Topic: Good Service
started by: jimhanson
Posted by jimhanson on May 17 2011,4:36 pm
Far too often, we see complaints--not only on the Forum but verbal complaints. It's not often that we hand out compliments--I guess it's just human nature to complain--but we SHOULD recognize people that do an excellent job.Some years ago, I started a thread on the excellent service provided by Ace Hardware, Hy-Vee, and Sorenson's appliance. Many people contributed the names of businesses that they felt gave good service. Let's do it again.
I went to Shopko Optical Shop for an eye exam. I've been wearing glasses for 58 years--I've had a lot of eye exams. I don't look forward to ANY medical checkup, but this was the best eye exam I've ever had.
The staff was on time (I hate waiting in a medical waiting room--where delays are common practice). The receptionist called me by name, and recalled our last visit--two years ago! They did the preliminary exam quickly and competently.
I was quickly seen by Dr. Toni (I can't make out her last name--she has "doctor's handwriting"--and maybe I could make it out IF I had my new glasses!)
She was great--listened to all of my concerns first, then explained what she was going to check. As we moved through the examination, she kept up a running commentary about what she was checking, and the results. She took the time to answer questions about my vision, and my questions about what to expect for changes to my vision in the coming years. As it turned out, she was able to correct some issues I've had stemming from improper lenses from the last two visits to an opthamologist and an optician over the last 6 years--partly because she took the time to LISTEN.When we were done, she instructed Bill, the store manager, on what kind of lenses and frames I would need to maximize the lens performance. After making the fitting, Bill asked if I had any "discount cards"--AAA, AARP, etc. I told him that I didn't want to join AARP because of their support for gun control--he said that it would be only fair to give me the discount anyway.
At the end, I found that the eye exam cost only $56--it had taken an hour--15 minutes with the staff and 45 minutes with the doctor. $56 an hour for medical professionals!
The people were friendly, the rate was a bargain, and the service was excellent!
Posted by Stone-Magnon on May 17 2011,4:49 pm
Thanks JH, consumer reporting like this is good to know and can be very helpful.
Posted by Santorini on May 17 2011,7:46 pm
Jim, I had a similar experience with Shopko Optical.They are great and thorough with eye exams.
I saw a Dr. I cannot remember his name...
he was SOOO good!
And the people are friendly!
Another place where the staff is so nice is Freeborn County Co-Op gas station on Margaretha. I do not mind spending my hard earned $$$$ when I hear a Thank You, Have a Great Day !
Posted by irisheyes on May 18 2011,2:28 am
Wok-n-Roll buffet-- When it comes to buffets I am picky about food safety. Wok-n-Roll always seems really good about stirring their food and keeping a clean restaurant. They keep food stocked well except for close to closing time; however, they will be happy to make fresh food for you if you ask for something specific at those times. The floors, tables, and restrooms are clean and well maintained, and the price is good.I'll echo the previous topic about a couple other businesses that I like a lot. First is Hy-Vee, the staff is very helpful and pleasant. Whether it is 5pm or 2am they'll help you look for an item. They keep a clean, well organized store.
Raleigh's ACE Hardware, across the street from Northbridge mall-- I stopped shopping at Wally World when I realized how helpful ACE Hardware and Hy-Vee are. A one-stop-shop isn't very convenient if you spend an hour there and leave with a headache. You'd be surprised how reasonable the prices are at ACE Hardware, and the staff is incredibly helpful. There's a couple of them in particular that have been doing this for a very long time, so whether you need salt for your driveway, tools, a new lawn mower, or a new humidifier filter, you can get it at ACE. They care about finding what you need, helping you with tips, the hours are good, and as I mentioned above, many times you can't beat the price.
Web-room, on Marshall Street-- When I have computer trouble it's usually something simple that I don't want to spend a couple hundred dollars on. I could go to Best Buy and talk to them, but by the time I'm done I'm irritated and if I follow all their suggestions my credit card will think it's been sexually violated. Long story short, I'd recommend going to George if you need computer repair work done.
Hardee's-- Their food is good, place is clean, and the remodeling looks great. I have to spend six bucks to get enough food at the other fast food joints anyway, so I might as well go to Hardee's when I want a burger and fries.
Posted by grassman on May 18 2011,6:24 am
R & D Automotive, very knowledgeable and honest. You can't beat that.
Posted by This is my real name on May 18 2011,7:14 am
Papa Murphy's - friendly service (though it's a little slower during peak times) and delicious pizza. I'm in there every week.Frames-R-Us - again, friendly service and excellent product. I usually have my mat boards cut there, as I print my photos at 8 x 12 instead of 8 x 10. I have also had larger projects done by them as well, and I've always been pleased with the results.
Motor Inn - we always get great service from Hutch and the other guys in their shop. They get it done right, and when they don't, they make it right.
Another vote for Raleigh's Ace Hardware - great service. I will go there before Home Depot, if it's something I can get at Ace.
Also another vote for Hy-Vee. Besides great service, they have the lowest prices and freshest selection for the foods I buy - and I have compared this to the other choices in town. Hy-Vee consistently comes out on top overall.
Wells Federal Bank - we left Wells Fargo years ago due to their increasing fees and complacency. We get fantastic service at Wells Federal, particularly the location at Nelson's Marketplace. (That's the location closer to our home, so we know the tellers there more than at the other location by Northbridge - though both are great.)
Posted by Counterfeit Fake on May 18 2011,7:53 am
Another vote for Hy-Vee and Raleigh's. Same reasons as others have mentioned. Raleigh's have great service and Hy-Vee does a lot for community groups.
Posted by AnEngrsWife on May 18 2011,11:31 am
I have found that Raleigh's carries more items than Home Depot. If it's an odd item that I need, Raleigh's has had it. Now they are my first stop instead of my last. You know that saying, it's always the last place you look!!!
Posted by GEOKARJO on May 18 2011,2:03 pm
(AnEngrsWife @ May 18 2011,11:31 am)
QUOTE
I have found that Raleigh's carries more items than Home Depot. If it's an odd item that I need, Raleigh's has had it. Now they are my first stop instead of my last. You know that saying, it's always the last place you look!!!
I you find it in the last place you looked what would be the point of looking any further?
Posted by MADDOG on May 18 2011,2:07 pm
(Kool Aid @ May 18 2011,12:42 pm)
QUOTE
THE FAMILY YMCA.
Everyone is treated special. And if your good friends with the Director Dennis Dieser then your treated EXTRA special. It takes special favors to be part of his club.
Also , you have the chance to get the trainer of the year to help you. Word on the streets he's nicknamed the Mexican Trainer.
Everyone is treated special. And if your good friends with the Director Dennis Dieser then your treated EXTRA special. It takes special favors to be part of his club.
Also , you have the chance to get the trainer of the year to help you. Word on the streets he's nicknamed the Mexican Trainer.
That's only normal but why is the guy called a mexican trainer?
Posted by jimhanson on May 18 2011,2:24 pm
I'll throw in a vote for Webroom, too. Geo gets the problem fixed right away, (even on my ancient equipment!) and he charges far less than any other computer business I've dealt with.Ace certainly seems to have a loyal following.
I sent a letter to Hy-Vee corporate HQ a while ago, complimenting them on the store cleanliness, layout, selection of products, and particularly, the friendliness of their employees. Next time in the store, Manager Al Weiser thanked me--they in turn had received praise from HQ. He explained that EVERY employee--even the shelf-stockers--goes through a 6-week training program on serving customers. Example: If you ask where an item is located, they drop what they are doing and escort you there! (Speaking of Weiser--the guy is amazing--watch him greet employees and customers BY NAME as he moves through the store!)
My point (and I've eventually reached it!
) is that if we want to encourage this high level of service, we ought to RECOGNIZE it. Business's get so many letters of complaint, that when they DO get a complimentary letter, it stands out--it makes their day!
Posted by GEOKARJO on May 18 2011,2:32 pm
Raleigh's Ace Hardware Doug Hanson Automotive out past Ninth street on Lincoln Ave west side of the road. Wok and Roll Pizza Ranch Advanced Auto Hardees Wendy's QuiznosRude Service Award goes to Subway on Main, McDonalds on Main.
Rude Customer Award
As a business I do lots of things and as many know I convert video tapes to DVD. I never try to say it will be done by a certain time due to the fact that I make memories videos for funerals.
Funeral Memory Videos take priority over all other work in my shop. Memories Videos are a special moment a reflection of a lost loved ones life. I sit down with the family and we choose the the pictures and the theme music.
I was sitting with a man on Monday as we were going through pictures of his deceased wife of 55 years. When this crazed woman came in wanting to know why I hadn't called and if I had had her videos done she was insulting and rude and demand I drop everything and do them now. Well I promised they would be done today and they are. She was to be here at noon to pick them up. However it is now 2:30 and she is still not here.
However her rudeness put this old man in tears. I was polite and I did not raise my voice and told her what she wanted to hear so she would leave. I told the old fella don't worry about her. He was going to leave and not have me do his video. I talked him out of it and told him his job was more important than hers.
Posted by Wolfie on May 18 2011,3:03 pm
Ahh George, the albert lea microwave mentality. Customer buys something online, buys it because of the price tag attached, not the brand or the quality. When said item breaks and they can't get satisfaction from the fly by nite place they found on amazon.com. They come to the local place, and then expect it fixed (miraculously right before their eyes) as if they stuffed it into some kind of microwave instant completion device. And then when you tell them that "no that type of technology doesn't exist" they look at you like you are going to make your next mortgage payment with what you are charging them. Really grates on my nerves the number of people that DON'T know good service if it bit em in the ass. Glad to see that some in town do, and are willing to speak out about it.
Posted by hot84svo on May 18 2011,3:13 pm
95% of retail customers are normal, it's the other 5% makes dealing with the public painful & depressing.
Posted by Whiskero on May 19 2011,8:05 am
We did not have a good experience with our one and only one time we went to Shopko for glasses.My husband has his eyes checked there and got his glasses there for a total of $845.00. (I always went to the glass place at the hospital and mine were always around $500.)
Then, as he is trying to get used to them, he did not have depth perception and wanted to take corners wider and couldn't tell how close the stop sign was, while driving the car. He went back a couple of weeks later and they said, the glasses just take getting used to. He tried again and still they would not work right.
He went back again and they said, being it was your first time with glasses, just get used to them.
I told him to go to the one at the hosp. He did. They found out that Shopko had forgotten to put part of his perscription in the glasses! That is why he couldn't wear them and get used to them.
Needless to say, we do not recommend Shopko for glasses-cost or service.
Posted by jimhanson on May 19 2011,11:58 am
I did not like Shopko when I used them about 5 years ago very brusque, no questions, no apparent concern for specific needs.Oddly enough, I went back to Shopko after the exact same experience you detailed when using the eye clinic down on Front Street. Same thing--"You'll get used to the new prescription--though I couldn't read the clock on the wall 20 feet away. I told them that I would dispute payment on my credit card--they did another set of lenses, but no apology or admission.
As mentioned, this Shopko experience was totally different. What was the difference? Not the company, it was the PEOPLE. There is a complete turnover in the people there.
When it comes to good service, it takes the combination of the BUSINESS to set the tone for good service by training and empowering their people, and the EMPLOYEES to carry it out.
Posted by Whiskero on May 19 2011,2:51 pm
Jim, I don't know when the new people came in. This was last Sept.
Posted by ControlledHyperness on May 19 2011,9:46 pm
As odd and backwards as this will sound, I have an attaboy and a critique to give. The attaboy goes to Waseca county Sherrif Dept...at least the officer that helped me. He spent time to make sure the blown out tire I suffered was changed (30 min due to a Honda with attitude) to the spare, and I made it safely off the Hwy with my flat spare tire. Also to the two or three individuals who saw me on the side of the road with four kids and made sure I was ok afterward.
Ironically, the critique goes to the same Dept. Even if a motorist has 4 kids, and mentions they have people they CAN call, at least offer a tow or to call someone who deals with tires
I may not have wanted the service, but to be offered, or have a number to call in case MY contacts didn't pan out would have been nice, and potentially saved me about two hours of wait time. Oh well..obviously I am home, and I get to give money I don't have to get tires I need...(any donations are gladly accepted...).
Posted by jrhanson_75 on May 22 2011,9:41 pm
For Dental Care my family likes George Lundstrom. His staff is GREAT with my kids!!! If is hard to get small children to do what you want and they let my kids have as much time as they needed to get comfortable. Now they don't mind going at all, even when they need work done.
Posted by alcitizens on May 23 2011,10:06 am
Single Vision Frames and Lenses for $6.95 + $5.95 Shipping Online< http://www.eyebuydirect.com/catalog.html?sort=low >
Posted by Stone-Magnon on May 24 2011,1:07 am
< http://www.peeperspecs.com/ >The best reading lenses on the market at ANY price. Korean made by company known to produce quality sold only online in America at the website above. These lenses are so good and the range so far the +1.25 can be worn all the time. Durable and light like sport glasses.
Posted by irisheyes on Apr. 30 2015,6:14 am
This is an old thread, but once in a while I think of a business that deserves a Good service, "attaboy" review.Albert Lea Tax Service: There's no shortage of tax places, but I'd highly recommend < Albert Lea Tax Service >. For many years it's been the same people, locally owned, and surprisingly affordable. Although most people are done with tax season, AL Tax is open year-round for those who need corporate, small business, property, or other tax and planning. They're in the old Dairy Queen building across from the courthouse.
Steven's Windows: If you're fixing a house that was built during or before the cold war and you don't want to max out your credit card fixing stuff, consider stopping in to Steven's Windows. I've gone in there many times over the years to have windows or doors replaced, repaired, and to find parts. The shop is on Broadway a few doors north of Hardees.
Skyline Jewelers This is another local business that's been around for quite a while, it's called Skyline Jewelers because they had a shop in the Skyline mall years ago, but in the past ten or twenty years they've been in Northbridge in the middle section by Anytime Fitness. For a city the size of Albert Lea, we have pretty good choices for local jewelry stores, I would just personally recommend Skyline jewelry. Their repair work is professional and affordable, but most importantly they'll treat you like they're your "friend in the business." And when I walk into a jewelry store, it's nice to be treated well no matter how many digits are in the transaction.
NAPA Auto Parts: I've spent more time than I'd like to replacing auto parts, I don't want the part to fail again or wind up on the side of the road. NAPA parts are of great quality for a decent price, IMHO. I don't want to wind up on the side of the road saying "I'm glad the part (or battery) I bought a few months ago is still under warranty", I've been in that situation too many times already. Warranties are one thing, but I don't want to have to use it. That's why I'd recommend NAPA.
Posted by This is my real name on Apr. 30 2015,10:25 am
(irisheyes @ Apr. 30 2015,6:14 am)
QUOTE
This is an old thread, but once in a while I think of a business that deserves a Good service, "attaboy" review.
Albert Lea Tax Service: There's no shortage of tax places, but I'd highly recommend < Albert Lea Tax Service >. For many years it's been the same people, locally owned, and surprisingly affordable. Although most people are done with tax season, AL Tax is open year-round for those who need corporate, small business, property, or other tax and planning. They're in the old Dairy Queen building across from the courthouse.
Steven's Windows: If you're fixing a house that was built during or before the cold war and you don't want to max out your credit card fixing stuff, consider stopping in to Steven's Windows. I've gone in there many times over the years to have windows or doors replaced, repaired, and to find parts. The shop is on Broadway a few doors north of Hardees.
Skyline Jewelers This is another local business that's been around for quite a while, it's called Skyline Jewelers because they had a shop in the Skyline mall years ago, but in the past ten or twenty years they've been in Northbridge in the middle section by Anytime Fitness. For a city the size of Albert Lea, we have pretty good choices for local jewelry stores, I would just personally recommend Skyline jewelry. Their repair work is professional and affordable, but most importantly they'll treat you like they're your "friend in the business." And when I walk into a jewelry store, it's nice to be treated well no matter how many digits are in the transaction.
NAPA Auto Parts: I've spent more time than I'd like to replacing auto parts, I don't want the part to fail again or wind up on the side of the road. NAPA parts are of great quality for a decent price, IMHO. I don't want to wind up on the side of the road saying "I'm glad the part (or battery) I bought a few months ago is still under warranty", I've been in that situation too many times already. Warranties are one thing, but I don't want to have to use it. That's why I'd recommend NAPA.
Albert Lea Tax Service: There's no shortage of tax places, but I'd highly recommend < Albert Lea Tax Service >. For many years it's been the same people, locally owned, and surprisingly affordable. Although most people are done with tax season, AL Tax is open year-round for those who need corporate, small business, property, or other tax and planning. They're in the old Dairy Queen building across from the courthouse.
Steven's Windows: If you're fixing a house that was built during or before the cold war and you don't want to max out your credit card fixing stuff, consider stopping in to Steven's Windows. I've gone in there many times over the years to have windows or doors replaced, repaired, and to find parts. The shop is on Broadway a few doors north of Hardees.
Skyline Jewelers This is another local business that's been around for quite a while, it's called Skyline Jewelers because they had a shop in the Skyline mall years ago, but in the past ten or twenty years they've been in Northbridge in the middle section by Anytime Fitness. For a city the size of Albert Lea, we have pretty good choices for local jewelry stores, I would just personally recommend Skyline jewelry. Their repair work is professional and affordable, but most importantly they'll treat you like they're your "friend in the business." And when I walk into a jewelry store, it's nice to be treated well no matter how many digits are in the transaction.
NAPA Auto Parts: I've spent more time than I'd like to replacing auto parts, I don't want the part to fail again or wind up on the side of the road. NAPA parts are of great quality for a decent price, IMHO. I don't want to wind up on the side of the road saying "I'm glad the part (or battery) I bought a few months ago is still under warranty", I've been in that situation too many times already. Warranties are one thing, but I don't want to have to use it. That's why I'd recommend NAPA.
Skyline Jewelers actually closed a month or so ago, when the owner retired.
I agree on Albert Lea Tax Service. We go there every year. It's getting a little more expensive for us, but that's due to more paperwork from itemizing more deductions than we had in the past.