Hi Parksy,
Just to clarify your post if I may;
"Surely you would agree that by consistently offering help and advice on several caravan forums and by Swift paying the salaries of at least three dedicated members of staff to monitor these forums at all hours seven days a week Swift ARE giving something back?"
We do not have dedicated people monitoring the forums Ash, Dave, Mick and myself all have full-time day jobs - as so to speak. Swift has never asked me, Mick or Ash to post in the evenings or weekends (or may I add pay us for doing so- thats not important).
We are all from the technical department not customer services unlike some people think.
We all do so because we enjoy it, are committed to our company, care about the products we produce and our proud of where we work.
Thank you,
Andy
Just to clarify your post if I may;
"Surely you would agree that by consistently offering help and advice on several caravan forums and by Swift paying the salaries of at least three dedicated members of staff to monitor these forums at all hours seven days a week Swift ARE giving something back?"
We do not have dedicated people monitoring the forums Ash, Dave, Mick and myself all have full-time day jobs - as so to speak. Swift has never asked me, Mick or Ash to post in the evenings or weekends (or may I add pay us for doing so- thats not important).
We are all from the technical department not customer services unlike some people think.
We all do so because we enjoy it, are committed to our company, care about the products we produce and our proud of where we work.
Thank you,
Andy
Parksy
Moderator
Thanks for the information Andy
Swift should be very proud of employees with such dedication and commitment to the company where they work and the products that they produce.
So, because Swift employ rally good dedicated people who from the goodness of their hearts help caravanners by using their own spare time to post on forums one of these forums wants to charge Swift shed loads of money?
I wonder if it's got anything to do with record sales being announced after Octobers NEC caravan show?
Perhaps Alpha Quid believe in profit sharing?
Swift should be very proud of employees with such dedication and commitment to the company where they work and the products that they produce.
So, because Swift employ rally good dedicated people who from the goodness of their hearts help caravanners by using their own spare time to post on forums one of these forums wants to charge Swift shed loads of money?
I wonder if it's got anything to do with record sales being announced after Octobers NEC caravan show?
Perhaps Alpha Quid believe in profit sharing?
well done andy,ash dave and mick!
its good to see people who show an interest and commitment outside work. i myself have not been asked by my company to participate in forums and neither do i get paid. i do it because i really do enjoy caravans, and there is so much bad advice being thrown about by people who really shouldn`t be giving it.
keep up the very good work, and remember there are other forums out there who really DO appreciate what you do and the advice you give.
its good to see people who show an interest and commitment outside work. i myself have not been asked by my company to participate in forums and neither do i get paid. i do it because i really do enjoy caravans, and there is so much bad advice being thrown about by people who really shouldn`t be giving it.
keep up the very good work, and remember there are other forums out there who really DO appreciate what you do and the advice you give.
The team from Swift are a credit to their Company.
They have helped me several times when posting issues on CT.
I have had a few problems with our latest Ace which shouldn't have happened on a new caravan, but nothing has been a disaster.
I am really happy with Swift's products and would buy another tomorrow.
For these guys to take the time and trouble to respond to all our questions in the way they do is little short of amazing.
I have no idea if it was
The team from Swift are a credit to their Company.
They have helped me several times when posting issues on CT.
I have had a few problems with our latest Ace which shouldn't have happened on a new caravan, but nothing has been a disaster.
I am really happy with Swift's products and would buy another tomorrow.
For these guys to take the time and trouble to respond to all our questions in the way they do is little short of amazing.
I have no idea if it was
They have helped me several times when posting issues on CT.
I have had a few problems with our latest Ace which shouldn't have happened on a new caravan, but nothing has been a disaster.
I am really happy with Swift's products and would buy another tomorrow.
For these guys to take the time and trouble to respond to all our questions in the way they do is little short of amazing.
I have no idea if it was
Wow, WW 3 has broken out over on CT2 while we have been on holiday!
We are satisfied Sterling owners (second van), but a van is rarely totally trouble free (things can break/go wrong), and the best thing about being able to talk to a manufacturer's representative on a forum is that you can do it anytime, not just in office hours. This is especially useful when things go wrong while on holiday. We have had some excellent help from Andy, Ash and others.
I do hope this gets resolved, if it doesn't then it is the caravan owners who will be the losers.
We are satisfied Sterling owners (second van), but a van is rarely totally trouble free (things can break/go wrong), and the best thing about being able to talk to a manufacturer's representative on a forum is that you can do it anytime, not just in office hours. This is especially useful when things go wrong while on holiday. We have had some excellent help from Andy, Ash and others.
I do hope this gets resolved, if it doesn't then it is the caravan owners who will be the losers.
Hello Andy, Ash Dave and Mick,
In the light of your response to Parksy, I have to ask the following questions:-
1) Are you posting with the approval of your employer?
2) Does your employer know that you are posting and presenting yourselves as representatives of the company?
3) Does your employer dictate the scope or content of your responses?
4) Can your responses be considered as being the same as the company line on any matter is question?
5) Will any decisions or statements you make in your postings by supported by the company?
In the light of your response to Parksy, I have to ask the following questions:-
1) Are you posting with the approval of your employer?
2) Does your employer know that you are posting and presenting yourselves as representatives of the company?
3) Does your employer dictate the scope or content of your responses?
4) Can your responses be considered as being the same as the company line on any matter is question?
5) Will any decisions or statements you make in your postings by supported by the company?
I personnaly and my family are so greatful for swifts input into this forum. I do hope CT resolves its issues.
We have a new Sterling which as happens had electrical problems in the middle of a bank holiday. Our dealer wasnt interested the local caravan centre couldnt help but one post for advice on this site ended with swopping details with Ash from swift and within minutes we received telephone calls offering every bit of advice and assurance we needed plus a way to temp fix our problems which saved our weekend. Backed up with a full follow up service and repair.
Ash was at home at the time and was even carrying out repairs on his house but stopped what he was doing to help us.
This service did not promote swift my original post probably blamed them for the quality of their product. however the service I received that day by an individual willing to help us out whilst putting his own family duties on hold in my estimation went far beyond the call of duty and its this unseen side of swift and their staff I would really like to shout from the roof tops.
However not to promote a company but to truelly thank a dedicated bunch of individuals whom perhaps dont have a perfect product all of the time(which manufacture does?) but via this forum and their input help and advice and put matters right.
Quality is always an issue nobody likes problems but when an issue does arise I am so greatfull I know in the background I have people whom are so dedicated to assist it gives you added security and peice of mind.
Thanks again Swift and all staff your input is very much appreciated.
John
We have a new Sterling which as happens had electrical problems in the middle of a bank holiday. Our dealer wasnt interested the local caravan centre couldnt help but one post for advice on this site ended with swopping details with Ash from swift and within minutes we received telephone calls offering every bit of advice and assurance we needed plus a way to temp fix our problems which saved our weekend. Backed up with a full follow up service and repair.
Ash was at home at the time and was even carrying out repairs on his house but stopped what he was doing to help us.
This service did not promote swift my original post probably blamed them for the quality of their product. however the service I received that day by an individual willing to help us out whilst putting his own family duties on hold in my estimation went far beyond the call of duty and its this unseen side of swift and their staff I would really like to shout from the roof tops.
However not to promote a company but to truelly thank a dedicated bunch of individuals whom perhaps dont have a perfect product all of the time(which manufacture does?) but via this forum and their input help and advice and put matters right.
Quality is always an issue nobody likes problems but when an issue does arise I am so greatfull I know in the background I have people whom are so dedicated to assist it gives you added security and peice of mind.
Thanks again Swift and all staff your input is very much appreciated.
John
Andy/Ash/Dave and Mick, you are doing a sterling job (excuse the Pun, CT may think l am advertising one of your products) all of you are a credit to British Manufacturing, you helped me with the problems l had with my new AceFirestar, just niggling problems and of course the window problem, without your input l am sure it would have taken considerably longer to sort out.
I for one appreciate everything you do on this forum, never accessed CT forum as l have only used PC and of course take their magazine.
It seems to me that it will be CT's loss and PC's gain as l am sure people will migrate to this forum.
Swift should be proud of what you do as l am sure help like this pursued people to keep coming back for your product.
I see now that Reads monitor this forum which can only be good for them, hopefully other dealers will follow suit.
Andy/Ash/Dave and Mick keep up the good work
Regards
NigelHeathcote
I for one appreciate everything you do on this forum, never accessed CT forum as l have only used PC and of course take their magazine.
It seems to me that it will be CT's loss and PC's gain as l am sure people will migrate to this forum.
Swift should be proud of what you do as l am sure help like this pursued people to keep coming back for your product.
I see now that Reads monitor this forum which can only be good for them, hopefully other dealers will follow suit.
Andy/Ash/Dave and Mick keep up the good work
Regards
NigelHeathcote
Parksy
Moderator
To try to address concerns raised by John L:
1) Are you posting with the approval of your employer?
Peter Smith the M.D. of Swift also often posted on Caravan Talk so obviously he knows of and approves of his employees contributions.
2) Does your employer know that you are posting and presenting yourselves as representatives of the company?
Peter Smith took part in discussions on CT in which Andy and Ash had also been involved.
3) Does your employer dictate the scope or content of your responses?
One would have thought so given that he is fully aware of his employees forum posts and monitors these forums himself.
4) Can your responses be considered as being the same as the company line on any matter is question?
If you look at the statements made by Andy and his colleagues you will find that it the majority of instances the first response is to provide their email address and where there is a specific problem mentioned the offer is to 'look into it'.
Andy, Ash, Dave and Mick try to provide a point of contact for a forum member with problems and put them in touch with those who can help. Sometimes this is the dealer, sometimes the manufacturer of a product fitted to a caravan made by Swift.
5) Will any decisions or statements you make in your postings by supported by the company?
I haven't seen Andy and co make decisions on forums other than the initial decision to try to help.
Evidence would suggest that Andy, Ash, Dave and Mick's actions are supported by Swift.
Swift started to monitor and answer forum posts about three years ago to my knowledge.
Kath Powell was the point of contact with Swift and she acted with the full knowledge and approval of Swift because Peter Smith told us as much during a meeting after the first factory visit by forum members to Swift in October 2007.
Kath has since left the company and her good work has been continued by Andy Ash Dave and Mick.
1) Are you posting with the approval of your employer?
Peter Smith the M.D. of Swift also often posted on Caravan Talk so obviously he knows of and approves of his employees contributions.
2) Does your employer know that you are posting and presenting yourselves as representatives of the company?
Peter Smith took part in discussions on CT in which Andy and Ash had also been involved.
3) Does your employer dictate the scope or content of your responses?
One would have thought so given that he is fully aware of his employees forum posts and monitors these forums himself.
4) Can your responses be considered as being the same as the company line on any matter is question?
If you look at the statements made by Andy and his colleagues you will find that it the majority of instances the first response is to provide their email address and where there is a specific problem mentioned the offer is to 'look into it'.
Andy, Ash, Dave and Mick try to provide a point of contact for a forum member with problems and put them in touch with those who can help. Sometimes this is the dealer, sometimes the manufacturer of a product fitted to a caravan made by Swift.
5) Will any decisions or statements you make in your postings by supported by the company?
I haven't seen Andy and co make decisions on forums other than the initial decision to try to help.
Evidence would suggest that Andy, Ash, Dave and Mick's actions are supported by Swift.
Swift started to monitor and answer forum posts about three years ago to my knowledge.
Kath Powell was the point of contact with Swift and she acted with the full knowledge and approval of Swift because Peter Smith told us as much during a meeting after the first factory visit by forum members to Swift in October 2007.
Kath has since left the company and her good work has been continued by Andy Ash Dave and Mick.
Thanks Parksy I couldn't have put it better myself.
John, Yes the company is fully aware and supportive of our actions. A lot of employees monitor and read the threads but don't post.
Peter took the decision years ago we would dip our toe into these forums and face up to our problems, listen to our customers and try and offer technical support and help where we can and not hide away behind the dealers.
Myself and Kath started (but mainly Kath) with Peter to monitor two forums we now monitor 8 (sorry correction) 7 forums.
Thanks
Regards
Andy
John, Yes the company is fully aware and supportive of our actions. A lot of employees monitor and read the threads but don't post.
Peter took the decision years ago we would dip our toe into these forums and face up to our problems, listen to our customers and try and offer technical support and help where we can and not hide away behind the dealers.
Myself and Kath started (but mainly Kath) with Peter to monitor two forums we now monitor 8 (sorry correction) 7 forums.
Thanks
Regards
Andy
Hi John,
I think Parksy has covered the main points (and answers), but:
1) Are you posting with the approval of your employer?
Very much so. Our Chairman often reads these posts, and contributes himself. The business (as a whole) is aware, as are our dealers (we keep them updated) and we have a number of other employees, no mentioned, who read these threads, and while they may not contribute themselves, they take on-board the feedback given by customers to make changes to our products.
2) Does your employer know that you are posting and presenting yourselves as representatives of the company?
Yes, all the posts we offer are on behalf of The Swift Group, in a similar way, all the customer related e-mails we offer are also representative of The Swift Group.
3) Does your employer dictate the scope or content of your responses?
Yes and no. It is clear that our function is only Technical Support, and therefore, that is the topic we are able to offer the most advice and freedom. If the question / comment is related directly to a Customer Care issue, we need to pass the message onto our Customer Care Team.
4) Can your responses be considered as being the same as the company line on any matter is question?
Very much so. If you need to contact our Customer Care team, they will help with your enquiry. However, if your question is purely technical, your will be passed to us (Technical), where we can offer some help. The advice will be identical, but ofcourse, only available during normal working hours.
5) Will any decisions or statements you make in your postings by supported by the company?
Yes. When posting on the forums, it is often difficult for us to make decisions, as we are not in possessions of all the facts. If the issue is non-technical related, we ask for the customer to send us some details (including the chassis number), so that we can pass the message onto our Customer Care Team, for their response.
Public responses are always difficult, as our response may contain some personal customer information, and therefore, when we have further information, we will always E-Mail / call / PM the customer, rather than respond on an open forum.
I hope that helps. Once again, thanks for your on-going support, we really do hope we are helping.
Ash
I think Parksy has covered the main points (and answers), but:
1) Are you posting with the approval of your employer?
Very much so. Our Chairman often reads these posts, and contributes himself. The business (as a whole) is aware, as are our dealers (we keep them updated) and we have a number of other employees, no mentioned, who read these threads, and while they may not contribute themselves, they take on-board the feedback given by customers to make changes to our products.
2) Does your employer know that you are posting and presenting yourselves as representatives of the company?
Yes, all the posts we offer are on behalf of The Swift Group, in a similar way, all the customer related e-mails we offer are also representative of The Swift Group.
3) Does your employer dictate the scope or content of your responses?
Yes and no. It is clear that our function is only Technical Support, and therefore, that is the topic we are able to offer the most advice and freedom. If the question / comment is related directly to a Customer Care issue, we need to pass the message onto our Customer Care Team.
4) Can your responses be considered as being the same as the company line on any matter is question?
Very much so. If you need to contact our Customer Care team, they will help with your enquiry. However, if your question is purely technical, your will be passed to us (Technical), where we can offer some help. The advice will be identical, but ofcourse, only available during normal working hours.
5) Will any decisions or statements you make in your postings by supported by the company?
Yes. When posting on the forums, it is often difficult for us to make decisions, as we are not in possessions of all the facts. If the issue is non-technical related, we ask for the customer to send us some details (including the chassis number), so that we can pass the message onto our Customer Care Team, for their response.
Public responses are always difficult, as our response may contain some personal customer information, and therefore, when we have further information, we will always E-Mail / call / PM the customer, rather than respond on an open forum.
I hope that helps. Once again, thanks for your on-going support, we really do hope we are helping.
Ash
I thank everyone who has answered my questions.
This has clarified Andy, Ash Dave and Mick's position, and the authority with which they represent Swift Caravan's. This now gives added credence to the claim that Swift were asked to pay thousands to CT.
I too wish to congratulate you on your commitment to your chosen careers and to Swift's management for embracing the interactions on forums like this.
Perhaps CT would like to put forward an official with authority to put their case?
Perhaps it is a subject for a different thread, but I strongly support the concept of forum interactions. I would really like to know if Swift or any other manufacturer believes they have found the forum a positive experience and are prepared to give an example or two of areas of their business that has benefited from it.
This has clarified Andy, Ash Dave and Mick's position, and the authority with which they represent Swift Caravan's. This now gives added credence to the claim that Swift were asked to pay thousands to CT.
I too wish to congratulate you on your commitment to your chosen careers and to Swift's management for embracing the interactions on forums like this.
Perhaps CT would like to put forward an official with authority to put their case?
Perhaps it is a subject for a different thread, but I strongly support the concept of forum interactions. I would really like to know if Swift or any other manufacturer believes they have found the forum a positive experience and are prepared to give an example or two of areas of their business that has benefited from it.
Hat`s off to the employees of swift group for their time and effort in advising individuals on this forum, and thus informing a wider audience in the process.
I have found their help a god send in the past, and would miss them greatly if they were not here.
And as for any other forum complaining about the swift group getting free publicity on their forum, well just look at the responce to this thread, publicity or what!!!
Keep up the good work swift, it`s just a pity more manufactures did not follow suit.
I have found their help a god send in the past, and would miss them greatly if they were not here.
And as for any other forum complaining about the swift group getting free publicity on their forum, well just look at the responce to this thread, publicity or what!!!
Keep up the good work swift, it`s just a pity more manufactures did not follow suit.
Thanks Parksy.Just to reassure you that I am not being "poached."I will still be accessing and contributing to CT but probably not as frequently as previously.
I am annoyed by the "executive" decision,not contributors,or moderators (who have always been honourable and fair IMHO).
Hopefully the issue will be resolved.
I take your point about not being an "either/or"situation.
Iam sure that CT is quaking in its shoes at the thought of losing some of my occasional postings!
To all the team at Swift, just caught up with this thread , and it seems everything in support of Ash and the team has been said allready, so I will just add my vote of thanks for all the great work you do and all the help you have been to me
Baza
Baza
John L said:-
"Perhaps CT would like to put forward an official with authority to put their case?"
John
I suspect that would be highly unlikely even if the Mods here were willing to allow it. The subject has been very fully discussed on the CT forum. Whilst I can undestand the interest I think we should also remember that the solution of this issue is essentually a private matter between Swift and AlphaQuad and is unlikely to be resolved in the spotlight of public debate.
David
"Perhaps CT would like to put forward an official with authority to put their case?"
John
I suspect that would be highly unlikely even if the Mods here were willing to allow it. The subject has been very fully discussed on the CT forum. Whilst I can undestand the interest I think we should also remember that the solution of this issue is essentually a private matter between Swift and AlphaQuad and is unlikely to be resolved in the spotlight of public debate.
David
I have had a load of support from the lads at Swift when using the CT forum..They have been instrumental in solving problems during evenings, weekends and even Easter...Being asked to pay large sums of cash to be able to help people is lunacy of the highest order
Hello David,
My question was rather tongue in cheek, and I am inclined to agree that there is little prospect of CT coming forward with an official comment,
A number of people have claimed that CT only asked Swift to pay small sums. i.e.
My question was rather tongue in cheek, and I am inclined to agree that there is little prospect of CT coming forward with an official comment,
A number of people have claimed that CT only asked Swift to pay small sums. i.e.
Parksy
Moderator
No administrator or member of the management of Caravan Talk has posted comments on this forum John and it wouldn't be appropriate for them to do so.
David is a moderator on CT as I'm sure that you know but I doubt if he knows much more about the real details surrounding this issue than the rest of us. It wouldn't be fair to CT forum members or David to put him on the spot even if he did.
Caravan Talk have closed this discussion on their forums so although those who want to can discuss this issue in general terms on Practical Caravan forum none of us will be any the wiser until Caravan Talk post more information on their own forum.
Jon F from Alpha Quad stated that he will be away for a few days so I don't think that we'll know more anytime soon.
David is a moderator on CT as I'm sure that you know but I doubt if he knows much more about the real details surrounding this issue than the rest of us. It wouldn't be fair to CT forum members or David to put him on the spot even if he did.
Caravan Talk have closed this discussion on their forums so although those who want to can discuss this issue in general terms on Practical Caravan forum none of us will be any the wiser until Caravan Talk post more information on their own forum.
Jon F from Alpha Quad stated that he will be away for a few days so I don't think that we'll know more anytime soon.
I don't know how many on this forum are members or viewers of the CaravanTalk forum? Apparently Swift Group were asked if they would contribute financially to the forum and refused. Therefore the decision was made by the admin to suspend them.
Not good news for Swift owners! Swift have been accused of gaining free PR? No! they were providing a free service to Swift owners.
Not good news for Swift owners! Swift have been accused of gaining free PR? No! they were providing a free service to Swift owners.
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