During a nice stroll on Miami Beach, a friend and I happened upon the Banana Republic located on Lincoln Road. It was 10:45 PM, fifteen minutes before closing when we walked in. Since I'm not really a fan of this store, I thought it would only take me a minute to stroll through, find nothing and leave.
To my surprise, I found some great stuff in my size and quickly pulled them off the rack to try them on. Did you hear what I said..."try them on", minutes before closing. You would think under those circumstances I would have been met with a "come back tomorrow please." NOT! Instead I was kindly escorted into the dressing room with a smile and the sales associate made several trips back to see if I needed another size, which I did, or help, which I did.
It didn't even dawn on me the clock was ticking and he never reminded me. Twenty minutes past, I found myself at the counter with a armful of clothes. Then the best pair of shoes caught my eyes. To my amazement, another associate gratiously found my size and waited for me to ponder whether I would purchase them a not. They even suggested a matching purse as a additional purchase and a credit card, which could have taken at least fifteen minutes longer.
The conversation was light and witty; the attitude was excellent. It was a great shopping experience and I am now a true fan. Check it out. It's worth it.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to find out for yourself.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
ROSS DRESS FOR LESS AT MIDTOWN
As you can see, Midtown is fast becoming one of my favorite hangouts. I spent hours there Friday night, but today was the first day I decided to venture into Ross.
First things first, that store is probably one of the least inviting estabishments I've ever been to. I went to buy a baseball cap. I needed one because my last one blew into the bay when I was working out. Anyway, rarely do I go into someplace like Ross or Marshall's and buy one item. It's a virtual smorgasborg of inexpensive opportunity, and if you look carefully you can find some wonderful treasures, but in this store, I spent exactly 20 minutes and the marjority of that was in the line.
Which brings me to the service. It was horrible. Initially, there were two associates handling customers. After completing what I assume to be his last customer before taking a break, one associate unceremoniously pushed his line of patient consumers off on the other and simply walks away without so much as an "excuse me" or "I'm going on break" or "I'll be back" or "forget you" or anything.
Then, when the remaining associate called for assistance, another young lady called back using the intercom and they spent the next few seconds bantering back and forth, loudly, about whether the person attached to the voice should stay on break or go to the floor or come to the front to help. Needless to say, she didn't and we sat there and waited.
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking why didn't I leave. I could find a baseball cap anywhere. But, it was so cute and only 6.99. So, I decided to stand there and vent my frustration, here, in a forum that can help others. If you're a stickler for service, I strongly suggest you steer clear of this store. It's not worth the value.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
First things first, that store is probably one of the least inviting estabishments I've ever been to. I went to buy a baseball cap. I needed one because my last one blew into the bay when I was working out. Anyway, rarely do I go into someplace like Ross or Marshall's and buy one item. It's a virtual smorgasborg of inexpensive opportunity, and if you look carefully you can find some wonderful treasures, but in this store, I spent exactly 20 minutes and the marjority of that was in the line.
Which brings me to the service. It was horrible. Initially, there were two associates handling customers. After completing what I assume to be his last customer before taking a break, one associate unceremoniously pushed his line of patient consumers off on the other and simply walks away without so much as an "excuse me" or "I'm going on break" or "I'll be back" or "forget you" or anything.
Then, when the remaining associate called for assistance, another young lady called back using the intercom and they spent the next few seconds bantering back and forth, loudly, about whether the person attached to the voice should stay on break or go to the floor or come to the front to help. Needless to say, she didn't and we sat there and waited.
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking why didn't I leave. I could find a baseball cap anywhere. But, it was so cute and only 6.99. So, I decided to stand there and vent my frustration, here, in a forum that can help others. If you're a stickler for service, I strongly suggest you steer clear of this store. It's not worth the value.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Monday, October 8, 2007
STARBUCK'S IN MIDTOWN
Have you ever read those quotes in finance books that say if you invest the money you spend on cups of coffee, you could be rich. Well, I read it and that's about it. As a true fan of Starbuck's, I declare I will not and cannot give up my white chocolate mocha low fat with creme or my hot apple cider. And with each overpriced cup, I usually get a great big smile. But somehow, the Starbuck's inside Target at the Midtown Plaza on 36th Street and N. Miami Avenue didn't get the memo. They find time to gossip with their friends, pay very little attention to me or my order. It's a wonder they can get it right.
I must confess that last week I was pleasantly surprised. The young lady was quick and courteous. She didn't smile much, but the coffee was served quickly and it tasted great. Her barrister skills really shined through. She was so efficient, I found myself looking for the tip cup they aren't suppose to have. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't go back, but maybe I'll give them another try, at least when I see she's working.
As always, the views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
I must confess that last week I was pleasantly surprised. The young lady was quick and courteous. She didn't smile much, but the coffee was served quickly and it tasted great. Her barrister skills really shined through. She was so efficient, I found myself looking for the tip cup they aren't suppose to have. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't go back, but maybe I'll give them another try, at least when I see she's working.
As always, the views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Monday, October 1, 2007
A SIMPLE, BUT IMPORTANT QUOTE
The customer is why you go to work. If they go away, you do, too. --David Haverford
To those who provide customer service...think about it!
INSPECTOR SERVICE
To those who provide customer service...think about it!
INSPECTOR SERVICE
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
MIKE'S AT VENETIA
I went to Mike's At Venetia at 555 NE 15th St # 935 in Miami. It was a beautiful Wednesday night, so we decided to sit on the veranda and enjoy the night air. The hostess was quick to get our drink order. A few moments later our server came to get our order. She was gracious and patient, especially since we had to ask her to come back several times because we couldn't stop talking long enough to order. When we finally ordered, I was very impressed by the fact that she listened to me. I was there with a man who wanted to order for me. I hate that, but it was a business dinner so I had to hold my tongue. I could really appreciate she brought back what I wanted and not what he thought I should eat. I've known about Mike's for years. And, if you want to enjoy a relaxing sports bar with light food and pretty good service, check it out.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Friday, August 31, 2007
PIOLA ON MIAMI BEACH
Piola is a pizzeria located at 1625 Alton Road, Miami Beach. As expected of most places on the Beach, it's a trendy spot that feels more like a discotech disguised as a restaurant. The pizza is baked in an open oven and served in large portions. But, we're not here to talk about the food. It's all about the service.
The young lady who was our primary server was pleasant and helpful enough. But, the manager for the evening lost it
when he decided to lecture us on the merit of the coupon we presented for a free pizza. The coupon was the only reason we wanted to go to this restaurant. We're not big pizza eaters, but the coupon was a gift to my husband so we invited a friend to try it out. Great advertising, right? Wrong. When we presented the coupon, it was met with what felt like a Spanish inquisition. He gave us this long-winded explanation including, but not limited to "I've never seen this before" to "we can only honor these when signed by the manager of another store". Incidently, my research shows it is the only Piola restaurant in South Florida.
Now at this point, we're starving, the only thing on the menu is overpriced personal pan pizzas, we haven't ordered anything and I'm way past tolerating his tone of voice. I would have left, but I had to consider my promise to serve you. So, I stayed and trudged forward, pursuing the mission of getting the free pizza that was owed to me. I asked him, "are you going to honor it or not?" After a few moments of more excuses and explanations, we finally get him to say "yes" as if he were doing us a favor. Eventually, he went away, we resumed our evening with the regular server and the rest of the evening went off without a hitch.
The lesson learned here, use better judgement before lecturing customers. Is it worth the cost of the potential gain you stand to lose. In this case, he gave us an 8.95 pizza and our bill was a little over $50 (it would have been more, but the food wasn't good enough to risk dessert). That's an 80% return, almost lost due to a bad attitude.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
By the way, this was my first time at this establishment and it will probably be my last. I'll keep you posted.
The young lady who was our primary server was pleasant and helpful enough. But, the manager for the evening lost it
when he decided to lecture us on the merit of the coupon we presented for a free pizza. The coupon was the only reason we wanted to go to this restaurant. We're not big pizza eaters, but the coupon was a gift to my husband so we invited a friend to try it out. Great advertising, right? Wrong. When we presented the coupon, it was met with what felt like a Spanish inquisition. He gave us this long-winded explanation including, but not limited to "I've never seen this before" to "we can only honor these when signed by the manager of another store". Incidently, my research shows it is the only Piola restaurant in South Florida.
Now at this point, we're starving, the only thing on the menu is overpriced personal pan pizzas, we haven't ordered anything and I'm way past tolerating his tone of voice. I would have left, but I had to consider my promise to serve you. So, I stayed and trudged forward, pursuing the mission of getting the free pizza that was owed to me. I asked him, "are you going to honor it or not?" After a few moments of more excuses and explanations, we finally get him to say "yes" as if he were doing us a favor. Eventually, he went away, we resumed our evening with the regular server and the rest of the evening went off without a hitch.
The lesson learned here, use better judgement before lecturing customers. Is it worth the cost of the potential gain you stand to lose. In this case, he gave us an 8.95 pizza and our bill was a little over $50 (it would have been more, but the food wasn't good enough to risk dessert). That's an 80% return, almost lost due to a bad attitude.
The views expressed on this blog are my own. Use this as a guide only. This critique was not solicited, nor was I hired to share these thoughts. I am not a professional. I'm just a customer looking for great service. The names of the individuals mentioned are eliminated, primarily to protect me. Please remember, everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
By the way, this was my first time at this establishment and it will probably be my last. I'll keep you posted.
WHO IS INSPECTOR SERVICE?
I'm a sucker for great customer service. I'll patronize and recommend a restaurant with good service, over mediocre food any day. Over the past few years, I've noticed service doesn't seem to be that important anymore. What happened to the days when a smile or a pleasant hello was not too much to ask, never mind actually doing your job and providing assistance when needed. That brings me to the reason I created this blog. I feel it is my responsibility to share my shopping experiences, good or bad, with other "hard working, need to be selective about where to spend your money" consumers. And now that I have a forum to do so, I hope you allow me the opportunity to serve you with information on where to get the most for your buck.
Unfortunately, my reviews will primarily come from South Florida companies because I live in Miami, FL. It's a big city though and I'm sure I'll have a lot to write about. I'll critique as many places as I can. No place is too large, or too small. Actually, this will give me a chance to go to and experience places outside of my regular stomping grounds.
I would be remise if I didn't say, the views expressed on this blog are based on my opinion. This critique was not solicited. Nor, have I been hired by anyone to endorse or criticize any business. Please use this as a guide only. Remember everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself. That being said. To all the businesses in the area including restaurants, department stores and all services, beware! You'll never know when I might walk into your establishment. I"m telling everything I know and for your sake, I hope "it's all good".
INSPECTOR SERVICE
Unfortunately, my reviews will primarily come from South Florida companies because I live in Miami, FL. It's a big city though and I'm sure I'll have a lot to write about. I'll critique as many places as I can. No place is too large, or too small. Actually, this will give me a chance to go to and experience places outside of my regular stomping grounds.
I would be remise if I didn't say, the views expressed on this blog are based on my opinion. This critique was not solicited. Nor, have I been hired by anyone to endorse or criticize any business. Please use this as a guide only. Remember everyone's opinion is different and I encourage you to check it out for yourself. That being said. To all the businesses in the area including restaurants, department stores and all services, beware! You'll never know when I might walk into your establishment. I"m telling everything I know and for your sake, I hope "it's all good".
INSPECTOR SERVICE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
