MY HARROWING EXPERINCE WITH LG SANCTIONED QUICKFIX APPLIANCES

I am posting this experience in hopes of sparing others weeks of abuse and emotional turmoil by an LG sanctioned service repair company, QuickFix Appliances.

On May 8^th 2016, my family and I woke up to find our LG freezer frozen and our refrigerator not working. We believed we have left the freezer open overnight. Instead of searching for a repair service, I’ve decided to go to the source and contact LG directly. Since it was Sunday, I’ve contacted LG via their website, and chose the appointment for next day.

After not receiving the promised call on Monday, I contacted LG by phone. There followed couple of days of calling back and forth between LG and their sanctioned repair service center with assurances that someone will call us later in the day. We waited by the phone; no one called. Finally, the next day, after hearing how much time I’ve spent on the phone a nice CSR told me they had a free spot and that she would send a technician named Chris to take a look at our fridge on Wednesday afternoon. The CSR told me she could not give me an estimate, because she does not know the issue with our unit. However, she did say that it will cost $180 for the services of the technician plus parts.  Additionally, for the trouble we incurred, she will wave the credit card fee, and would give us $12 off, because it was our first service request.

Chris arrived during specified time and when he asked me what the problem with our fridge was I explained that the freezer was frozen and that the fridge was not working. I also mentioned that we believed that we have accidentally left the freezer open overnight. He said he has just serviced someone with that problem without performing further diagnostics on our unit. The first step was to melt the ice, because the ice that formed in the freezer has prevented the fan from turning, and therefore it could not push cold air up into our refrigerator unit.

He said that luckily there will be no additional parts for us to purchase, but then billed me $268. Apparently, the CSR got the technician’s fee wrong, because he charges $250 per visit.

He serviced the fridge, melting the ice and wiping the water. He then added special oil to the fan. He showed my father and myself that the fan was working really well by touching the spinning rod. He assured me that the fridge was now fixed, and that the only problem we may have in the future will be to replace the fan.

He then told me that his company, QuickFix Appliances, gives $20 to charity if we write them a review. Happy that the fridge was working, and happy with his friendly service, I wrote him a glowing review.

He assured me once again that the fridge was working, and told us to wait an hour and a half before we turned it back on.

We did so.

However, we noticed that the fridge was making more noise than usual. Thinking that maybe because the fridge was not working for several days we just got use to the silence we did not say anything. However, on Thursday, we realized that the fridge was not stopping. It was working continuously, the fan shutting down only when we opened one of the doors.

That Friday, we contacted QuickFix Appliances and tried to reach Chris to inform him that in spite of his multiple insurances that our unit was in perfect order something was not right. The CSRs would not let us contact Chris directly. Because I had several obligations and could not waste more time on the phone, my mother and sister got involved.

Someone convinced my sister that Chris wrote on his report that we may need a new fan, and got her to preorder the part. I remember Chris showing my father and me that the fan was in perfect order and I do not remember him writing the need for a new fan on his statement before I signed it. However, when I looked at the receipt it was there…

My mom’s English is not that great, so she told them that the fridge was not working properly and asked them to send someone to see what was the matter. My dad contacted the CS explaining that the fan was working, because we can hear it working. He asked them to send someone to check the fridge. QuickFix Appliances refused to send anyone until the new fan arrived.

I do not know anything about machines, but even I know that if a machine that was design to have cooling off periods is working continuously it may wear out the parts in the mechanism. My dad, on the other hand, is a mechanical engineer. He knows machines. He knows that the continuous working of the fridge was not good for the mechanism within. My whole family tried to get QuickFix Appliances to send someone to diagnose the true problem with our unit.

It was two weeks later that they sent Chris again. At this time we have not had a working fridge for three weeks!!!

Chris arrived and my father explained to him the frustrating situation we were in. Chris wanted to change the fan, but the fan was working when he left, so my father could not understand why the CS would not send someone to check our fridge again. Chris asked him why he did not call him, but my dad said how he tried and that he did not have his cell phone number. Chris said that we could have found his cell number on our call display, and then gave my dad his cell.

After further discussion and the evidence of the fridge’s continuous working, Chris agreed with my father that the problem was a thermostat. A simple fix. He did not charge my dad for the visit, but left to purchase the part and to return for a future visit.

More days passed, finally my mom called Chris to ask him how much longer we would be without the fridge and how much the future visit will cost. Chris said it would likely cost an additional $400!!! My mom could not believe it. We have already paid $268 plus $105 (for the fan), and now he wants to charge us an additional $400? Chris explained how his visits were like visits to a doctor, every time he comes we must pay $250 at least.

A new fridge costs about $1300. It is at this point that my family decided to cut our losses and buy a new fridge.

Our next step was to get a refund from QuickFix appliances for the $105 that they never installed. Or family thought that would be a simple matter. The company assured us that they will return to us $84 because they take 20% restocking fee. QuickFix appliances tricked my sister into preordering a part our fridge did not need (they never sent a technician to diagnose the problem with our fridge, and when he left Chris said our fan was strong and working fine). I think they should have given us the full refund considering that they did not fix our fridge at all and that they spent three weeks disrespecting my family’s time. However, my sister did agree to the restocking fee (she was tricked after all), so we were willing to let the issue go.

Then for some reason they refused to pay even the $84.

Apparently, Chris said how my father bullied him and how he felt uncomfortable coming into our home. We offered him food and drink, and I even gave him a signed copy of my picture book when he told my dad he had kids on his first visit. If he felt uncomfortable on the second visit, it may be because of the actions of his company, when he realized the harrowing experience my family has been going through dealing with this company.

I was present at all times, and in no way did my father bully the technician. My father talks loudly (he was a professor once) and when the technician did not have a solution he did suggest the logical assumption that something is wrong with the thermostat, not the fan. Chris agreed, as is evident by his second receipt. If he felt my father was abusive why did he give him his personal cell number?

Today, a CSR contacted my father and provoked him by telling him the company has no intention of paying for a refund. My father talked loudly on the phone, and they said he was abusive. Not for a second did my father use any abusive language, in spite of frustrating and disgusting provocation by the CSR.

In conclusion, I am appalled by the behavior of a service repair company sent to our family by LG. My whole family is so disgusted that we made sure the new refrigerator/freezer unit was not made by LG. After the harrowing experience we had, we checked the Google reviews, and have discovered that QuickFix Appliances are the greatest service scam thrown at unsuspecting customers who count on LG’s respectable name. The worst is that after the first visit we gave them a glowing review, until we realized that the problem was never fixed at all.

If you are reading this, please see all the reviews on Google and Yelp, and keep away from this company.  Do not allow yourself to be abused and tricked as we were. 

Illustration Process: How Much Should I Pay/Charge For An Illustration Job?

January 2015 has been a month of illness that never ends.  After two colds, I'm currently struggling with an awful flu.  I thought I was getting better, but today I feel worse than yesterday.

I'm writing this, because it is part of my struggle to success.  I tend to be sick more often than an average person.  This is probably the reason why I became an artist in the first place; while other children were playing outside, I spent a lot of time in bed trying to amuse myself by drawing.

However, the main reason for this post is to let you all know that I will be a columnist for Weeping Cherry International Review, a new online magazine about writing and illustration.  I will be submitting my article shortly, but I figured you may wish to read about if before anyone else.  So here you go:

ILLUSTRATION PROCESS: How Much Should I Pay/Charge For Illustration?

If you would like to share the reason why you became an artist/writer, or what made you choose any other profession, please do so in the comments.

Wishing you only the best!

Mili

Happy Holidays!

I just want to thank you all for standing by me as I journey through the murky world of art and publishing.  I wish you all the happiest of holidays, and even better days for 2015!

Feel free to download and share this image with your loved ones.

Cheers!

Mili

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Mili Fay, a Toronto-based artist, classical animator, illustrator, writer, and singer, is an award winning graduate of Sheridan College and Art Instruction Schools.  In November of 2011 she created Mili Fay Art determined to support the world one artwork at a time.

Her latest published work is Animals In My Hair; a story about a boy who goes for his first haircut only to find endangered animals falling out of his hair.  Presented at INSPIRE! Toronto International Book Fair (November 14, 2014) out of 700+ submissions, Animals In My Hair, is the world’s first ever Artwork Book; a new type of picture book that seamlessly combines the best features of fine art, picture books, activity books, and educational books.

In accordance with Mili Fay Art’s vision, 30% of all profits from Animals In My Hair book and merchandise will be donated to wildlife conservation.

Join Mili Fay Art Fan Club to stay in touch with Mili Fay and to be the first to find out of her upcoming books and artworks.

Mili Fay Art: “Together we support the world one artwork at a time.”

Why am I not posting more?

Hello everyone!

Even though the struggle continues, lately it has been less of an artist's struggle, and more of a publisher's struggle.  I'm considering ending this blog. This blog has been about everything, but I have found it is more convenient for everyone if I have a separate blog for each topic.

Therefore, I have:

Art: Help!--which I have not updated in ages, but which will help artists figure out some concepts and techniques.  I promise to get to this blog when things settle down a bit.

Mili Fay: Adventures In Publishing--which is about my publishing journey.  It may help other authors and illustrators.  It is also a place where you can find out about free promos.  Such as the one I'm having on Saturday. :-)

Mili Fay: Mini-MEs--where I post every single Mini-ME I create.  This is what I do when I need to take a break from other forms of art. :-)

and finally:

Is DIGITAL ART better than TRADITIONAL ART?--where I'm trying to solve the dilemma for myself and others.  So far, I like Digital Art for sketching (on a cintiq of course) and Traditional Art for finished pieces, because I have a beautiful piece of art I can sell.  With digital art, all you get are art prints. :-(

Artists struggle to success has been more of a diary and a hodge-podge of ideas.  Lately I do not know what to post here.

If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on this blog, please let me know.  Otherwise, it may be time to say goodbye.

Love,

M

MILI FAY ART COLOURING BOOK 01/MAY 2014 NEWSLETTER

​

MILI FAY ART NEWSLETTER

"Together we support the world one artwork at a time."

I am devastated by the horror stories I keep hearing from my family and friends in Serbia and Bosnia.  The news channels are saying that the destruction caused by rains is worse than the one caused by 1990s war, or NATO bombing.  As far as people know, there has never been such flooding in the Balkans’ region, and the authorities are not prepared to deal with the aftermath.

For this reason, I have decided to donate 1$ from every item purchased at the Wychwood Barns and TIAM Markets this weekend (May 24th/25th).  I have further decided to create a PDF colouring book featuring Mili Fay Art Favourites artwork, and donate any proceeds (minus Gumroad’s fee).  You can purchase the colouring book here for $0+.  I just wish I could do more.

https://gumroad.com/l/FloodSerbia_BosniaFloods

​

I will write my usual Newsletter in June.

Thank you for understanding.

MILI FAY'S ADVENTURES IN PUBLISHING: Marketing Challenge

Now that my book is published and looking perfect, my greatest struggle is getting it in front of my audience, a.k.a. MARKETING.

I'm all over the Internet, but though I connect with other authors and artists, I'm not reaching the people who want to buy my book.

How do I know who these people are?

I truly believe that everyone would love my book, but not everyone NEEDS my book. To find your audience you need to know who falls in the second category. By going to markets and fairs I have discovered that people who purchase my book have young children in their lives; they are parents, grandparents, teachers...

So, I should be targeting mommy blogs, baby and children's stores, schools... But how do I reach people without coming across as a self-serving creep?

I have no idea.

Thankfully, I have just discovered something called a Book Marketing Challenge. It begins this Monday, May 5th, so if you want to get the FREE Silver Pass and check it out: http://buildabusinesswithyourbook.com/access/aff/go/mili_fay

I have just signed up for Gold Membership so what you see above is my affiliate link.

I honestly hope it helps me out, because doing everything on my own is a tad overwhelming. ;-)

I'll blog about my experience, so if you have any questions let me know.

Cheers!

M

Going To The Market: An Artist's Perspective

Those who know me really well know that I am terrified of the spotlight, I am terrified of speaking in public, and I would rather go to the dentist with a cavity than sell my own work. 

However, I also truly believe that I can use the talents that I have to make this world a better place, and if I have to do all of the above to achieve that goal, I am more than willing to do every one of those things and more.

There are tricks I have learned that have made going to the market less of a terrifying experience, and more one of pleasure.  I will share these tricks with you at the end of this post, but let me share a bit more of my experience first.

Before my first public market, I was a complete mess.  I love my work the way every parent loves their child, and to have it on display and have complete strangers approach me and judge it right before my eyes...  >>shudder<<

I have been very fortunate that there was not a single person since I placed my work on public display that bashed my work.  (There was once a woman terrified of owls who pulled her friend away from my stand, but that's about all the negative feedback I have ever received.)

Most people at markets and online love my work.  Even people who do not have children tell me that they love my work and that they wish they had children to share it with.  As an artist struggling to make a living doing what I love such words are a balm to my soul.  There are some people who do not have children that buy an image I created for the child they once were.  (I always do that at markets J.) 

However, there are people who pass by my work giving it no more than a glance. 

There are also people who pass by my work, take a good look at it, and then run away before I have time to say "Hello."

Going to the market I have realised that no matter how good my work is, it is not a necessity.  Nobody needs art to survive.  People buy art because looking at it makes them happy, not because they need it to be happy.  The only people who buy my work are the ones who: love books and appreciate the time and skill it took to create mine (as well as the top-notch quality); find my book useful for teaching children; are looking to decorate a kid's room; need a baby-shower gift; or find an image that speaks to them personally.

Those people are my customers.  Therefore, to earn a living, I should only go to markets that cater to such customers.  

Sadly, Toronto Indie Arts Market in not the market populated by such attendees.  A few of them stroll by from time to time, but most people who attend are not there looking for children's art and quality children's books.  Toronto Indie Arts Market is in the artsy area of the city frequented by artists, people on-the-go, and historically-minded tourists.  At this market people are looking for artsy prints, out-there works of art, zines, comics, wearable art, home-made soaps, and unusual gifts.

So, what am I doing at TIAM?

I will answer that, but first let me tell you what I have promised to tell you in the title of this post.

It does not matter how many markets I have attended, before every market I am a mess.  I am obsessed with providing quality, and not just the quality of my work, but quality of presentation as well.  I have to have my handmade receipts, stickers, shopping bags, and display sets just right.  I have to have the appropriate clothing and name tags for myself and my voulonteers.  After all if I could find fault with something, why should I expect my future customer to overlook that fault?  On the last day, before I go to sleep, all my boxes and bags are packed strategically in a grown-up Tetris fashion.

On the day of the market, I wake up early.  I have a sizeable breakfast, because experience has taught me that I will not have time to eat (snacking on a pretzel, or some nuts, is all I can manage during the day).  Besides, as an artist and creator I feel I should always be there to answer questions and sign my work.  Taking half an hour for lunch is just not practical.

After breakfast, I get dressed and apply makeup so I do not look as tired as I feel.  I check that I have everything by checking off items on a list, and I stuff all I'm bringing into a car.  Then, because there are always parking issues, I get someone to drop me off (usually my dad).

Arriving at the market, I wonder if I will get a bad spot.  Ever since my horrible position at my first market (The Word On The Street 2013), I have become slightly obsessed with having a good location.  A good location makes a difference between earning a living, or getting into more debt.

This past Saturday, my location was not good.  I was placed at the bar, and my work was too high up to be seen by children.  I was also trapped where I was by my neighbours.  I had about a foot and a half square of space to move in.  But, that is the luck of the draw for a market that does not let you choose your spot.  I just have to make do with what I’ve got.

My sister (who was my volunteer for the day) helped me to set up our display.  The moment we were ready she took my photo so that I could have one to share online.  Full disclosure: I do not like having my picture taken, but I am the face of Mili Fay Art, so I need to have at least one photo for display.

Mili Fay at TIAM

If there is time, I go quickly through the market to meet my fellow artists.  I love meeting new artists and seeing their work.  I always feel bad for not making purchases, but I have made a deal with myself that I will not buy anything on the days go vending; unless I find something I need and not something I want.  So, I take the cards from artists I admire and put them in the wish-list pile at home.

This time, the following artists caught my eye:

The fabulous earrings of "The FEEL Collection": 

https://www.facebook.com/thefeelcollection

Bolo cowboy string tie neckwear of "Around The Collar".  I loved the resin with screws and the refurbished watches:  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/AroundTheCollar?ref=si_shop

Homemade pouches and purses of "dewson": https://www.etsy.com/shop/dewson?ref=shop_sugg

The unusual style of Paper Dog Press:

http://thekatelavut.com

Quillad and Geek Collateral Media: 

http://thequilliad.wordpress.com

http://geekcollateral.com

A whole world in a bowl! Charming terrariums by "Field Day Terrariums":

http://itsafieldday.com

Beautiful ink illustrations and book of Dan Holst Soelberg:

http://danholstsoelberg.com

Stunning wearable handmade paper art of "FoldIT Creations":

http://www.etsy.com/shop/folditcreations

Funny and beautiful cards by "Gotamago": 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gotamago

Fantasy art by MJ Alexander:

http://snartha.tumblr.com

Gorgeous jewellery by "Mizdragonfly": 

http://m.mizdragonfly.com

"Sweatshop" home-sewn bags and products by young and talented students: 

http://westendalternativeschool.weebly.com

Before 11 am any market tends to be slow.  Attendance picks up around 11:30 and a steady stream of people keeps coming until 3 pm.  There are no breaks during that time.  If you are planning to take a break at your market, have one outside of that timeframe.  Once, I went for a walk to stretch my legs, because there were no customers for a while, and the moment I was in the other room I got a call from my friend to get my butt back at the table to sign my work.  Lesson learned. 

I always remain standing.  It is something I have learned from my previous markets and from working as a CSR at Blockbuster.  Standing is a sign of respect.  By standing, you also show you are approachable, engaged, and are not just waiting for time to go buy.

So, why do I go to TIAM when I know my customers are not to be found there?

Because I always meet interesting people, I get to see who buys my work (market research), and I love the way it feels when people try to convince me that my work is amazing.  :-D  Having an option to sit at home, or interact with artists and interesting people, I will always choose the latter.  I feel I'm always learning something. Even if I do not make a sale, I usually make some friends and earn useful advice.  Besides TIAM is affordable enough that I will not cry myself to sleep if I do not cover the costs of vending. (Thankfully, that has not happened to this day.)

Cutest Fan--Thank you dad for allowing us to take this picture.

I also love seeing children's reactions to my work.  If kids do not like something, you will know.  I create the work for them and seeing their eyes light up and their faces filled with wonder is the best encouragement to continue doing what I am.  And there are days when I need that encouragement.  On those days I recall their happy faces, and I get by.

Sadly, because I have invested heavily in other future markets, I will no longer attend a mixed-media TIAM, but I will continue to attend all book events, and if they decide to have an all children's event, I will be there for sure.

At last I will tell you the tricks that get me over the terror of THE MARKET: 

Stop thinking of it as THE MARKET; stop thinking of making money to cover the costs (thinking of it does not help), and just enjoy sharing your work with others.  If "disasters" happen, think of them as "funny stories to be" that you can share with your followers.  NO ONE will tell you that your work sucks, but if you feel they are thinking it, ask them about it so you can learn and improve.  You will never please everyone, so do not bother to try.  Do what you love, and share your work with others of the same mind--no matter what you are doing there are people out there who are dying to discover your work, going to the market helps you find them.

Well, this post is long enough.

If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask.

Cheers!

Mili