Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Debs. on 15 May 2008, 13:56:10

Title: Like it used to be!
Post by: Debs. on 15 May 2008, 13:56:10
My chainsaw has been losing it`s edge rather quickly recently and needed constant sharpening; I figured it had been sharpened beyond it`s electro-hardening and needed a new chain.
I went down the family-run tool shop in Bala: I was greeted with an immediate and friendly "good morning; how may we help?....they had a new chain in-stock and the assistant fitted it to my saw 'there and then'.....he gave the saw a decent clean and 'look-see'....fitted a new fuel and air filter elements and even carried it to my car for me with a cheerie "thankyou for your custom madam"....all for just £12.10! (inc. VAT)  :y

It reminded me what good-service feels like; not like in some town shops where you have to interrupt the assistant`s discussion about their boyfriend/night-out etc. just to get noticed....and god help you if you expect "hello or "thankyou"  ::)

 :o OMG, I`m turning into a grumpy old woman ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Andyb on 15 May 2008, 14:00:32
no your right
its just  people now days dont want to help let alone be polite unless there lives depend on it
i was always told treat people how you want to be treated  
these big stores ask there staff one thing make money
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: VXL V6 on 15 May 2008, 14:01:23
Quote
My chainsaw has been losing it`s edge rather quickly recently and needed constant sharpening; I figured it had been sharpened beyond it`s electro-hardening and needed a new chain.
I went down the family-run tool shop in Bala: I was greeted with an immediate and friendly "good morning; how may we help?....they had a new chain in-stock and the assistant fitted it to my saw 'there and then'.....he gave the saw a decent clean and 'look-see'....fitted a new fuel and air filter elements and even carried it to my car for me with a cheerie "thankyou for your custom madam"....all for just £12.10! (inc. VAT)  :y

It reminded me what good-service feels like; not like in some town shops where you have to interrupt the assistant`s discussion about their boyfriend/night-out etc. just to get noticed....and god help you if you expect "hello or "thankyou"  ::)
 :o OMG, I`m turning into a grumpy old woman ;D

Or even the sales assistant to even have the faintest clue about the products they are selling.

Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Kieran on 15 May 2008, 14:01:58
Good service always makes you feel better. A shame alot of these large companies don't practice it :)
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Entwood on 15 May 2008, 14:05:36
I'm jealous ... Oh for an old-fashioned place like that around here ..all we have is spotty youf saying "dunno mate"

:(
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: ians on 15 May 2008, 14:10:31
I have often wondered..
Why do people who are so obviously not service minded ,end up in customer facing jobs?
 I don't see why they would want that kind of job, or why anyone would put them in that position in the first place.
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Richie London on 15 May 2008, 14:10:57
ive found the staff at my local comet ignorant, lazy and braindead.
if you go to pc world in slough your find most demonstration models in polish. i had a go told them this england not rather poland, and walked out  ;D ;D ;D ;D

richie
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Elite Pete on 15 May 2008, 14:53:15
But Debs, would you have got the same service if you were not so good looking or a bloke? ;)
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 15 May 2008, 15:43:28
Can you imagine anyone foolish enough Not to help a Women with a Chainsaw!!!
That really is a Dangerous Combination ;D
He Probably valued this limbs more than 12 quid ;D ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: bertiecbx550 on 15 May 2008, 15:45:12
just got a vision of debs runnin round bala with a working chainsaw....ooohh not nice  ;D :D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 15 May 2008, 15:50:43
The Bala Chainsaw Massacre ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Andy B on 15 May 2008, 15:56:09
Quote
The Bala Chainsaw Massacre ;D

Quote
just got a vision of debs runnin round bala with a working chainsaw....ooohh not nice  ;D :D

 [smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif]
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Big_Al on 15 May 2008, 15:56:23
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 15 May 2008, 15:58:20
Quote
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D

Anything she can get her hands on ;D ;D ;D

The Mad Scientist :-*
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Varche on 15 May 2008, 15:59:26
A lot of shops in Spain are like that. man in long brown coat , nowt on display but very helpful. You need to know some Spanish to get the right parts.

I took my chainsaw to the appropriate dealer and ordered a new bar. two days later it was in and same price as I could have got it less postage off EBay UK. When I went back he took it and fitted the bar(cleaned machine first) started it up, pronounced OK except for a problem with AV damping which I knew about. came back with a new spring which he fitted. No charge for labour.

Then he comes back and wants to know where you live, what you do, how long, do you know his second cousin and so on. Meanwhile a small queue has developed but NOONE complains as they all have time for the chat. :y

varche
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Elite Pete on 15 May 2008, 16:00:02
Quote
Quote
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D

Anything she can get her hands on ;D ;D ;D

The Mad Scientist :-*
You want to watch it Daz, your on the map so Debs knows where you live ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 15 May 2008, 16:02:10
Quote
Quote
Quote
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D

Anything she can get her hands on ;D ;D ;D

The Mad Scientist :-*
You want to watch it Daz, your on the map so Debs knows where you live ;D

We all have Steel Doors and Barred Windows in Massive ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Elite Pete on 15 May 2008, 16:03:09
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D

Anything she can get her hands on ;D ;D ;D

The Mad Scientist :-*
You want to watch it Daz, your on the map so Debs knows where you live ;D

We all have Steel Doors and Barred Windows in Massive ;D ;D ;D
Yeah, but thats to keep you all in ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 15 May 2008, 16:06:53
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D

Anything she can get her hands on ;D ;D ;D

The Mad Scientist :-*
You want to watch it Daz, your on the map so Debs knows where you live ;D

We all have Steel Doors and Barred Windows in Massive ;D ;D ;D
Yeah, but thats to keep you all in ;D

The only safe place to be having a Women with a Chainsaw roaming around ;D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Debs. on 15 May 2008, 16:21:11
 ;D Bala`s one of the few places you could walk about with a running chainsaw and no-body would bat an eyelid!  ;D

I`ve been cutting several tonnes of firewood with my chainsaw; I`ve 'had it' with the central heating fuel cost rises; I can no-longer afford to even keep barely-warm up here in the mountian-Winter......and now I see that the coal merchants have cottoned on the the oil/gas prices hikes and put up the cost of solid fuels too! >:(
.....so I am going back to my 'cheap' (free) logburner.....if I cut and chop the Rowan, May & Oak trees now, by the time all the sap has dried out, it`ll be wonderful firewood `come the Autumn.  :y
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: albitz on 15 May 2008, 16:34:52
my (rather limited)experience of american customer service,really opened my eyes to just how poor it is in this country,we need to complain more until we get better.
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: HolyCount on 15 May 2008, 17:22:46
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my (rather limited)experience of american customer service,really opened my eyes to just how poor it is in this country,we need to complain more until we get better.

Must admit I rarely complain ( unless I am p*ssd off before I even get to the store) but I make a point of saying thank you for good service and even pass praise on to the manager if merited. Some managers actually pass on the praise -- costs me nowt and makes someone's day (hopefully!)
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Debs. on 15 May 2008, 18:45:41
Quote
Wot you choppin' up Debs ?

Not the Ol' Man I hope ! ;D ;D ;D

 ;D He got the chop years ago! ;D

All relationships should be built on a firm foundation; (ahem!) just like my patio! ::)
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: HolyCount on 15 May 2008, 18:48:10
Quote

C'mon -- that's just a blatant attempt to get your garden dug over by the nice chaps at the local constabulary !   :y
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Bandit127 on 15 May 2008, 18:57:33
Quote
:o OMG, I`m turning into a grumpy old woman ;D

No, the rest of the retail world has employed under paid, under qualified kids and ground out what little life was left in them with corporate polkicy and training. All while you were out blunting your previous chain.

Sorry for the people here who are affected, but DSG (Currys, PC World etc) are finally paying the price for their corporate arrogance. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7402090.stm. They really do not deserve to be in business IMO. Always shocking customer service and 100% the fault of the system

[/rant]


Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Albatross on 15 May 2008, 19:04:40
And I thought it was just me beign grumpy. Seems I'm not alone.

I hate bad service. In fact I hate anything less than excellent customer service.
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: bertiecbx550 on 15 May 2008, 19:26:32
Looks like i left comet at the right time... ::)
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: amigov6 on 15 May 2008, 19:46:07
Surprised to hear you've forgotten what a good service feels like. [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]!!!
    Seriously though, when cutting trees into logs watch out for nails from well meaning locals advertising local events or farmers fencing. These can send a chainsaw flying upwards instantly.
    I very nearly lost my blue eyed boy good looks @ the tender age of 15!!!
  Take it your Mig's back on the road then? :y
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Debs. on 15 May 2008, 19:58:34
Quote
Surprised to hear you've forgotten what a good service feels like. [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]!!!
    Seriously though, when cutting trees into logs watch out for nails from well meaning locals advertising local events or farmers fencing. These can send a chainsaw flying upwards instantly.
    I very nearly lost my blue eyed boy good looks @ the tender age of 15!!!
  Take it your Mig's back on the road then? :y

 :y Un-SORN`ed from today! :y  [smiley=mig.gif]
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: amigov6 on 15 May 2008, 20:10:53
Quote
Quote
Surprised to hear you've forgotten what a good service feels like. [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]!!!
    Seriously though, when cutting trees into logs watch out for nails from well meaning locals advertising local events or farmers fencing. These can send a chainsaw flying upwards instantly.
    I very nearly lost my blue eyed boy good looks @ the tender age of 15!!!
  Take it your Mig's back on the road then? :y

 :y Un-SORN`ed from today! :y  [smiley=mig.gif]
You must be made up, having your Mig back.
   How about some pics with the Collies? :D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Olympia5776 on 16 May 2008, 07:00:45
I don't think I'd cope in UK now . Over here life is much slower ,shop assistants talk to their customers which initially made me angry when I was next to be served but I've learned to respect it now.
I ordered two special vent tiles from a supplier whom I had never dealt with . When I went to pay for them with my card  he waved his arm and said " Och I cant use the machine drop the cash in next time your in town " The town is 40 miles away and the sum was over the equivelant of £100 . :)
I buy all my auto parts from a little supplier in the same town ,he sends them down to me the next day with his mate who drops off all the newspapers in the region. I can call him up to 7 pm and the parts are in my newsagent at 7 am.Absolutley refuses to accept any delivery payment and gives me trade discount off everything.
I couldn't live in the city again..... :y
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Humpy on 16 May 2008, 08:53:21
I had a mate who used to work for Comet, but he didn't work for them for long! They were always getting their sales assistants to push one thing or another and one month it was Beacon Gas (when the gas companies were deregulated/privatised whatever!) It's like he said, how could he sell someone gas if they'd only come in to buy a video? Don't exactly go hand in hand does it?

Another story, I went with one of my kids to buy a TV DVD package and the assistant was trying to push him into buying a posh Scart lead. A posh Scart lead for £74 :o Needless to say when he looked at me I shook my head. The assistant then remonstrated how good this lead was and how an 'ordinary lead' would spoil the picture. In the end I got a bit shirty and asked "What's so good about this flippin' lead then?", "It's got gold contacts" says the assistant. "Oh yes" says I "What's so good about that then?". "Gold's a good conductor of sound!" After laughing, I said "No, gold's a good conductor of electricty" which it is, hence why you get gold plated contacts in connectors etc. "Are you an engineer then?" says the assistant. "Yes, as a matter of fact I am!" said I. That took the wind out of her sails ;D

Anyway, you had to be there!!!

Humpy
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Paulus on 16 May 2008, 09:31:24
There's a small Garage on the edge of the village with a single fuel pump. When you pull up, someone runs out and fills it up for you.

I like that. It makes me feel special :D
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Varche on 16 May 2008, 10:30:59
Haven't seen one of those street petrol pumps for years though do remember Jones's in Llangranog and one opposite Trent Bridge cricket in Nottingham on the "Colwick" road. My Mum still refuses to use self service pumps but methinks her time is limited( self service not life).

We ordered a load of tiles, tile cement and so on and the firm said they would be about a week. We will ring you before we deliver. TWO days later the lorry rumbled down the track with all the materials and I said I can't pay you as haven't been to the bank. No problem just drop the money (everything is cash here in Spain) into the office (20 miles away) when you are next passing.

varche
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Debs. on 16 May 2008, 10:39:14
Quote
Haven't seen one of those street petrol pumps for years though do remember Jones's in Llangranog and one opposite Trent Bridge cricket in Nottingham on the "Colwick" road. My Mum still refuses to use self service pumps but methinks her time is limited( self service not life).

We ordered a load of tiles, tile cement and so on and the firm said they would be about a week. We will ring you before we deliver. TWO days later the lorry rumbled down the track with all the materials and I said I can't pay you as haven't been to the bank. No problem just drop the money (everything is cash here in Spain) into the office (20 miles away) when you are next passing.

varche

There are two such kerb-side petrol pumps in Bala (and one in Corwen).....all are attended service; at no extra cost.
The Bala-Texaco also has a red-diesel pump (for plant/generator/tractor/marine use).
Nice to have the personal service and a bit of a chat
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Leomas on 16 May 2008, 10:54:19
Got friends who live in Patterdale in the Lake District and the garage near them has attendant service. The guy who owns it also does motor repairs, breakdown service, fishing tackle, boat hire, etc etc etc. Brilliant place and we always try to stop there for a day if we are heading up to the wife's family in Scotland
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: theowletman on 16 May 2008, 11:00:05
Quote
My chainsaw has been losing it`s edge rather quickly recently and needed constant sharpening; I figured it had been sharpened beyond it`s electro-hardening and needed a new chain.
I went down the family-run tool shop in Bala: I was greeted with an immediate and friendly "good morning; how may we help?....they had a new chain in-stock and the assistant fitted it to my saw 'there and then'.....he gave the saw a decent clean and 'look-see'....fitted a new fuel and air filter elements and even carried it to my car for me with a cheerie "thankyou for your custom madam"....all for just £12.10! (inc. VAT)  :y

It reminded me what good-service feels like; not like in some town shops where you have to interrupt the assistant`s discussion about their boyfriend/night-out etc. just to get noticed....and god help you if you expect "hello or "thankyou"  ::)

 :o OMG, I`m turning into a grumpy old woman ;D
Its not just good service, its good business, where will you go next time you need something that they stock ?
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 16 May 2008, 11:08:36
Quote
I had a mate who used to work for Comet, but he didn't work for them for long! They were always getting their sales assistants to push one thing or another and one month it was Beacon Gas (when the gas companies were deregulated/privatised whatever!) It's like he said, how could he sell someone gas if they'd only come in to buy a video? Don't exactly go hand in hand does it?

Another story, I went with one of my kids to buy a TV DVD package and the assistant was trying to push him into buying a posh Scart lead. A posh Scart lead for £74 :o Needless to say when he looked at me I shook my head. The assistant then remonstrated how good this lead was and how an 'ordinary lead' would spoil the picture. In the end I got a bit shirty and asked "What's so good about this flippin' lead then?", "It's got gold contacts" says the assistant. "Oh yes" says I "What's so good about that then?". "Gold's a good conductor of sound!" After laughing, I said "No, gold's a good conductor of electricty" which it is, hence why you get gold plated contacts in connectors etc. "Are you an engineer then?" says the assistant. "Yes, as a matter of fact I am!" said I. That took the wind out of her sails ;D

Anyway, you had to be there!!!

Humpy

Not true actually, its not a particularly good conductor (not as good as copper etc).

Its used because its hard and does not easily oxidise and hence is quite an effective plating for connectors!

If we were looking for a good conductor you would be backing silver but, its soft and tarnishes easily and because connectors only have a plating over say a steel base metal, the conductivity is of less importance because its mega thin (a few microns)  :y

Some scart leads are better but thanks in the main to improved screening of the analogue signals (many cheap scarts have little or no screening and you get crosstalk), not worth that sort of money though!

Sorry for thread jumping......

But yes, service is not what it used to be at all!
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Martin_1962 on 16 May 2008, 11:24:54
A recent phenonema is decent budget SCART leads.

You used to see the difference between a £10 lead and a £40 lead, now the £10 leads are as good, the cheap shit though is still unusable.

Almost all of it is due to shielding. Very cheap leads are usually rubbish.

You need decent shielded cables and metal SCART plugs, gold stops the tarnishing.

With decent kit you can see the difference between a rubbish and a decent lead. But the price level has dropped by 75%!

My most recent £10 or so jobbie is very heavy and stiff and connects a top end SCART switcher to the TV, my other top end lead goes to DVD, a mid range decent lead from years ago goes to the PVRs.
Title: Re: Like it used to be!
Post by: Gaffers on 16 May 2008, 12:22:31
Quote
My chainsaw has been losing it`s edge rather quickly recently and needed constant sharpening; I figured it had been sharpened beyond it`s electro-hardening and needed a new chain.
I went down the family-run tool shop in Bala: I was greeted with an immediate and friendly "good morning; how may we help?....they had a new chain in-stock and the assistant fitted it to my saw 'there and then'.....he gave the saw a decent clean and 'look-see'....fitted a new fuel and air filter elements and even carried it to my car for me with a cheerie "thankyou for your custom madam"....all for just £12.10! (inc. VAT)  :y

It reminded me what good-service feels like; not like in some town shops where you have to interrupt the assistant`s discussion about their boyfriend/night-out etc. just to get noticed....and god help you if you expect "hello or "thankyou"  ::)

 :o OMG, I`m turning into a grumpy old woman ;D

I'm shocked they didn't start speaking welsh when you entered!

Sorry just had some very bad customer service experiences in N.Wales... this place sounds like a true gem though  :y