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Starmer blasts ‘toxic’ politics of Reform UK’s by-election candidate
Prime minister launches attack on Matt Goodwin ahead of high-stakes poll next monthView the full article
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Why agentic AI belongs on every CEO’s 2026 roadmap
You know the ancient proverb: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. For leaders, first-generation AI tools are like giving employees fish. Agentic AI, on the other hand, teaches them how to fish—truly empowering, and that empowerment lifts the entire organization. According to recent findings from McKinsey, nearly eight in ten companies report using gen AI, yet about the same number report no bottom-line impact. Agentic AI can help organizations achieve meaningful results. AI agents are highly capable assistants with the ability to execute tasks independently. Equipped with artificial intelligence that simulates human reasoning, they can recognize problems, remember past interactions, and proactively take steps to get things done—whether that means knocking out tedious manual tasks or helping to generate innovative solutions. For CEOs juggling numerous responsibilities, agentic AI can be a powerful ally in simplifying decision-making and scaling impact. That’s why I believe it belongs on every CEO’s roadmap for 2026. As CEO of a SaaS company grounded in automation, I’ve made it a priority to incorporate agentic AI into our everyday workflows. Here are three ways you can put it to work in your organization. 1. Take the effort out of scheduling Starting with one of the most basic functions of any organization—and one that can easily become a time and energy vacuum—scheduling is perfect fodder for AI agents. And they go well beyond your typical AI-powered scheduling tool. For starters, they’re adaptable. AI agents can monitor incoming data and requests, proactively adjust schedules, and notify the relevant parties when issues arise. Let’s say your team has a standing brainstorming session every Wednesday and a new client reaches out to request an intro meeting at the same time. Your agent can automatically respond with alternative time slots. On the other hand, if a client needs to connect on a time-sensitive issue, your agent can elevate the request to a human employee to decide whether rescheduling makes sense. You can also personalize AI agents based on your unique needs and priorities, including past interactions. If, for example, your agent learns that you religiously protect time for deep-focus work first thing in the morning, it won’t keep proposing meetings then. By delegating scheduling tasks, organizations—from the CEO to interns—free up time for higher-level priorities and more meaningful work. You can build your own agent, or get started with a ready-to-use scheduling assistant that offers agentic capabilities, like Reclaim.ai. 2. Facilitate idea generation and innovation When we talk about AI and creativity, the conversation often stirs anxiety about artificial intelligence replacing human creativity. But agentic AI can help spark ideas for engagement, leadership development, and strategic initiatives. The goal is to cultivate the conditions in which these initiatives can thrive, not to replace the actual brainstorming or strategic thinking. For example, you can create an ideation-focused AI agent and train it on relevant organizational context—performance data, KPIs, meeting notes, employee engagement data, culture touch points, and more. Your agent can continuously gather new information and update its internal knowledge. When the time comes for a brainstorming or strategy session (which the agent can also proactively prompt), it can draw on this working organizational memory plus any other resources it can access, and tap generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to generate themes, propose topics, and help guide the discussion. Meanwhile, leaders remain focused on evaluating ideas, decision-making, and execution. 3. Error-free progress updates and year-end recaps While generative AI can be incredibly powerful, the issue remains that it is largely reactive, not proactive. When it comes to tracking performance, team KPIs, and organizational progress, manual check-ins are still required. As I’ve written before, manual tasks are subject to human error. Calendar alerts go unnoticed. Things slip through the cracks. Minor problems become big issues. One solution is to design an AI agent that can autonomously monitor your organization’s performance. Continuous, real-time oversight helps ensure processes run smoothly and that issues are flagged as soon as they arise. For example, if your company sells workout gear and sees a post–New Year surge in fitness resolutions—and demand for a specific product—an agent can track sales patterns and alert the team to inventory shortages. An AI agent can also independently generate reports, including year-end recaps that are critical for continued growth. Rather than waiting to be prompted by a human, they can do the work alone and elevate only the issues that require human judgment. Agents have the potential to create real value for organizations. Importantly, leaders have to rethink workflows so AI agents are meaningfully integrated, fully liberating employees from rote, manual tasks and freeing them to focus on more consequential, inspiring work like strategy and critical thinking. I’ve found this leaves employees more energized, and the benefits continue to compound. View the full article
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SpaceX weighs June IPO timed to planetary alignment and Musk’s birthday
Celestial calendar meets high finance, as billionaire’s personal impulses shape plans to raise $50bn in record listingView the full article
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ECB would need to act if euro keeps gaining, says Austria’s central bank governor
Martin Kocher untroubled by single currency’s current level but says further appreciation could drive down import prices View the full article
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Swiss franc surges to decade high as traders seek last ‘reliable’ haven
Alpine currency at strongest level since 2015 shock appreciation, putting pressure on central bankView the full article
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The reality of a world after rupture
Europe has a key role to play in building a successor to the US-led global orderView the full article
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Google scuppers service comparing YouTube viewing with TV and streaming audiences
‘Cease and desist’ letter forces Barb and Kantar to halt measurement service just months after its launchView the full article
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Tether scores $5bn windfall as gold price rockets
Stablecoin company owns at least 116 tonnes of bullion, making it one of biggest winners from blistering rallyView the full article
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Investors bet on ‘hot’ US economy heading into midterm elections
Stocks rise with inflation expectations as fund managers anticipate more stimulus despite strong growth View the full article
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How private equity’s pioneer in tapping retail money lost its edge
From Switzerland, Partners Group built a $185bn business by serving individual investors. Bigger US rivals have the market in their sightsView the full article
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The rise of the ‘National Health State’
As patients and residents struggle to access deteriorating public services in England, NHS trusts are stepping inView the full article
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7 Effective User Satisfaction Survey Examples to Enhance Feedback
User satisfaction surveys are vital tools for gathering feedback. They help you understand how well your products or services meet customer needs. By employing effective survey techniques, like Likert scale and open-ended questions, you can capture both quantitative and qualitative data. This information is critical for making informed decisions. In the following sections, you’ll discover practical examples and best practices that can greatly improve your survey efforts and elevate overall satisfaction. Key Takeaways Use Likert scale questions to measure satisfaction levels on a range of experiences effectively. Incorporate open-ended questions to allow users to express their thoughts and needs freely. Include close-ended questions for quick quantitative analysis of customer loyalty and engagement. Segment feedback by adding demographic questions to tailor improvements to specific user groups. Implement skip logic to create a smoother survey experience and respect respondents’ time. Understanding User Satisfaction Surveys User satisfaction surveys are vital tools that help businesses understand customer experiences and identify areas for improvement. These structured questionnaires gather feedback on various interactions, aiming to measure overall satisfaction. You’ll often encounter user satisfaction survey examples that utilize key metrics like the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The CSAT gauges how satisfied customers are, whereas the NPS assesses their likelihood of recommending your product or service. When crafting your surveys, consider incorporating a mix of quantitative and qualitative user experience survey questions. For instance, rating scales can provide measurable data, and open-ended questions can offer deeper insights. It’s important to keep your questions clear and straightforward to encourage higher response rates. Remember, timing matters; conducting surveys shortly after customer interactions yields the most relevant and actionable feedback, helping you improve the overall user experience effectively. Key Components of Effective Surveys When designing effective surveys, it’s crucial to incorporate clear and straightforward questions that align with your primary objectives. This guarantees you gather actionable feedback. A mix of formats—like multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions—can improve engagement and provide a thorough comprehension of user sentiments. When crafting your UX research questions, aim for neutrality to avoid bias, guaranteeing that responses accurately reflect user experiences without leading them toward specific answers. Implementing skip logic likewise tailors the respondent experience, allowing participants to answer only relevant questions based on their previous responses, thereby improving completion rates. Moreover, analyzing results systematically helps identify trends in user feedback. This analysis can inform strategic improvements and elevate overall user satisfaction. Examples of User Satisfaction Survey Questions Crafting effective user satisfaction survey questions involves a thoughtful combination of question types to elicit valuable feedback. Start with Likert scale questions, such as, “How satisfied are you with our product on a scale of 1 to 5?” This allows you to gauge user experiences more accurately. Incorporate open-ended questions like, “What features would you like to see improved?” to gather qualitative insights, revealing specific user needs. Include close-ended questions, such as, “Would you recommend our service to a friend? Yes/No,” to facilitate quick quantitative analysis of customer loyalty. Don’t forget demographic questions, like, “What is your age group?” or “What is your profession?” as these help you segment feedback for targeted improvements. Finally, consider follow-up questions, such as, “Why did you rate us a 3 out of 5?” to encourage users to elaborate on their experiences, providing deeper insights into their satisfaction levels. Best Practices for Survey Design Effective survey design is essential for gathering meaningful feedback, as it directly influences the quality of the data collected. To guarantee your survey is effective, consider these best practices: Prioritize Clarity and Simplicity: Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This helps respondents easily understand your questions, leading to more accurate feedback. Align with Specific Goals: Focus your questions on the objectives you want to achieve. This relevance improves the quality of the data you collect, making it more actionable. Incorporate Varied Question Formats: Use a mix of Likert scales and open-ended questions. This combination captures both quantitative and qualitative insights, providing a thorough view of user satisfaction. Before distributing your survey, test your questions for clarity to identify any potential confusion. Utilizing skip logic can likewise streamline the experience, respecting participants’ time and increasing completion rates. Analyzing Survey Results for Actionable Insights Analyzing survey results is crucial for turning raw data into actionable insights that can drive improvements in user satisfaction. Start by systematically reviewing quantitative data, like satisfaction scores, to identify trends and patterns that inform your strategic decisions. Utilize statistical tools to interpret response distributions, allowing you to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness in customer experiences. Don’t overlook qualitative feedback from open-ended responses; categorize and summarize it to uncover common themes and specific suggestions for improvement. Regularly compare survey results over time, tracking changes in customer sentiment and measuring the effectiveness of the improvements you’ve implemented. Finally, share your findings with relevant stakeholders to promote transparency. This collaboration encourages collective efforts to improve user satisfaction based on the actionable insights you’ve gathered. By focusing on both quantitative and qualitative data, you can make informed decisions that truly resonate with your users. Timing and Delivery of User Satisfaction Surveys Timing and delivery of user satisfaction surveys play an essential role in gathering meaningful feedback. When you send surveys immediately after customer interactions, you improve the relevance of the feedback you collect. Here are three key considerations to keep in mind: Specific Triggers: Utilize specific events, like post-purchase or after customer service interactions, to gather accurate insights on user experience. Frequency Matters: Be mindful of how often you send surveys; too many can lead to survey fatigue, whereas too few might skip vital feedback opportunities. Delivery Methods: Choose the right delivery method—whether via email, in-app prompts, or SMS—based on user preferences to maximize engagement. Additionally, A/B testing different delivery times and channels can help you identify the most effective combinations, ensuring you elicit valuable user feedback while respecting their time and preferences. Continuous Improvement Through Feedback Gathering feedback is crucial for businesses aiming to refine their offerings and improve customer experiences. Continuous improvement through feedback means regularly collecting customer insights to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in your products and services. By implementing feedback mechanisms, like user satisfaction surveys, you can capture real-time data on customer experiences, allowing for timely adjustments. When you actively respond to feedback, you promote a culture of continuous improvement, showing customers their opinions matter in decision-making. Data from these surveys can highlight specific areas needing improvement, enabling you to prioritize changes that greatly affect customer satisfaction and retention. Companies that effectively utilize feedback often increase customer loyalty, as about 70% of consumers are more likely to remain with a brand that actively seeks and acts on their input. Therefore, embracing feedback not only aligns your offerings with user needs but likewise strengthens your customer relationships. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Good Survey Questions for Feedback? Good survey questions for feedback should be clear and specific. You might ask respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 10. It’s effective to include a mix of question types, like Likert scale questions for attitudes and open-ended questions for detailed insights. Focus on individual interactions, such as “How easy was it to navigate our website?” This approach helps guarantee you get relevant, actionable feedback from users. Can You Give an Example of Improving Customer Satisfaction? To improve customer satisfaction, you could implement a Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) survey immediately after service interactions. By analyzing feedback, you identify specific pain points and areas needing improvement. For instance, if customers express dissatisfaction with response times, you can streamline your processes. Furthermore, personalizing follow-up questions can increase engagement, providing deeper insights. Making changes based on this feedback can lead to noticeable increases in overall customer satisfaction and loyalty. What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The three C’s of customer satisfaction are Consistency, Communication, and Care. Consistency means delivering reliable service and quality products every time, which builds trust. Communication involves listening to customer feedback and providing timely information about products or services, strengthening relationships. Care refers to genuinely addressing customers’ needs and concerns, which greatly boosts satisfaction. Together, these elements form a solid foundation for positive customer experiences, enhancing loyalty and encouraging repeat business. What Is the 5 Point Scale for Customer Satisfaction Survey? The 5-point scale for customer satisfaction surveys allows you to rate your experience from “Very Dissatisfied” to “Very Satisfied.” Each point corresponds to a numerical value, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. This scale includes a neutral option, helping capture ambivalence. It’s user-friendly, which often increases response rates and completion. Conclusion In summary, effective user satisfaction surveys are essential for gathering valuable feedback. By combining various question types, such as Likert scale and open-ended questions, you can gain a thorough comprehension of user experiences. Implementing best practices in survey design and timing improves response rates and quality. Analyzing the results allows you to derive actionable insights that drive continuous improvement. In the end, leveraging this feedback can greatly improve customer satisfaction and strengthen your overall service or product offering. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Effective User Satisfaction Survey Examples to Enhance Feedback" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article
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7 Effective User Satisfaction Survey Examples to Enhance Feedback
User satisfaction surveys are vital tools for gathering feedback. They help you understand how well your products or services meet customer needs. By employing effective survey techniques, like Likert scale and open-ended questions, you can capture both quantitative and qualitative data. This information is critical for making informed decisions. In the following sections, you’ll discover practical examples and best practices that can greatly improve your survey efforts and elevate overall satisfaction. Key Takeaways Use Likert scale questions to measure satisfaction levels on a range of experiences effectively. Incorporate open-ended questions to allow users to express their thoughts and needs freely. Include close-ended questions for quick quantitative analysis of customer loyalty and engagement. Segment feedback by adding demographic questions to tailor improvements to specific user groups. Implement skip logic to create a smoother survey experience and respect respondents’ time. Understanding User Satisfaction Surveys User satisfaction surveys are vital tools that help businesses understand customer experiences and identify areas for improvement. These structured questionnaires gather feedback on various interactions, aiming to measure overall satisfaction. You’ll often encounter user satisfaction survey examples that utilize key metrics like the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The CSAT gauges how satisfied customers are, whereas the NPS assesses their likelihood of recommending your product or service. When crafting your surveys, consider incorporating a mix of quantitative and qualitative user experience survey questions. For instance, rating scales can provide measurable data, and open-ended questions can offer deeper insights. It’s important to keep your questions clear and straightforward to encourage higher response rates. Remember, timing matters; conducting surveys shortly after customer interactions yields the most relevant and actionable feedback, helping you improve the overall user experience effectively. Key Components of Effective Surveys When designing effective surveys, it’s crucial to incorporate clear and straightforward questions that align with your primary objectives. This guarantees you gather actionable feedback. A mix of formats—like multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions—can improve engagement and provide a thorough comprehension of user sentiments. When crafting your UX research questions, aim for neutrality to avoid bias, guaranteeing that responses accurately reflect user experiences without leading them toward specific answers. Implementing skip logic likewise tailors the respondent experience, allowing participants to answer only relevant questions based on their previous responses, thereby improving completion rates. Moreover, analyzing results systematically helps identify trends in user feedback. This analysis can inform strategic improvements and elevate overall user satisfaction. Examples of User Satisfaction Survey Questions Crafting effective user satisfaction survey questions involves a thoughtful combination of question types to elicit valuable feedback. Start with Likert scale questions, such as, “How satisfied are you with our product on a scale of 1 to 5?” This allows you to gauge user experiences more accurately. Incorporate open-ended questions like, “What features would you like to see improved?” to gather qualitative insights, revealing specific user needs. Include close-ended questions, such as, “Would you recommend our service to a friend? Yes/No,” to facilitate quick quantitative analysis of customer loyalty. Don’t forget demographic questions, like, “What is your age group?” or “What is your profession?” as these help you segment feedback for targeted improvements. Finally, consider follow-up questions, such as, “Why did you rate us a 3 out of 5?” to encourage users to elaborate on their experiences, providing deeper insights into their satisfaction levels. Best Practices for Survey Design Effective survey design is essential for gathering meaningful feedback, as it directly influences the quality of the data collected. To guarantee your survey is effective, consider these best practices: Prioritize Clarity and Simplicity: Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This helps respondents easily understand your questions, leading to more accurate feedback. Align with Specific Goals: Focus your questions on the objectives you want to achieve. This relevance improves the quality of the data you collect, making it more actionable. Incorporate Varied Question Formats: Use a mix of Likert scales and open-ended questions. This combination captures both quantitative and qualitative insights, providing a thorough view of user satisfaction. Before distributing your survey, test your questions for clarity to identify any potential confusion. Utilizing skip logic can likewise streamline the experience, respecting participants’ time and increasing completion rates. Analyzing Survey Results for Actionable Insights Analyzing survey results is crucial for turning raw data into actionable insights that can drive improvements in user satisfaction. Start by systematically reviewing quantitative data, like satisfaction scores, to identify trends and patterns that inform your strategic decisions. Utilize statistical tools to interpret response distributions, allowing you to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness in customer experiences. Don’t overlook qualitative feedback from open-ended responses; categorize and summarize it to uncover common themes and specific suggestions for improvement. Regularly compare survey results over time, tracking changes in customer sentiment and measuring the effectiveness of the improvements you’ve implemented. Finally, share your findings with relevant stakeholders to promote transparency. This collaboration encourages collective efforts to improve user satisfaction based on the actionable insights you’ve gathered. By focusing on both quantitative and qualitative data, you can make informed decisions that truly resonate with your users. Timing and Delivery of User Satisfaction Surveys Timing and delivery of user satisfaction surveys play an essential role in gathering meaningful feedback. When you send surveys immediately after customer interactions, you improve the relevance of the feedback you collect. Here are three key considerations to keep in mind: Specific Triggers: Utilize specific events, like post-purchase or after customer service interactions, to gather accurate insights on user experience. Frequency Matters: Be mindful of how often you send surveys; too many can lead to survey fatigue, whereas too few might skip vital feedback opportunities. Delivery Methods: Choose the right delivery method—whether via email, in-app prompts, or SMS—based on user preferences to maximize engagement. Additionally, A/B testing different delivery times and channels can help you identify the most effective combinations, ensuring you elicit valuable user feedback while respecting their time and preferences. Continuous Improvement Through Feedback Gathering feedback is crucial for businesses aiming to refine their offerings and improve customer experiences. Continuous improvement through feedback means regularly collecting customer insights to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in your products and services. By implementing feedback mechanisms, like user satisfaction surveys, you can capture real-time data on customer experiences, allowing for timely adjustments. When you actively respond to feedback, you promote a culture of continuous improvement, showing customers their opinions matter in decision-making. Data from these surveys can highlight specific areas needing improvement, enabling you to prioritize changes that greatly affect customer satisfaction and retention. Companies that effectively utilize feedback often increase customer loyalty, as about 70% of consumers are more likely to remain with a brand that actively seeks and acts on their input. Therefore, embracing feedback not only aligns your offerings with user needs but likewise strengthens your customer relationships. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Good Survey Questions for Feedback? Good survey questions for feedback should be clear and specific. You might ask respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 10. It’s effective to include a mix of question types, like Likert scale questions for attitudes and open-ended questions for detailed insights. Focus on individual interactions, such as “How easy was it to navigate our website?” This approach helps guarantee you get relevant, actionable feedback from users. Can You Give an Example of Improving Customer Satisfaction? To improve customer satisfaction, you could implement a Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) survey immediately after service interactions. By analyzing feedback, you identify specific pain points and areas needing improvement. For instance, if customers express dissatisfaction with response times, you can streamline your processes. Furthermore, personalizing follow-up questions can increase engagement, providing deeper insights. Making changes based on this feedback can lead to noticeable increases in overall customer satisfaction and loyalty. What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The three C’s of customer satisfaction are Consistency, Communication, and Care. Consistency means delivering reliable service and quality products every time, which builds trust. Communication involves listening to customer feedback and providing timely information about products or services, strengthening relationships. Care refers to genuinely addressing customers’ needs and concerns, which greatly boosts satisfaction. Together, these elements form a solid foundation for positive customer experiences, enhancing loyalty and encouraging repeat business. What Is the 5 Point Scale for Customer Satisfaction Survey? The 5-point scale for customer satisfaction surveys allows you to rate your experience from “Very Dissatisfied” to “Very Satisfied.” Each point corresponds to a numerical value, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. This scale includes a neutral option, helping capture ambivalence. It’s user-friendly, which often increases response rates and completion. Conclusion In summary, effective user satisfaction surveys are essential for gathering valuable feedback. By combining various question types, such as Likert scale and open-ended questions, you can gain a thorough comprehension of user experiences. Implementing best practices in survey design and timing improves response rates and quality. Analyzing the results allows you to derive actionable insights that drive continuous improvement. In the end, leveraging this feedback can greatly improve customer satisfaction and strengthen your overall service or product offering. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Effective User Satisfaction Survey Examples to Enhance Feedback" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article
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How Trump was forced to back off his harshest immigration tactics
The US president has hemmed in hardliners and softened his rhetoric after the shooting of Alex PrettiView the full article
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UK’s deadline for paying IHT on pensions poses ‘huge problem’, peers warn
Government should extend time to pay from six to 12 months, says Lords committeeView the full article
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Why homeowners insurance rates could stabilize in 2026
Rates actually declined or remained flat over a two-year period in 15 states, including Florida, with natural disasters and tariffs affecting 2026's movements. View the full article
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12 Shows Like 'His & Hers' You Should Watch Next
We may earn a commission from links on this page. The first of a trio of Alice Feeney thrillers getting streaming series adaptations, His & Hers is a glossy, brisk and, perhaps most importantly, twisty Netflix mystery starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. Thompson plays Annie Andrews, a has-been news reporter who decides to get back on the horse when she learns of a murder in her Georgia hometown. Bernthal is the local detective on the case and—surprise!—he's also her ex. His & Hers is a big hit for Netflix, and a particularly buzzy and bingable example of the form. If you're looking for more of the same after finishing the last episode, here are a dozen more shows filled with zigzagging plots, complicated families, and women who are much more than mere victims. The Åre Murders (2025) Scandinavian cop drama (or Nordic noir, if you prefer) is its own sub-genre, so ubiquitous that the Disney+ show Agatha All Along did an episode parodying the form. Certainly The Åre Murders makes the case that Swedes know from murder. Plain-spoken, troubled (as in: under suspension) detective Hanna Ahlander leaves Stockholm to spend some time unwinding at her sister's place in remote Åre. A case involving a missing girl finds her back on the job, and up against local police officer Daniel Lindskog, who she's reluctant to trust. The dynamic isn't entirely dissimilar to that of reporter Anna Andrews and her cop ex in His & Hers. Looking for a bleakly beautiful landscape and ambiguous morality? Åre might be the place for you. You can stream The Åre Murders on Netflix. The Åre Murders (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Sharp Objects (2018) In this adaptation of the Gillian Flynn novel, Amy Adams stars as Camille Preaker, a troubled reporter with substance abuse issues who's only recently been released from a psychiatric hospital. I'm not sure what step of recovery involves returning to her hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri in order to investigate the murder of one girl and the apparently related disappearance of another—all under the watchful, critical eye of her socialite mother Adora (Patricia Clarkson). Like His & Hers, the plot turns a couple of gut-punch twists. Stream Sharp Objects on HBO Max. Sharp Objects (2018) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Mare of Easttown (2021) Kate Winslet picked up an Emmy for her performance as thoroughly troubled Mare Sheehan, a local hero in her days as a high school basketball champ whose adult reputation is rapidly losing its luster. As a police detective, she's been unable to solve the case of a missing girl even as she's confronted with a recently murdered teenage mother—you probably won't be surprised to find that the cases are linked. Word on the street is that a second season might be in the works. Stream Mare of Easttown on HBO Max. Mare of Easttown (2021) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max The Beast in Me (2025) This twist-a-minute thriller stars Clare Danes as grieving mother and author Aggie Wiggs, who struggling with her next book, and decides to focus it on her neighbor, who was accused of murdering his first wife. What could go wrong? Matthew Rhys plays Nile Jarvis, the maybe-murderer neighbor, who gets caught up in the mix when Abbie's story becomes about way more than just one death. Stream The Beast in Me on Netflix. The Beast in Me (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Apples Never Fall (2024) Liane Moriarty's novels have been adapted successfully in the past, from HBO's Big Little Lies to Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers. Her work generally, and Apples Never Fall specifically, focuses more on mystery than thrills, but those twisty-turny plots are what we're here for. This miniseries follows the Delaney family, whose four siblings are forced to confront their dark family history following the disappearance of their mother Joy (Annette Benning)—a disappearance in which their father Stand (Sam Neill), is a person of interest. Stream Apples Never Fall on Peacock. Apples Never Fall (2024) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Down Cemetery Road (2025 – ) Though a bit more in the spy genre than His & Hers (it's from a series of novels by Slow Horses author Mick Herron), this one's still a compelling mystery with a couple of unlikely, mismatched partners at its center. Emma Thompson stars as hard-living, hard-drinking private investigator Zoë Boehm, hired by Ruth Wilson's Sarah Trafford, a married art restorer who nobody takes very seriously (including her husband), even after she becomes invested in the fate of a young girl whose family is killed in an allegedly accidental gas explosion down the street. The orphaned girl disappears into the system, and no one really seems to care until Sarah hires Zoë and her husband to look into it. Both women soon find they are in way over their heads, as the missing girl points to a much broader conspiracy. Stream Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV+. Down Cemetery Road at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ The Crystal Cuckoo (2025) Clara Merlo (Catalina Sopelana) is a medical resident in a big city hospital. One shift, she collapses, waking weeks later to learn that he heart failed and she's received a transplant. Though donors are anonymous, she decides that she really needs to know about the person whose heart she's walking around with—which is where we enter into "What could possibly go wrong?" territory. She manages to trace the donation to a family in the small town of Yesques, where she learns that the father of of her donor went missing years ago, while brother Juan (Alfons Nieto) has joined the police force. Good thing, too: she'll need his help when she winds up involved in a mystery that goes back two decades. Stream The Crystal Cuckoo on Netflix. The Crystal Cuckoo (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix The Last Thing He Told Me (2023 – ) The first season ranked as Apple's most watched limited series ever, so naturally we're getting a second, based on another bestseller by Laura Dave. Jennifer Garner stars as Hannah Hall, a successful woodturner (now there's a new one in crime thrillers) trying to forge a bond with her stepdaughter in order to help solve the mystery of her missing husband. Stream The Last Thing He Told Me on Apple TV+. The Last Thing He Told Me at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ The Frog (2024) Following his wife's death, Yeong-ha (Kim Yoon-seok) just wants a quiet life in the secluded town where he lives—though he's not even all that enthusiastic about that. It's all going fine until a young woman shows up at the rental unit next door with her son, then abruptly vanishes, leaving behind blood stains and, even more disturbingly, the kid. This slow-burn, cinematic thriller has a storytelling structure that would be a spoiler to say too much about, but puzzing through it is definitely rewarding. Stream The Frog on Netflix. The Frog (2024) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix When No One Sees Us (2025 – ) A distinctive police thriller imported from Spain, When No One Sees Us stars Mariela Garriga (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning) as a Cuban-American special agent of the U.S. Army, and Maribel Verdú (Pan’s Labyrinth) as a Spanish Civil Guard sergeant struggling with a complex home life. Both are investigating an apparent death by violent suicide on an air base during Holy Week. It's another complex mystery, but the performances and the emphasis on character over plot make it a standout. Stream When No One Sees Us on HBO Max. When No One Sees Us (2025 – ) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Disclaimer (2024) Created, written, and directed by four-time Oscar winner Alfonso Cuarón, Disclaimer has as impressive a pedigree as you could hope for on streaming TV. Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline (both, incidentally, Oscar winners) star alongside Sacha Baron Cohen and Leila George. Blanchett plays Catherine Ravenscroft, an award-winning journalist who receives a mysterious manuscript—a novel in which she, herself, appears to be the main character, and which reveals secrets of her past that she thought were long buried. Stream Disclaimer on Apple TV+. Disclaimer (2024) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ True Detective: Night Country (2024) There's something to be said for each of the True Detective's four seasons, but Night Country moves away from the the sweaty bro energy of earlier seasons for a much frostier mystery involving missing scientists at a research station near a tiny Alaskan town, where the dark and the cold are practically characters themselves. The resulting mystery ties together veteran Chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Trooper Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis), two women with complicated pasts and screwed-up present family lives. The resolution to the mind-bending mystery drew a lot of debate, but the performances and chilly sense of magical realist dread are top tier. Stream True Detective: Night Country on HBO Max. True Detective: Night Country at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max View the full article
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Control Your Online Reputation in 5 Easy Steps
In the current digital era, managing your online reputation is essential for personal and professional success. By monitoring your digital presence, optimizing your profiles, engaging with your audience, addressing negative feedback, and maintaining consistent interaction, you can effectively shape how others perceive you. Each step plays a significant role in building a positive image and nurturing trust. Comprehending these elements can empower you to take control, but where do you start? Key Takeaways Regularly monitor your digital presence by searching your name and brand online for any public mentions or reviews. Optimize your online profiles with complete bios, high-quality visuals, and consistent branding across all platforms. Engage with your audience by responding swiftly to comments and messages, fostering trust and community. Address negative reviews promptly to demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction and convert negative experiences into positive ones. Maintain consistent engagement through daily updates and diverse content formats, while monitoring feedback for timely responses. Monitor Your Digital Presence Regularly To effectively manage your online reputation, it’s vital to monitor your digital presence regularly. Start by searching your name and brand on Google to identify what’s publicly available. This lets you see both positive and negative mentions that could influence perception. Consider using tools like Google Alerts to get notifications whenever your name is mentioned online, enabling timely responses to feedback. Consistently monitor social media platforms and review sites to track customer comments and reviews. Addressing concerns swiftly can protect your reputation online and prevent issues from escalating. Analyzing search engine results helps you prioritize positive reviews and testimonials, overshadowing negative mentions. Furthermore, implementing social listening tools like Brandwatch can provide insights into brand conversations across various platforms. This approach is fundamental in online reputation management for individuals and can aid in cleaning up online reputation, making it easier to maintain a favorable digital footprint. Optimize Your Online Profiles Optimizing your online profiles is vital for building a strong digital reputation that reflects your personal or business identity. To effectively control your online reputation, consider the following: Confirm all profiles are complete with accurate bios, contact information, and website links to boost credibility. Use high-quality visuals and consistent branding across platforms to create a memorable impression. Regularly update your profiles with fresh content and achievements to showcase expertise. Implementing these strategies contributes to effective online reputation management and reputation protection. By optimizing your profile content with SEO techniques, you can improve search engine rankings, making it easier for users to find positive information about you. Moreover, it’s important to monitor your profiles and address negative feedback quickly, demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction. For a robust personal online reputation, consider enlisting reputation management services or consulting with an online reputation expert to help clean up your internet reputation. Engage With Your Audience Engaging with your audience is a vital component of effective online reputation management. When you respond swiftly to comments and messages, you showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction, building trust. Regularly posting high-quality, relevant content keeps your audience involved, as 99.9% of people rely on reviews before making decisions. To improve your brand’s credibility, create complete social media profiles with clear bios and contact details. Comprehending your audience’s needs allows you to produce targeted content, increasing engagement through formats like blog posts, videos, and infographics. Acknowledging feedback, including negative reviews, can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for relationship-building. This proactive approach not only improves your online reputation score but supports personal online reputation management. If you’re considering reputation repair services, keep in mind that working with reputation management consultants can help you effectively engage with your audience and fix online reputation challenges. Address Negative Reviews Promptly While negative reviews can be intimidating, addressing them quickly can greatly improve your online reputation. Responding to feedback demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction, and studies reveal that 70% of consumers are more likely to trust a business that actively engages with reviews. Here are three key reasons to prioritize prompt responses: A swift reply can prevent escalation, potentially saving up to 22% of potential customers. Personalized responses can transform a negative experience into a positive one, boosting your company reputation. Acknowledging issues can increase brand loyalty, with 30% of customers likely to return after a respectful response. Regularly monitoring and addressing negative feedback is essential in your online reputation management strategy. Maintain Consistent Engagement To effectively maintain your online reputation, it’s crucial to engage consistently with your audience across various platforms. Daily updates are fundamental to keep your followers informed and connected to your brand. Addressing comments and messages swiftly cultivates community, enhancing customer loyalty. Explore various content formats, such as online reputation management blogs, videos, and infographics, to cater to diverse audience preferences. Regularly monitoring feedback is essential; it helps you quickly address concerns, showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction and improving your website reputation. A well-curated content strategy aligned with your audience’s interests can amplify positive sentiments and overshadow any negative mentions. If you’re looking for expert guidance, consider collaborating with an Reputation.com for effective online reputation management SEO. This approach can assist in your reputation careers and help you use tools like a reputation finder to clean up reputation issues as they arise. Consistent engagement is key to a solid online presence. Frequently Asked Questions How Do You Manage Your Online Reputation? To manage your online reputation, regularly monitor mentions of your brand across social media and review sites. Engage with customers by responding swiftly to their feedback, as most people rely on reviews for decisions. Optimize your online profiles using SEO techniques to boost positive content visibility. Create a content strategy that shares engaging material, and utilize automated tools to streamline monitoring, ensuring you can efficiently address public feedback and maintain a positive image. How Would You Defend Your Online Reputation? To defend your online reputation, start by monitoring your online presence regularly. Check search engine results and social media mentions to spot any negative feedback quickly. Develop a clear action plan for addressing criticism and maintain a positive image. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as these greatly influence potential buyers. Use monitoring tools to track your brand mentions, ensuring timely responses to concerns as you maintain consistent messaging across all platforms. What Is the First Step in Managing Online Reputation? The first step in managing your online reputation is evaluating your current online presence. Start by searching for your name or brand to identify both positive and negative content. Document what you find across various platforms, and note any relevant reputation keywords. Analyzing mentions and sentiments about your brand helps you understand public perception. Categorize helpful and harmful content to establish a baseline, guiding your next steps in improving your reputation effectively. What Are the Six Pillars of Reputation? The six pillars of reputation are credibility, trustworthiness, expertise, visibility, engagement, and consistency. Credibility relies on transparency, whereas trustworthiness develops through consistently high-quality offerings. Expertise is showcased through thought leadership that highlights your knowledge. Visibility guarantees you can be easily found, often improved by effective SEO. Engagement involves actively interacting with your audience, and consistency guarantees your message and values remain steady over time, reinforcing your overall reputation. Conclusion By following these five steps, you can effectively control your online reputation. Regularly monitoring your digital presence keeps you informed of what others see. Optimizing your profiles guarantees accurate representation, during your engagement with your audience nurtures connection. Addressing negative reviews shows your dedication to improvement, and maintaining consistent engagement builds trust. Implementing these strategies will help you create a positive online image, allowing you to manage perceptions and improve your credibility in the digital environment. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Control Your Online Reputation in 5 Easy Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article
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Control Your Online Reputation in 5 Easy Steps
In the current digital era, managing your online reputation is essential for personal and professional success. By monitoring your digital presence, optimizing your profiles, engaging with your audience, addressing negative feedback, and maintaining consistent interaction, you can effectively shape how others perceive you. Each step plays a significant role in building a positive image and nurturing trust. Comprehending these elements can empower you to take control, but where do you start? Key Takeaways Regularly monitor your digital presence by searching your name and brand online for any public mentions or reviews. Optimize your online profiles with complete bios, high-quality visuals, and consistent branding across all platforms. Engage with your audience by responding swiftly to comments and messages, fostering trust and community. Address negative reviews promptly to demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction and convert negative experiences into positive ones. Maintain consistent engagement through daily updates and diverse content formats, while monitoring feedback for timely responses. Monitor Your Digital Presence Regularly To effectively manage your online reputation, it’s vital to monitor your digital presence regularly. Start by searching your name and brand on Google to identify what’s publicly available. This lets you see both positive and negative mentions that could influence perception. Consider using tools like Google Alerts to get notifications whenever your name is mentioned online, enabling timely responses to feedback. Consistently monitor social media platforms and review sites to track customer comments and reviews. Addressing concerns swiftly can protect your reputation online and prevent issues from escalating. Analyzing search engine results helps you prioritize positive reviews and testimonials, overshadowing negative mentions. Furthermore, implementing social listening tools like Brandwatch can provide insights into brand conversations across various platforms. This approach is fundamental in online reputation management for individuals and can aid in cleaning up online reputation, making it easier to maintain a favorable digital footprint. Optimize Your Online Profiles Optimizing your online profiles is vital for building a strong digital reputation that reflects your personal or business identity. To effectively control your online reputation, consider the following: Confirm all profiles are complete with accurate bios, contact information, and website links to boost credibility. Use high-quality visuals and consistent branding across platforms to create a memorable impression. Regularly update your profiles with fresh content and achievements to showcase expertise. Implementing these strategies contributes to effective online reputation management and reputation protection. By optimizing your profile content with SEO techniques, you can improve search engine rankings, making it easier for users to find positive information about you. Moreover, it’s important to monitor your profiles and address negative feedback quickly, demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction. For a robust personal online reputation, consider enlisting reputation management services or consulting with an online reputation expert to help clean up your internet reputation. Engage With Your Audience Engaging with your audience is a vital component of effective online reputation management. When you respond swiftly to comments and messages, you showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction, building trust. Regularly posting high-quality, relevant content keeps your audience involved, as 99.9% of people rely on reviews before making decisions. To improve your brand’s credibility, create complete social media profiles with clear bios and contact details. Comprehending your audience’s needs allows you to produce targeted content, increasing engagement through formats like blog posts, videos, and infographics. Acknowledging feedback, including negative reviews, can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for relationship-building. This proactive approach not only improves your online reputation score but supports personal online reputation management. If you’re considering reputation repair services, keep in mind that working with reputation management consultants can help you effectively engage with your audience and fix online reputation challenges. Address Negative Reviews Promptly While negative reviews can be intimidating, addressing them quickly can greatly improve your online reputation. Responding to feedback demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction, and studies reveal that 70% of consumers are more likely to trust a business that actively engages with reviews. Here are three key reasons to prioritize prompt responses: A swift reply can prevent escalation, potentially saving up to 22% of potential customers. Personalized responses can transform a negative experience into a positive one, boosting your company reputation. Acknowledging issues can increase brand loyalty, with 30% of customers likely to return after a respectful response. Regularly monitoring and addressing negative feedback is essential in your online reputation management strategy. Maintain Consistent Engagement To effectively maintain your online reputation, it’s crucial to engage consistently with your audience across various platforms. Daily updates are fundamental to keep your followers informed and connected to your brand. Addressing comments and messages swiftly cultivates community, enhancing customer loyalty. Explore various content formats, such as online reputation management blogs, videos, and infographics, to cater to diverse audience preferences. Regularly monitoring feedback is essential; it helps you quickly address concerns, showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction and improving your website reputation. A well-curated content strategy aligned with your audience’s interests can amplify positive sentiments and overshadow any negative mentions. If you’re looking for expert guidance, consider collaborating with an Reputation.com for effective online reputation management SEO. This approach can assist in your reputation careers and help you use tools like a reputation finder to clean up reputation issues as they arise. Consistent engagement is key to a solid online presence. Frequently Asked Questions How Do You Manage Your Online Reputation? To manage your online reputation, regularly monitor mentions of your brand across social media and review sites. Engage with customers by responding swiftly to their feedback, as most people rely on reviews for decisions. Optimize your online profiles using SEO techniques to boost positive content visibility. Create a content strategy that shares engaging material, and utilize automated tools to streamline monitoring, ensuring you can efficiently address public feedback and maintain a positive image. How Would You Defend Your Online Reputation? To defend your online reputation, start by monitoring your online presence regularly. Check search engine results and social media mentions to spot any negative feedback quickly. Develop a clear action plan for addressing criticism and maintain a positive image. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as these greatly influence potential buyers. Use monitoring tools to track your brand mentions, ensuring timely responses to concerns as you maintain consistent messaging across all platforms. What Is the First Step in Managing Online Reputation? The first step in managing your online reputation is evaluating your current online presence. Start by searching for your name or brand to identify both positive and negative content. Document what you find across various platforms, and note any relevant reputation keywords. Analyzing mentions and sentiments about your brand helps you understand public perception. Categorize helpful and harmful content to establish a baseline, guiding your next steps in improving your reputation effectively. What Are the Six Pillars of Reputation? The six pillars of reputation are credibility, trustworthiness, expertise, visibility, engagement, and consistency. Credibility relies on transparency, whereas trustworthiness develops through consistently high-quality offerings. Expertise is showcased through thought leadership that highlights your knowledge. Visibility guarantees you can be easily found, often improved by effective SEO. Engagement involves actively interacting with your audience, and consistency guarantees your message and values remain steady over time, reinforcing your overall reputation. Conclusion By following these five steps, you can effectively control your online reputation. Regularly monitoring your digital presence keeps you informed of what others see. Optimizing your profiles guarantees accurate representation, during your engagement with your audience nurtures connection. Addressing negative reviews shows your dedication to improvement, and maintaining consistent engagement builds trust. Implementing these strategies will help you create a positive online image, allowing you to manage perceptions and improve your credibility in the digital environment. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Control Your Online Reputation in 5 Easy Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article
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Chubby FIRE Guide: The “Balanced Fat FIRE” approach explained
Everyone would love the idea of being “financially independent,” and the FIRE approach is a great option that makes that life accessible. Unfortunately, the prospect of sacrificing life’s comforts to achieve and live in Lean FIRE, or even FIRE, is too much for some to fathom. At the other end of the spectrum, the millions ... Read moreView the full article
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How to Sync Freshservice and Jira With Two-Way Updates
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to set up an integration that syncs Freshservice service requests with Jira issues through an automated flow from Unito. Since Unito is a completely customizable platform with a no-code interface, you can set up this integration without any technical resources and minimal maintenance. No need to troubleshoot complex automations or rely on expensive consultants, either. Overview Tools: Freshservice and Jira Use cases: Ticket escalation, software development, project management, AI agent integration Great for: IT teams, software developers, product owners, project managers Unito’s integration for Freshservice and Jira allows users of any technical background, from product managers to software developers and support teams, to sync Freshservice service requests with Jira issues. This integration syncs updates from Freshservice to Jira, creates new issues, and can even automate repetitive actions. This in-depth guide shows you how that’s done. By the end of this guide, your Freshservice-Jira integration will: Create new Jira issues synced with Freshservice service requests. Update Jira fields in real-time based on updates you make in Freshservice. Here’s a video guide for a very similar integration. Before you start Setting up Jira If you’re connecting Jira to Unito via OAuth 2.0, follow the on-screen instructions when adding your account for the first time: If you’re not using OAuth 2.0 to connect your Jira Cloud workspace to Unito, you’ll need to do the following: Set your Jira contact email visibility to anyone in your Jira profile page. Set up an application link in Jira to sync your issues to NetSuite. If you’re connecting an on-premise Jira Server instance to Unito, you’ll need to follow this guide. You can also use ngrok to connect Jira Server to Unito. Step 1: Connect Freshservice and Jira to Unito Sign up for Unito. Click +Create Flow in the Unito app. Click Start Here to connect Freshservice and Jira. Click +Choose Account for each tool and complete the authorization process. Click Confirm. Connecting tools to Unito for the first time? Here’s an in-depth guide. Step 2: Choose flow direction for work items With flow direction, you decide where Unito automatically creates work items to match those you create manually. For most Unito integrations, you can choose between a two-way flow that creates work items in both tools or a one-way flow that only creates new items in one tool. With Unito’s Freshservice integration, you can only build one-way flows that sync data out of Freshservive and to other tools, so this step will be set up for you! Want to know more about flow direction? Check out this guide. Step 3: Build rules to sync specific work items Unito rules can do two things: Filter out work items you don’t want synced. For example, you could create a rule that only syncs Freshservice service requests created after a certain date. Automate certain actions. For example, you could create a rule that automatically assigns new Jira issues to a certain person on your team. To start building your rule, click Add new rule, then choose a trigger and action. Want to learn more about rules? Check out this guide. Step 4: Map fields between Freshservice and Jira When you map fields, you pair fields in Freshservice with fields in Jira so data goes exactly where it needs to. Unito can usually map most fields automatically, whether they’re exactly the same (Owner→Owner) or just compatible (URL→Text). You can also choose to map fields manually to fully customize your flow. Here’s what you’ll see when Unito maps your fields automatically. You can add a field mapping by clicking +Add mapping, then Select a field. When you choose the field you want to map in one tool, Unito will automatically recommend compatible fields in a dropdown under the other tool. Some fields have a cog icon, meaning you can customize them once they’re mapped. For example, a Status field can be customized so its options match those in another field. Step 5: Launch your Freshservice-Jira integration That’s it! You’re ready to launch your flow. Unito will automatically sync Freshservice data to Jira issues so software developers always know what’s going on when tickets are escalated to them. This will allow your teams to collaborate more effectively without copying and pasting data or constantly switching tools. Ready to optimize your workflow? Meet with our team to see what Unito can do for your workflows. Talk with sales FAQ: Freshservice-Jira integration Why should I integrate Freshservice with Jira? Syncing Freshservice service requests with Jira issues allows your teams to work more effectively without jumping back and forth between tools. This allows: Developers working on ticket escalations to have all the context they need as IT works with requesters. IT agents to send tickets to developers without any manual work or meetings. Team leads to get an overview on escalated tickets and context without leaving their tool of choice. How do I add a Freshservice service request to Jira? Freshservice offers a built-in integration with Jira that creates a link between service requests and Jira issues. This link can be enough to get a quick overview on service tickets on a case-by-case basis, but it’s not the best way to integrate these tools. Unito’s integration and similar platforms automatically create new Jira issues to match service requests in Freshservice, keeping fields in these issues up to date. That makes them the best way to collaborate seamlessly. Why should I use Unito’s Freshservice-Jira integration? Unito has some of the deepest integrations on the market and they only take minutes to set up. When you connect Freshservice service requests with Jira issues, any service requests you escalate automatically become Jira issues. That means you can get all the context you need in Jira without manually copying it over from Freshservice. You get the feeling of everyone working in a single tool without having to designate a middleman or force anyone to use multiple platforms. What’s next after integrating Freshservice with Jira? Need to integrate Jira with other tools in your stack? Check out our other guides: Integrating Jira and Wrike Syncing Jira and Salesforce Connecting Jira and GitHub Want to know more about Unito’s Freshservice integration? Check out this guide. View the full article
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How to Get Your Share of These Billion Dollar Amazon Settlements
January isn't over yet, and Amazon's already set to pay more than $3 billion to U.S. customers across various settlements. If you've bought anything from Amazon recently, keep an eye out: Bezos' baby could owe you some money. How to get Amazon's returns settlementIf you've had difficulty returning an Amazon package recently, you could have a paycheck coming your way soon. As reported by Reuters, the company has agreed to a $309 million cash settlement (in addition to "other benefits") with affected customers, alongside more than $600 million in individual refunds. According to lawyers for the plaintiffs, the settlement as a whole provides more than $1 billion in relief. The lawsuit accused the e-commerce giant of causing "substantial unjustified monetary losses" with its return policies, which the plaintiffs say resulted in many customers returning items only to be charged for them anyway. Amazon denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, but did say it will spend more than $363 million improving its return and refund practices. The company claims that, after an internal review last year, it "identified a small subset of returns where we issued a refund without the payment completing, or where we could not verify that the correct item had been sent to us, so no refund had been issued." However, Amazon said it had taken steps to resolve the issue, as seen in the refunds on years-old returns the company started issuing last year. The settlement is still awaiting approval from U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead in Seattle, but as both parties support it, it'll likely come soon. The class would cover "U.S. purchasers of goods on Amazon from Sept 2017 who allegedly did not receive timely or correct refunds, or who were later charged despite returning items," writes Reuters. It's currently unclear how class members would file a claim, or how the $309 million cash settlement and $600 million individual refunds will be divvied up. However, the plaintiffs told the court that class members should expect to recover the full amount of lost funds, plus interest. Eligible class members are often contacted by email, so keep an eye out. In the meantime, you can also search for legal updates using the case name, "In re: Amazon Return Policy Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, No. 2:23-CV-1372-JNW." How to get Amazon's Prime settlementWhile Amazon's returns settlement is still in its early phases, it's not the biggest payout the company's had to make this year. Earlier this January, Amazon reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC over accusations that it had essentially tricked people into either signing up for or staying subscribed to Prime. Claims are going out in two ways, one of which is automatic, and the other you have to sign up for. According to the settlement website, as well as the FTC, automatic payments should have gone out already, and applied to people who meet the following requirements: You are a U.S. consumer who signed up for Prime between June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025, and You enrolled through a Challenged Enrollment Flow, and You used no more than three Prime benefits in a 12-month period from June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025. If that doesn't sound like you, or you didn't receive a payment, you'll need to file a claim using the "File Claim" button on the settlement website. You're eligible to do this if you meet the follow requirements: You are a U.S. consumer who signed up for Prime, and You unintentionally enrolled in a Prime membership through a challenged enrollment method at issue in the FTC’s lawsuit from June 23, 2019 to June 23, 2025; or you tried to cancel your Prime membership through the online cancellation process from June 23, 2019 to June 23, 2025, but were unable to do so; and You used less than ten Prime benefits (e.g., delivery, shopping, streaming, reading, and other benefits provided to Prime members) during any 12-month period of enrollment in Prime, and You did not receive an automatic payment as part of this Settlement already. Neither website is entirely clear about what constitutes "challenged enrollment," aside from saying that Amazon enrolled customers in Prime without their knowledge or consent. Luckily, you probably won't need to do any legwork to see if you're eligible. According to the FTC, Amazon has begun sending claim notices by mail or email to eligible Prime customers who didn't already get an automatic refund. This will be your cue to sign up for your cut of the settlement, and in fact, you'll need the included Claim ID and PIN to do so. If you believe you're eligible for a share of the settlement but Amazon did not contact you, you can reach out to admin@SubscriptionMembershipSettlement.com for help. Once you file your claim, you can choose to be paid either through check, PayPal, or Venmo. Expected payments will differ from person to person, but will cap out at $51. And there's no need to rush. The deadline to file a claim is July 27, 2026, so you've got some time to ensure you get what you're owed. View the full article
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Italy clarifies ICE’s role during Winter Olympics as public backlash grows
Interior minister says US federal agents will only work in ‘their diplomatic premises’ for Milan Cortina GamesView the full article
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UK energy company urges Starmer to ‘embrace’ Chinese technology
Octopus chief adds to debate over critical sector as PM embarks on first trip to Beijing by a British leader since 2018View the full article
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This 2025 Roku Smart TV Is on Sale for 30% Off
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. As far as smart TVs go, the Roku interface is one of the easiest to use, and with a variety of different lines, it’s also easy to find one that fits your budget. The Plus Series is the brand’s first attempt at making its own television, and it’s a reliable mid-range smart TV that gives users a plug-and-play experience (no Roku stick or box required), solid picture quality, and fast streaming for the price. Right now, the 55″ 2025 Roku Smart TV Plus Series is 30% off at a record-low $348, down from $499.99. 55″ 2025 Roku Smart TV Plus Series $499.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $499.99 at Amazon This model is an upgrade over the Select Series and features a 4K QLED panel with a wide color gamut and a mini-LED backlight. It also supports HDR-10, including Dolby Vision. Colors are vibrant and detailed compared to similarly priced budget TVs, though according to this PCMag review, greens can occasionally look oversaturated. It reaches a peak brightness of approximately 412 nits. Like all Roku TVs, it has Roku OS built in, giving users access to a wide range of apps and services, and local dimming helps deepen blacks and improve contrast compared to lower-end Roku models. While it isn’t marketed as a gaming TV (it’s only 60Hz and also lacks VRR, which means no AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync), it still offers a low input lag of 3.1 milliseconds in Game Mode, making it responsive enough for everyday streaming and casual gaming. As one of Roku’s first in-house TVs, the 2025 Plus Series has strong value as a budget TV with a panel that’s brighter and delivers deeper blacks than many Amazon Fire TVs in the same price range. While it doesn’t have the faster refresh rate and more advanced features of the pricier Roku Pro Series or premium OLED TVs, it still delivers most of the core Roku TV experience and respectable visuals, making the 55″ 2025 Roku Smart TV Plus Series hit a sweet spot between budget TVs and more expensive models for those who don’t need cutting-edge gaming features. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $399.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article