I'm probably a pain in the butt to a lot of consumer product manufacturers out there, because when I'm unhappy with a product (a certain brand of teeth whitening strips and a shoe accessories company shall remain nameless) I tend to e-mail a letter to the manufacturer. Do I get anywhere with this approach? Not really. Generally, the manufacturer thanks me for my opinion, then gives me a coupon for a discount off of my next purchase of the product - which clearly means they didn't read my original e-mail, in which I told them I would never buy the product again. Sigh.

But at least one manufacturer in the nail industry is actively soliciting its customers' opinions. European Touch has just introduced its "Nail Technician Advisory Council (NTAC)," a rotating board of up to 12 nail techs who'll meet quarterly to offer new ideas and suggestions to the pedicure spa manufacturer. These opinions will actually be used to develop the company's new products. (European Touch used a lot of nail tech input during the creation process of its new "Clean Touch" technology and found the insights invaluable.) I think this is a very smart move.

To get the chance to put in your two cents with European Touch, just call the company's main line (800-626-6912), and tell the service representative that you're interested in joining the Nail Technician Advisory Council. I'm sure it'll be a lot more fun than having your e-mails labeled "Spam."

—Sree