|
|
|
 |
.99 Cent Only Stores
in Arleta, CA
Kudos to this simple
store in Arleta. I clink my glass in cheer to your efforts in customer
service! There's no one I know who actually enjoys shopping in a
.99 Cent Only store, but if you wanted to, this would be the store in
which to do it.
It's quiet, it's
large, it's clean and for the most part, it truly is just about exactly
the same as any other .99 Cent Only store in So. California. |
| This
store however, has two main differences - two very special employees who
make it their business to be polite, to ask you if you need anything and
to actually help you if you do!
Now admittedly, one of the gentlemen
is old enough to remember a time (not so long ago because I remember it
too) when customer service was key. There was a time when
restaurant servers, gas station attendants and store employees had a
strict code of customer ethics they were mandated to follow - and
perhaps even wanted to follow if that particular position was their
chosen field. And this particular gentleman embodies all those
qualities that seem to be no longer associated with these professions.
He is polite, helpful, and he will look you in the eye and smile while
asking if there is anything he can help you find. Yes, you can
help me find the missing customer service in every other store I shop in
today!
Then low and behold there is not
one, but two such beings in this one store! Wow! But you cannot judge a
book by it's tattooed cover in the case of "Fantastic Employee #2" at
this Arleta .99 Cent Only store. Not only is he polite and
helpful, he is also friendly, well-spoken and funny too. He's the
type of employee you could just drop in and say "hello" to and brighten
your day, even if you have nothing to buy.
Without being asked he got a box
for my heavier items and carried them to my car for me. And if you
need help finding something, he'll take you to the item and not just
point. But best of all, he says "hello." And if he asks "how
are you," he'll want to know the answer. Single handedly he does
more than restore your faith in customer service, he restores your hope
in mankind - there are nice people out there. We can be nice to
one another, no matter what our ethnicities or economic backgrounds or
beliefs. I believe this employee has the kind of measurable customer
service standard that everyone in a service related field should be held
accountable to. Thank you for brightening the day of all you meet. |
|
 |
Office Depot
in Sylmar, CA
Drop a hot rock on
this nightmare of a shopping experience! This place is worse than
the cable company - they know you've got no where else to go in the area
and they don't care!
Mostly the staff is
made up of younger employees - even the management. They cannot look you
in the eye, they cannot speak up when spoken to, and they cannot
intelligently give you a thorough and helpful answer if you ask a
question. Never mind the fact that |
| first
you must actually find an employee to whom to ask that question! And be
careful, you just might get sent on a wild goose chase throughout the
store as one disheartened, not interested employee leads you in one
direction and another even less interested employee leads you somewhere
else. The store and it's
staff are unorganized - I tried to purchase printer on clearance but the
documentation and software could not be found. I was given a shrug and a
vague "sorry" and the employee was off to do something else without
offering another suggestion, or waiting to hear a response.
And then there's the print
station. What a joke! In her defense there is one employee who
works this area that is as kind and is as helpful as she can be under the
circumstances - which are mostly that she's overwhelmed and understaffed.
I have had documents lost; I have had orders misunderstood (too many
copies, wrong size, not double-sided, etc.); I have had orders misplaced
and I have waited and waited and waited for all of it. But the worst was
trying to get a price quote and I could barely get the guy to open his
mouth and give me an answer. It was like trying to give myself a quote!
Finally in frustration I told him if I couldn't get an answer as to how
much the job might cost, I'd have to go somewhere else. Finally,
he spoke up! Finally, he said more than one, mumbled one syllable word
and he answered, "Fine with me." Believe me, me too!
At the very least these guys could
type up a spec sheet so that if you order something from the print
counter they can get the order right instead of scribbling on the back
of a piece of "losable" paper.
Where is the professionalism?
Where is the pride of workmanship? Where is the plain, old-fashioned
customer service? Is it missing? No, one cannot lose what was
never had in the first place. Well, at least not in the past year or
more. |
|
| |
THE NEAT STREET AWARD
 |
| |
|
|
It was a beautiful,
misty day on Maclay Blvd., in San Fernando, and the picture above does
not do the newly renovated street the justice it deserves.
Shortly after
moving to Sylmar, I noticed the city of San Fernando began a renewal
project of Maclay Ave. from First St. to Eight St. And what a
nice job they have done. The adjusted parking is accented by
tree filled borders and the sidewalk corners are adorned with
over-sized planters. There are new benches and a beautiful arch at the
end of the block. However, most impressive are the many
businesses who have also updated their storefronts and signage.
It makes for a cohesive and lovely upgrade to a quaint small town
street.
Ordinarily, The
Connector will highlight a residential street for its dedication to
cleanliness, landscaping and pride of ownership. Recipients
residing on the "Neat Street" award block will each receive a free
copy of The Connector for that quarter. In this premier issue,
it seems only fitting that we give recognition to the City and
businesses on Maclay for their commendable efforts. The
Connector encourages you to see for yourself just how lovely the
street is now. And while you're there, stop for lunch, visit the
library or buy some flowers just to show your support of a job well
done. |
|
