Kindle Contest

The NorthStar office has just been bristling with energy with the launch of our Kindle Contest. Last week, we could hardly contain ourselves as Steuart Marten, one time maybe once again reality star, came looking for Rex and really wanting a Kindle.

If you haven't watched the first video about our Kindle Contest do so now. I'm serious. Do it. It's right here:

Ok, now that you are laughing and probably a little confused, here's what you need to know:

We often get new customers because our current customers refer our services to them. While we always try to reward those of you who pass our name along, this time we wanted to do something big. So, we decided to give away Kindles! The process is pretty easy. All you have to do is read the contest rules and fill out the contest form.

We truly appreciate the relationships we have developed over the years with all of our customers and want to say thank you as we continue building that relationship and look to build new ones. A BIG thank you to everyone who is part of the NorthStar experience.

Follow us on YouTube as more videos about the Kindle Contest are posted and keep looking for updates via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. You never know what's going to happen next!

Event Planning/Trade Show Checklist

Below is a quick, modern presentation explaining some of the necessities in trade show planning:

Your Event Planning Guide

For a more thorough checklist, as well as your own Shipping 101 guide, please click here to be directed to the appropriate page on NorthStar Express.com . We hope you found this first quarter’s blogs to be helpful to your shipping planning needs. For the first part of next quarter we will be looking at referrals, and our first blog will be by guest writer Roxanne.

Our referral contest has officially started! Enter now for the chance to win a Kindle!

NSE: The Efforts of a Team

After reading last week's blog, we can all agree that without Donna, NorthStar Express would be doing a great deal of fumbling. However, there is also an emphasis on team effort within the company that may not be obvious at first glance.

• Rike and Lauren, two of our lovely customer care reps, are as equally well versed in NorthStar Express’s obsession with customer care. If any of the three are out sick, in class, or on vacation, the others are able to step up and keep work going as planned.

• Roxanne, our marketing coordinator, keeps everything and everyone in order with her superb organization skills. She also keeps readers up to date with her creative eNewsletters.

• Molly’s work is the first thing every potential customer sees. She has recently given our website a much needed facelift, fixing links and adding content to help every viewer find their way around with ease.

Behind everything seen on the website, eNewsletter, and the caring service that is provided, there is a person working to make sure your experience with us is one of ease.

Making the time to keep shipping easy

A Shout out to Donna Magel

A top client of ours, Yvonne*, recently spoke to us about how our own Donna Magel continually assists them through the trade show planning and shipping process.

“The reason we keep using NorthStar Express is because of Donna Magel. She takes the time to explain and chart out each show schedule. Even if I miss something in the paperwork, she will catch the mistake and fix it before it is put into the system. With Donna’s expertise with show planning and your thorough website, I always have no doubt that my shipment will reach its destination.”

Way to go, Donna! Your fantastic way of working with clients makes NorthStar a better company.

"From your website to the specifics of advanced show planning, Donna always initiates the necessary steps to keep our arrangements flowing."





*Client’s name has been changed for security purposes.

How does trade show planning help better our customer service?

When your show is planned well in advance you…

…create a symbiotic relationship between you and your shipper that can last a multitude of years.

…lessen the confusion that comes with the paperwork, especially if you are dealing with a number of shows.

…know when to expect your shipment back from a previous show.

…can focus more on your presentation during the show, which in turn prepares you more.

…can relax knowing that you’ve done everything in your control to make sure your show experience goes well.

Trade Show Shipping: Let's dig a little deeper

What Northstarians do to keep your trade show planning as easy as ever.

Following up on last week’s blog about finding the right shipper, we decided to give you an up close and personal peek into what happens here at NorthStar Express.

• Ask your customer care representative for a quote. This will allow for budgeting and makes the following two items much easier.

• Make sure all freight is ready at least 10 days prior to the show’s starting date. In a pinch, we do offer overnight and two day standard shipping.

• We’ll give you a planning template for you to complete. This will help both of us keep to the schedule.

• Finally, if you will be shipping internationally, allow several extra days for customs to look over the shipment. We also have our own customs broker available if you’re having trouble finding one on your own.

Questions? Concerns? Comments? Feel free to email or comment us below.

How to choose the trade show shipping company that's right for you

Advice Bytes
By Guest Writer: Rike Lingstaedt

Five bytes to help you find the right trade show shipper:

• Ask for a written price quote that covers all shipping and transport requirements. NorthStar's Request-A-Quote service will give you an outline to what you can find at NSE.

• Ask for a description of the services provided.

• Ask for a list of references from others who had used that company as a shipper. Call them.

• View their insurance policies. What is covered? What isn’t?

• Follow your gut. Have the people you’ve been talking to been knowledgeable about their product? Do they understand your needs and want to help you? The answers to these questions, combined with the points above, will help you come to a final decision about which company is best for you.