The Good Customer

What? : The Gap (Canada) has an automatic price adjustment program.

Why?: Don’t you hate it when you purchase something and then the same item goes on sale the following week? Well, hate no more when you make purchases at The Gap (select stores) throughout the Lower Mainland. 

How?: In order to register for an account you must do so in person at any of the participating Gap stores. Email and phone number is required. Every time you make a purchase your item will be “tracked”. If the price of the same item drops after 45 days, the price difference will be automatically credited to your Sprize account. You will be able to use the credited amount towards future purchases at The Gap. For more information, go to http://www.mysprize.com/

Where? : Participating Gap stores -

• Abbotsford – Seven Oaks
• Burnaby – Metropolis
• Coquitlam – Coquitlam Centre
• Richmond - Richmond Centre
• Surrey – Guildford Mall
• Vancouver – Kerrisdale Kids, Robson Street, Pacific Centre, Oakridge Mall
• West Vancouver – Park Royal

Popularity: 2% [?]

~Self Service Kiosk~

~Race To The End Of The Line~

As I stand patiently in line, I watch the chaos around me ensue. I figure the couple in front of me must have been in line for a very long time. I saw them in line 10 minutes ago… when I had first entered the store. There is a lot of sighing… head-shaking… and staring. People look confused and are craning their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of the activity ahead … maybe it’s a celebrity? But there is no rock star… just the hum of computerized machinery; sounds and lights of modern technology-  the SELF SERVICE CHECK OUT KIOSK.  beep beep beep!

There seem to be 4 self service kiosks but the line isn’t moving. Either the customers are conducting a tutorial on the machines or the machines have crashed. It’s a mystery at this point. There seems to be only 1 live person manning the 4 kiosks… and she can only deal with 1 customer at a time. While the customers at the kiosks are frantically looking for human assistance the customers in line are getting more and more impatient. Meanwhile the 1 regular check out line with the real person is moving along smoothly.

Hmmm, what’s wrong with this picture? The stores have obviously implemented these machines in order to be more efficient. They hire less manpower and are able to put in more kiosks in place of full check out stands. Now, it stands to reason that there should be less of a line-up. This proves not to be the case when customers are “stuck” at the kiosks. The outcome? Frustrated customers and longer lines.

These self service kiosks exist in other cities. But seemingly the same problems do not persist there. In fact, it’s been observed that customers elsewhere actually prefer scanning there own items. But why? Why is there such a divergence in opinions? 

I’m all for efficiency but sometimes I wonder if we are ready this type of technology. Maybe these kiosks aren’t ready for us humans.

Popularity: 2% [?]

"Scrub Of Your Life" Body Scrub

What?: The Scrub Of Your Life – body scrub by UK based Soap & Glory.

Why?: Perfect for everyday use. This body scrub is gel based with granules. Bonus: The smell is oh-so-heavenly. Not sure what type of scent notes it carries, but I would imagine that “heaven” would smell like this….Fragrance lingers on you limbs throughout the day. Expect a lot of compliments!

Where?: For all my Canadians – Find it at Shoppers Drug Mart;    For all my Americans – Find it at Target and www.target.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

~Not Your Average Benny~

What?: Crab Meat Benny

Why?: A casual weekend brunch with loved ones introduced me to this indulgent entree. Not your average eggs benedict. Loads of crab meat served on top of grilled savory biscuits. Instead of hollandaise sauce – a chipotle-wild berry sauce. Comes with home cut potatoes and fresh cut fruit. Scrumptious!

Where?: Seb’s Market Cafe;  592 Broadway St
Vancouver, BC;  (604) 298-4403

Popularity: 5% [?]

~Toni & Guy Vancouver~

The much anticipated appointment at Toni & Guy has arrived. Yippee! 2 days before this appointment, the staff at the salon rang me up to confirm my appointment. Thoughtful.

I walked into the sun-drenched salon on a weekday afternoon. As I approached the reception area, the woman behind the counter smiled warmly. She addressed me by name and welcomed me. As she was helping me into my ’salon gown” she informed me that my stylist was just finishing up with a client and would be with me momentarily. It was really moments later that I was whisked over to my stylists’ chair. As a customer, I am always appreciative when my appointments are on schedule. Punctuality demonstrates a well run company that is respectful of their customer’s time.

Unsure of what I wanted to do with my hair, I was in need of professional advice. After an in-depth consultation with the stylist, several options were suggested. I appreciated the time he spent in order to get to know me, my lifestyle, and my preferences. During the consultation, another staff member was standing by observing. I soon found out that he was a colour technician. During the session my stylist did mention that having some highlights would give my cut more dimension. He left it as a suggestion and did not pressure me into having another service. After my cut and blow dry, the colour tech came by the chair to say “hi” and to check out the results.

All of the staff were exceptionally friendly and professional. Every one of their staff make an effort to acknowledge you. It was apparent that they really strive to give their customers an experience to remember. Not only did I feel pampered, I also left with a fabulous hair cut.

If you’ve missed it… ENTRY 1 from The Hair Diaries : http://www.thegoodcustomer.com/2009/09/the-hair-diaries-entry-1/

Hmmm…. What’s next? Perhaps some colour and highlights are in order.

Popularity: 2% [?]

~Not From Your Toaster~

 

 

What?: Asian-style french toast. Perfect slice of buttered toast topped with vanilla ice cream, red bean paste, and fresh whipped cream. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and matcha green tea powder.

 

Why? : The bread is absurdly wonderful! This Japanese style cafe is famous for their artisan Danish bread – made with the unique technique of forming 81 layers after folding the dough. The result is a gorgeous marble textured loaf that is crispy on the outside but soft and moist in the centre. Popularized throughout Japan after it was first made in Kyoto, Japan. Also known as the ‘magical bread’ in Japan.

How Much? :  $75 hkd – includes coffee or tea ($10 usd)

Where? : Bo-lo’Gne ; shop1,G/F,41-49 Aberdreen Street,Hong Kong

Popularity: 3% [?]

~Nice, Neat, & Compact~

~Unfolding The Bag~

~Ready For Shopping~

Popularity: 5% [?]

~Dust Bunnies Beware~

What? : Dyson DC16 Handheld Vacuum

Why?: Because it’s the BEST handy vac ever! The “dirt devil” has nothing on Dyson’s line of handheld vacuums. So powerful that it sucks up debris before you even place the nozzle down on the floor. Sold with 2 attachments. Ergonomic shape. You hold the vacuum like a gun and squeeze the trigger to start the suction. With attachment, the Dyson handheld is longer than most handy vacs, thus alleviating the need to get down on your knees. Has a “hygienic bin emptying system” – no need to get your hands dirty. 

Where? : www.dyson.com  and other participating dealers

~Dyson DC16~

Popularity: 3% [?]

~Decleor Duo Set~

What? : Decleor’s Radiance Smoothing Cream + Aromessence ”Neroli’ 

Why? : Bought in a duo gift set, you get both these products for $122 cdn. Radiance Smoothing Cream retails for $97 cdn and Aromessence ‘Neroli’ retails for $75 cdn. Get a savings of $50 cdn when you buy it in this duo set.

Where? : The Bay Canada and Sears Canada  (There are other Decleor retailers throughout the country, but I am unsure of the availability of this item)

 

Popularity: 3% [?]

~Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice; Malaysian Style Sponge Cake; Fried Vermicelli With Hot Sauce~

~Preserved Egg and Pork Congee; Pan Fried Daikon Cakes; Fried Vermicelli~

Popularity: 5% [?]