WHAT? : $10 for Pasta Dishes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. 10 varieties to choose from!
WHY? : Because it’s a wonderful deal from a fabulous Italian restaurant – renowned for their pasta
WHERE? : Quattro’s On Fourth; 2611 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC; 604-734-4444
~ check out their website for their pasta menu - www.q4restaurant.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
~Tombodama Bead Necklace~
What? : Japanese glass bead known as “Tombodama” threaded through a silver chain – wearable art! My particular piece is a pink bead with gold flecks blown into the glass. Love the way it picks up colours from my wardrobe!
Why? : Every Tombodama is handcrafted individually and therefore unique. Great to have as an accessory or even as a collectible. Designed by Vancouver based glass artist Minori Takagi. These colourful glass beads feature floral and other patterns. The artist uses “Satake” glass rather than Moretti glass as it is softer and has a higher refractive index.
Where? : Currently the artist only sells on certain dates at Granville Island Public Market, Portobello Market, and various events throughout the Lower Mainland. Check out her website for her schedule.
Popularity: 1% [?]
~Coast Restaurant Vancouver~
I find myself with a heavy heart as I sit here to write this post. Why? Because I may have to cross a restaurant off my “dine-list”. Coast Restaurant in Vancouver, BC has crossed the line – to TheGoodCustomer’s dark side. Grrrr!
So many events took place during this whole experience, that I find myself at a lost for words. I ask myself – how do I present all the details without boring my audience? How about I give you some facts?
I have always been a fan of the Glowbal Restaurant Group and an avid customer at every one of their restaurants – Italian Kitchen, Sanafir, Glowbal, Trattoria. Thus, I was already expecting the post-visit courtesy call from the restaurant when they rang me the next day. When the bubbly gal on the other end of the line asked me about my dining experience, I proceeded to describe the events of the evening, stressing that we did not appreciate being rushed through the dinner. Her response was to tell me that the restaurant often double books their larger tables (we were at a table that could accommodate 6 persons – so hardly a “large” table). Regardless, if this was indeed the case, then this restaurant has more serious problems than customer service. Perhaps there is a need to restructure the logistics of their reservations?
Back to the phone call…. there was no offer to investigate further; or to forward our complaint; or even an apology. After an awkward silence, bubbly telephone gal says “Well ok then, thanks for your time”. Perhaps Coast Restaurant should just implement a automated phone system to conduct their courtesy calls?… especially if their personnel are not trained to handle customer resolutions.
After my dining experience, I would rate the customer service at a 3.5. After the courtesy phone call, the customer service level dropped to a 2. This prompted me to write a letter ….. “Dear General Manager (GM) of Coast Restaurant”,….
A month passed, and I did not receive any type of communication from Coast Restaurant. NOT receiving any response from my letter to the GM of Coast Restaurant led to sheer disappointment. I had high hopes that this restaurant could save itself from being banished from my favourite “dine-list”. Crestfallen, I furthered their customer service rating down to a 1. I was not seeking any compensation. But at the very least, I believe that a customer needs to be acknowledged. Coast Restaurant markets itself as high class eating establishment that offers exceptional service. But if a company of this caliber does not get down in the trenches and face their customers – they have failed in all aspects of customer service.
Not one of Coast Restaurant‘s finer moments. A classic example of how a small issue escalated into a bad situation. Now they have a dissatisfied customer (that’s me!) that they may never recover.
Popularity: 3% [?]
~Smooth Operator~
What? : A decadent dessert coined the “Smooth Operator“.
Why? : Chocolate sponge cake layered with marscarpone cheese icing and fresh raspberries, topped with white chocolate shavings and drizzled with raspberry coulis. Need I say more?
Where? : Sweet Revenge Patisserie. 4160 Main Street, Vancouver BC, Canada  604-879-7933
http://www.sweet-revenge.ca
Popularity: 4% [?]
~Relax~
Vancouver has a multitude of massage therapists – working from clinics, spas, or hospitals. One such establishment has caught my attention. Massage Therapy Centre in Mount Pleasant is a multi-disciplinary clinic which offers services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and reflexology. A quaint neighbourhood clinic housed in an older building off of Main Street.
When you enter the premises you get the sense that you are walking into cottage home. Don’t be surprised to see the owner’s dog hanging out, keeping the clients company in the waiting area. Being in a relaxed atmosphere is a great precursor to any therapy.
The therapists and staff here are unpretentious and remarkably friendly. Because this centre boasts 13 therapists, it’s usually not difficult to book in massage sessions. The therapists themselves are skilled and possess professional etiquette. Their dedication to their clients’ health and wellness shine when they try to engage their clients. The client is able to benefit from the full experience when they know exactly what the therapy entails.
The Good Customer has great experiences here!
PS. Prices for their services are quite reasonable as well!
http://www.massageandtherapycentre.com/
Popularity: 1% [?]
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.Â
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 -
Popularity: 1% [?]
~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?Â
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: 1% [?]
~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;Â 592 Broadway St
Vancouver, BC;Â (604) 298-4403
Popularity: 1% [?]
~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: 3% [?]
~Homesense/Winners~
Â
***This post only pertains to the location at 491 W 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC.***
Rules of the Fitting Room – A Lesson
I realize that crime is a problem but customers don’t need to be treated like potential criminals. I believe that the same security measures could be addressed without the tacky militant act.
Lesson for Winners: Treat your customers with a bit of respect. (otherwise your customers will not enjoy their shopping experience)
 The Good Customer has frequented this location a number of times and unfortunately has encountered or observed the same “fitting room tactics” on countless occasions. Although this retailer is not a high end department store, this type of conduct towards their customers is tasteless and undesirable.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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