purchase Iceberg products from Office1000.com

Profiles; The Stride Story

How one woman with a vision for "special people" built a business.

Barbara Brennan had a child who was born with hydrocephalus, blind by the time he was two, and dead shortly before his eighth birthday. The outgrowth of this personal experience sent the entire Brennan clan in a different direction. Working with the disabled became a way of life. In 1988, they purchased RC Ink, a sheltered workshop making pens, and named it Stride. Stride, because their special employees were making strides in their development.

This nation has developmentally disabled people from all walks of life and all types of heritage. No area of the population is immune. Often, they become dependent on the government for support. But they can be productive members of society and be taxpayers rather than tax burdens. In the years Stride has employed people with disabilities, over 200 have out-grown the pen factory and are now employed in the community.

Stride knows that working, mastering a task, gaining a skill, the best builder of self-esteem in the world. But some will stay at Stride forever. A task, a skill, a place where a person can succeed can always be found. Some may cut ties to federal help completely. Others need a combination of employment and aid. The important thing is having a job to go to each day.

Through the years business decisions were always made with Stride employees in mind. When Stride had to move, a new location was chosen on a bus route so the special people could get to work easily. Work hours are flexible, to accomodate transportation and other needs unique to Stride's special people.

Early on, the decision was made to transition the business from a not-for-profit organization to a for-profit corporation. This shifted the pen manufacturing business from a "government sheltered" set aside business to "head to head" competition with Uniball, Sanford, Pentel, Pilot and the like. And this has been done successfully with continued growth.

Stride, as a supplier of writing instruments to the federal government, was asked by GSA to provide them with a rollerball pen. Stride purchased the roller ball tips from Schneider Writing Instruments in Germany. The two companies formed a close and trusting relationship. In 1993, Stride and Schneider signed a partnering agreement in Germany for Stride to be Schneider's exclusive agent in the USA. More importantly, Schneider executives informed Stride that they believed in, and would never interfere with, the mission of employment of the disabled.

As the importance for diversity suppliers came into the purchasing arena, Stride was certified as a small, woman-owned business, employing disabled people. This has led to Stride's inclusion in major office product catalogues through their Diversity Programs. Stride's growth and reputation has been a factor in their survival and success. Hoping to grow the company even more has led to the formation of a national sales organization. Stride is confident that this addition will create growth and success as the company moves into a new millenium.

You may purchase Stride, Inc products from Office1000.com

Online Shopping Tips; Package Tracking

When you order something online one of the most useful bits of information you can get is the package tracking number. Our advice is to track your package at least once a day. This will take just a few seconds of your time. It will let you know when to expect your package, and inform you immediately if something has gone arwy with the shipment.

We often receive emails to our customer service department asking "where's my package" after the package has already been delivered! A quick check on the tracking usually shows that the package was delivered to a neighbor or the mailroom (and often includes the name of the person who signed for it). In other cases it indicates the package was left on the customers porch or in the bushes!

By checking the tracking information yourself, you can eliminate any delay in finding out where your package is. You will often be informed in advance what day you can expect delivery. You will also see any delivery "exceptions" that sometimes occur. In those cases you can contact the shipping company directly to resolve them.

When tracking your packages keep in mind that the day a package ships, the tracking information is often missing or incomplete. The following day it should be clear where your package is and when it should arrive. Most shipping companies update the tracking information in real time. The U.S. Post Office is still a bit behind and only updates once a day.

By checking the tracking once a day you can help make your online purchase a smoother transaction.

Office1000.com

Special Needs Telephones

We've reorganized our listings of special needs phones and related items. We used to have them all clumped together in one category. Now it should be very easy to find exactly what you need.

• Big Button Phones. There is not much more to say here. Big, easy to read and press buttons. Some with braille too.
  
  
• Amplified Cordless Phones.
  
  
• Amplified Phones.
  
  
• Amplifiers you can add on your existing phone.
  
  
• Caller-ID. Large displays and talking caller-id boxes.
  
  
• Photo Phones. Phones that let you place a photo in the buttons.
  
  
• Ringers. Regular "old fashion bell" ringers. Visual ringers. Extra loud ringers.
  
  
• TTY. TTY machines for the deaf impaired or deaf.
  
  
• Other
  

As always we welcome any comments on our we can make our website or product selection better.

The Problem of Colors

There are several problems that arise when it comes to color. Selecting the desired color, assorted colors, and matching colors.

Office1000 carries thousands of items from hundreds of different manufacturers. The information and method of selecting colors can vary considerably between them. On our website, we try to provide the color name that goes with each item number. When you view your shopping cart it will show the color associated with that item in ()'s, ie: (BLACK). There is no further color selection than clicking on the buy now button next to a colorlisted on our website.

Some items are listed as "assorted" for the color. Unfortunately, that means you have no choice (and we have no choice) in the selection of colors you will receive. On some items we are able to list exactly what colors will be included and in some cases the quantity of each color. On other items we have the color information, but aren't provided with information on exactly how many of each color are included.

On yet other items we are provided with no information about what colors are included at all. Now as strange as that sounds, it does make sense from a different perspective. If you were shopping in a retail store instead of online and there was shelf with many differnet colors of item X it would make little difference to you whether the packages all had the same item number or different item numbers! You could see and choose the colors. Online, where everything is based on an item number we aren't so lucky.

Office1000 is a small business and we unfortunately don't have the resources to repackage items into different color selections, or manually check all items to better describe the colors that are included. However, some of our product listings have very limited information and we are happy to try to get additional information to update our site upon request.

Matching colors can be even more difficult. With differences in photos and computer monitors, it simply becomes impossible to match an item color to an object you have. When the exact color of an item is extremely important, it is best to purchase a very small quantity to make sure it is suitable, or make your purchase at a retail store where you can see the color first hand.

We hate to suggest you not make a purchase with Office1000, but realize that we can't meet everyone's needs all the time.

We welcome any and all comments here about how we can better help you get the colors you want.

Sentry Safe Lost Combinations

"I bought a used Sentry Safe at a garage sale"

"I bought a business and it came with a Sentry Safe that is locked"

Help!

We get these requests everyday. Unfortunately, eventhough Office1000.com sells many Sentry Safe products, we don't have combinations for any of them. There is a quick and easy answer. It can be found on Sentry's webpage and we have reprinted here it for your convenience (though of course the details may be changed at anytime):

Lost combination:
First, find your safe’s Model and Serial Number.
The Serial Number is in this packet, and is also printedon the small label beside the door hinge (outside). Send a copyof this, a notarized letter (last name must be different than that of owner) stating you are the safe’s owner, and a check or money order for $12.00* (U.S. funds) to:

Sentry Group, Dept. 200,

882 Linden Avenue,

Rochester, NY 14625-2784 USA.

If using a credit card (Visa/Mastercard only), call 1-800-828-1438
and fax your Model and Serial number with the notarized letter
to 585-381-2940.

That's it. It's simple.

We can't offer any further assistance on lost combinations or products not purchased from Office1000.com

If you made a purchase from Office1000.com (a Sentry Safe or anything else) and you need help, please use our customer service form and include your order number.

New Metro Data Vac Products

We have sold a couple of the computer vacuums from Metro Data Vac for years. However, we've just added almost the computer line of products from Metro Datavac.

This includes some more computer vacuums, car vacuums, pet grooming items and more. Here is the full list:

• Vacuum: Accessories
• Vacuum: Cleaner Bags
• Vacuum: Cleaner Carrying Case
• Vacuum: Cleaner Filters
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Anti Static HEPA
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Automotive
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Computer
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Handheld
• Vacuum: Cleaners, High Tech Cleaning System
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Portable
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Toner Kits
• Vacuum: Cleaners, Toner Vacs
• Vacuum: Computer
• Vacuum: Portable Vacuum/Blower



• Pets: Dog Grooming, Dryer/Tool Cases
• Pets: Dog, Dryers
• Pets: Large Animal, Dryer/Groomers
• Pets: Small Animal, Cage Cooling Fans
• Pets: Small Animal, Dryer/Groomer
• Pets: Small Animal, Grooming Accessories

Uniden TCX905 Cordless Phone Handset

The Uniden TCX905 accessory handset is a very popular item at Office1000.com. It also generates a lot of confusion!


It is "compatible" with a long list of Uniden Cordless phones. If you have (or buy) one of the compatible phones you can expand the number of handsets with a TCX905. Many customers make a purchase and then write complaining that the TCX905 doesn't register with their base.

It appears that the TCX905 is defective or not compatible with the base unit.

However, according to the instruction manual for the TCX905 (unfortunately in PDF and not plain html) , there is a special procedure to register the TCX905 with many of the base units. See pages 5 & 6.

Please follow those instructions carefully and we're confident your TCX905 will work with any of the phones it is listed as compatible with.

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