Saturday, May 15, 2010

BuyBuy Baby

BuyBuy Baby
Alpha & North Dallas Tollway

When you suffer through places like Babies'R'Us because nobody else offers the multitude of square feet of bottle, stroller, and baby gear options, having people actually help you at BuyBuy Baby is almost unnerving. And even though, initially, you wonder, why is this person so helpful? Is there a secret camera somewhere? Then you relax comfortably into the realization that BuyBuy Baby has upped the ante on the baby retail world and actually appreciates their customers! Customer Service Crazy happy place!!! We went in search of a new stroller/pack mule today and our new buddy, Joseph, spent 30 minutes with us in a department that had many other shoppers who were clearly 1st time expectant parents willing to drop a heck of a lot more cash down than we were! But his knowledge and attentiveness is what the rest of you Customer Service Crazies will adore and this is how every experience at BuyBuy Baby has been for us! So avoid the other store mentioned earlier and give your money to people who don't ignore you when you come in or act annoyed when you ask a question. Customer Service Crazy endorsed, Customer Service Crazy approved.

12 Burgers

12 Burgers
http://www.12burgers.com/

Just opened in what used to be Fish on Fire (SE corner of Beltline & Preston) is 12 Burgers. Walking in, the odd assortment of decor is so fun and low budget that you feel the good vibes as you cross the threshold. This Customer Service Crazy has to rave about the laid back guys behind the counter, the fresh burgers, & from what my family tells me, the fresh cut fries! Head on over and enjoy the true burger joint. The people are super nice and everything is simple. Love it!

Lands End

Lands End
http://www.landsend.com/

Randomness, sheer randomness. In search of a tankini situation that was actually a tankini and not a bikini top which seemed a bit long, I ended up ordering a swimsuit from Lands End. Don't judge me. They had cute stuff, reasonably priced, and free shipping.

I received said "swimsuit" and although it was cute, I didn't love it. So... needing to return it, this Customer Service Crazy learned that you can return all Lands End online purchases to your closest Sears store. Not being a Sears regular, especially since I had to discuss with one of their 15 year old managers why I would not beg any of their appliance salespeople to take a couple thousand dollars off of my hands for a new fridge a few months back, I didn't know how this would all pan out. How pleasantly surprised I was when we just walked right up to one of their checkout areas, the sales gal took care of my return in a matter of minutes and credited my debit card right there! Customer Service Crazy smiles all around!

Not only that, but a week later, Lands End called and wanted me to know I would also receive free shipping on my next purchase even if it wasn't for a swimsuit for the inconvenience of having to return something! FANTASTIC! Who knew that a place like Lands End which seems dated, would have a few interesting options and fab customer service! Nice!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Banana Republic, The Shops at Willow Bend

Banana Republic, The Shops at Willow Bend

National retail chains would be super savvy if they could consistently offer Customer Service Crazy levels of service throughout their multiple locations. While this is far from impossible, it's also far from reality. As much as this Customer Service Crazy loves Banana Republic, you never know what you're going to get from their associates from store to store. Until Ryan. Ryan at the Banana Republic at Willow Bend in Plano has it all together. When you go into his store, people say hello but don't accost you. You're able to try things on, celebrate, cry, you know, whatever you need to do in the dressing room without some high schooler knocking on the door asking if you need a different size. And yet, if you do in fact need a different size, it's not like hollering out into outer Mongolia wondering if anyone works there. So, Customer Service Crazies, make the trek to Willow Bend if you are in need of some BR digs.

Sheri Phillips, ISR

Sheri Phillips, ISR
www.isrinstructors.com/home/index.php?id=sheriphillips

Hands down, this is the best money we have ever spent for our oldest son and come June, the same will go for our youngest son. This is where this Customer Service Crazy wants everyone out there to know you must look into this for your children!! Miss Sheri teaches lifesaving water skills and helped my four and a half year old build a foundation which has made him not just a fish at the pool, but a shark! This is no warm and fuzzy, bubble blowing swim lesson. But your kids will leave Miss Sheri's knowing how to survive in water. She's tough, but loving and you will be astounded at the results.

Peek... Aren't You Curious

Peek... Aren't You Curious
http://www.peekkids.com/

Northpark, how you call to me. Full of stores I cannot afford and things I do not need. Also a breeding ground of entitled retail workers who mystify me with cavalier attitudes and an absent sense of urgency so palpable I could spit it out of my mouth! Ugh! But, amongst the disdain and over priced goods, there lies Peek.

A window display which beckons to anyone who has, knows, or enjoys children (even if on a case-by-case basis) is just the icing on the cake. Come into a Customer Service Crazy haven where even if you buy nothing at all, the staff chats with you and seems sincerely glad you dropped by. And if your kiddos are lucky enough to accompany you, they will be treated with lollies and a small bouncy ball or dinosaur of their choosing. Their children's clothes are unique and while pricey, won't be seen duplicated on the playground. The general atmosphere is lovely and I am happy to spend a little bit extra on a gift which is unique and comes from a place like Peek. Stop in, you'll see.

Progressive School For Dogs

Progressive School For Dogs
http://www.progressiveschoolfordogs.com/

Calling all Colorado pups! Get your Mom & Dad to take you to Progressive for days of play while they are at work and even for the weekend if they leave you to go out of town. Rude! Another reason we miss Colorado is Progressive. Liz and her staff are the kind of people you feel comfortable leaving your four legged children with. Don't be put off by the staff at Progressive's direct nature, they truly have your dog's interest at heart and are some of the most loyal and dedicated people I've been blessed to know. If you can land a spot on their daycare schedule, your K9 will fall asleep before you leave the property and whine incessantly once you are within a two mile radius of dropping them off. Customer Service Crazy approved, Progressive is located between Loveland, Windsor, & Greeley. Your dog may not want to come home!

Julie Elsey, State Farm

Julie Elsey
State Farm Agent
http://www.julieelsey.com/

Save money, get great customer service, Julie must be a Customer Service Crazy herself! This lady has it together and never fails to return a phone call, email, or take care of something for you before you even knew it needed taking care of! Her office is located North of DFW in Bartonville, but she will make it work and she is SO worth it!

Polished, Nail Salon & Spa

Polished, Nail Salon & Spa
http://www.polished.com/

Located at Park & the Tollway in Plano, Polished is a refreshingly friendly, budget-minded nail joint with hygienic practices to boot! Ask for Lily! They have great specials via email and Facebook and their facility is large enough to hold you and a plethora of your closest friends. Regarding the "Spa", I have only had an eyebrow wax there and probably won't sign on for any massages but it's the only place this tomboy goes to get a little Mama mani-pedi treat anymore. It's also smack dab next to a fab Super Target with a Starbucks inside so you can pick up your favorite venti sugar free vanilla breve latte and head over to Polished. Unlike many budget-minded nail places throughout DFW, this Customer Service Crazy has only had one back-handed compliment from a nail technician in all of my visits. And no, I don't want "a flower" painted on my toe. Thanks.

Gretchen, Rockstar Industries Inc

Gretchen, Colorist
Rockstar Industries Inc
http://www.rockstarindustriesinc.com/

You lucky lucky friends in Colorado! If you have the need for fabulous hair color done the "right" way, please save yourself the time and embarrassing hair mishaps and go see Gretchen at Rockstar Industries Inc in Cherry Creek. If you love yourself some box color from Target, then, well good luck to you.

Gretchen will not only take great care of you, but you may just have the best time chatting her up about whatever suits your fancy. Trust me, give this girl a shout, get on the books, and start looking fabulous!

Dr Robin, Windsor Veterinary Clinic

Dr Robin Downing
Windsor Veterinary Clinic
http://www.the.windsorvet.com/

Love your pet more than you love most other people? Meet Dr Robin! She is the ONLY vet for you! If we could fly our dog Levity back to CO for checkups, we would! There is nobody like Dr Robin for your pets Colorado friends! If you live anywhere near Windsor, make the trip!!! Dr Robin is the pet whisperer! We miss her!

Dr Garrett Garner, Northlake OBGYN

Dr Garrett Garner
Northlake OBGYN
http://www.northlakeobgyn.com/

Moving from Colorado to Texas and leaving my coveted OBGYN in Fort Collins was reason enough to reconsider the move! But thanks to a longtime friend who is a true Customer Service Crazy, Dr Garner of Northlake OBGYN (Plano location on Parker) is a God-send! He is energetic, warm, and always fun! He never fails to take the time to make you feel like you are the only patient he has to see that day and his staff is wonderful as well. After delivering my second son 8 months ago, and getting the fun 6 week check up and check out, I felt like I was breaking up with my friend Dr Garner who I genuinely enjoyed seeing every 4, 2, and at the end, every week! Give him a call gals, you won't regret it!

Blue Fish

The Blue Fish
http://www.thebluefishsushi.com/

A family favorite, especially to my 4 1/2 year old who believes stopping in for salmon sashimi on a whim is a completely legitimate idea, we enjoy the North Dallas location at Frankford and the North Dallas Tollway. The staff is always attentive and the manager must never go home! There are many sushi spots in Dallas but we have consistently EXCELLENT sushi here with great service. They also have a hibachi side to the restaurant which we have not tried. Be sure to call my oldest if you're going, he'll want you to pick him up!

Talulah Belle

Talulah Belle
http://www.talulahbelle.com/

Visit Talulah Belle in Lakewood (TX, sorry CO friends) for unique gifts, darling clothes, and service which while personal is never overbearring! Located on Abrams & Gaston, the warm staff feel like friends and create an environment worth driving for even if you live outside of the Lakewood area.