Customer service, good/bad in Limerick.

Comhrá

A few years back, I started a thread asking about people's customer service experiences in and around Limerick. I thought it time to give it a spin again.

I'll start the ball rolling by saying I was with Limerick Travel in Bedford Row recently when I was finding it hard to book a specific hotel in a specific sun resort with daytime flights.

The staff I met in Limk. Travel spent a lot of time with me and eventually after a lot of searching, they found exactly what I wanted. Very friendly, helpful service over four visits, from all the people I met there. I was very happy with them.

celligraphy

My great experiences are .
Dragon phoenix Chinese in raheen- great staff ,friendly and always chatty
Both of the smyths toy shops - helpful staff


Bad experience
River island in town and crescent - uninterested, bored staff
Life style sports In the crescent - makes me feel like I'm ruining the staffs day if I ask for any help

Mc Love

Good experience - LaPiccola Italia, Khing Thai, Widdess Pharmacy,

Good and bad: Some staff in Dunnes on Henry st are nice, others are just there to pick up the next cheque and dont even bother acknowledging you, even if you say hello.

bigpink

Good veg stall in the maket new urban farm or something like that

Bad River island cresent seem to hire horrible female staff

black & white

Best for me in retail would be Schuh, River Deep Mountain High, Sexton for Men and Elverys. BT's can be a bit hit or miss with usually better service in the menswear department than the rest of the shop.

Most bars/restaurants seem to have good service nowadays, I'm trying to think about anywhere that I'd avoid going and I can't at the moment anyway.

Could be improved (not quite bad) Debenhams , Shaws.

Over the top (Would you ever f off and leave me alone and I'll call you if I need help) ? Mike O'Connells menswear on Catherine St.

dashoonage

http://www.limerickpost.ie/2016/09/15/expansion-for-limerick-citys-largest-electrical-retailer/

This reminded me.


Jack Fitzgerald...Absolutely fantastic. I brought my aging mother in to get a new fridge freezer. They were great helping her pick out what she wanted and getting warranty setup etc. ( the didnt push the extended warranty it was something she wanted)

Didnt stop there though.

The delivery driver arrived installed the fridge, took away the old one and all the packaging etc. they even provided an extension lead that was needed.

This is how it should be done lads and ladies. Easy to see why they are expanding.

Jofspring

dashoonage wrote: »

http://www.limerickpost.ie/2016/09/15/expansion-for-limerick-citys-largest-electrical-retailer/

This reminded me.


Jack Fitzgerald...Absolutely fantastic. I brought my aging mother in to get a new fridge freezer. They were great helping her pick out what she wanted and getting warranty setup etc. ( the didnt push the extended warranty it was something she wanted)

Didnt stop there though.

The delivery driver arrived installed the fridge, took away the old one and all the packaging etc. they even provided an extension lead that was needed.

This is how it should be done lads and ladies. Easy to see why they are expanding.

On the flip side of that I ordered a fridge for work. Told me I would have it 2 days later. Friday afternoon came, no sign so I rang. Was told it's not on the delivery order sheet but not to worry it would be sorted ASAP and I would have it the next day. Next day came, getting close to closing time and I rang again. Once again not on the order sheet so not on the truck and they didn't know why. Said again they would sort it ASAP and definitely have it the next day. Next day we find out there is a delay and we wouldn't have it till it came back in a few days later. Had to ask for money back, went elsewhere and had a fridge bought and delivered the next day.

RhubarbCrumble

black & white wrote: »

Best for me in retail would be Schuh, River Deep Mountain High, Sexton for Men and Elverys. BT's can be a bit hit or miss with usually better service in the menswear department than the rest of the shop

I said Ken Sexton's on that old thread as well and I'll still stand by it too. I'm female, but was in there just last week with my other half because he was buying something and the lads there are very nice. Really helpful and easy going but not pushy or OTT.

Cherrycoke

The ladies in Carlton Coffee, always in great form, and remember your order if you're a regular

vkid

+1 to the lads in sextons. Great little shop.

phog

Good
Noel Andrews men's clothing on Thomas St
Neville's Shoes on O'Connell St
Future Sound & Vision on Upr William St & Soundstore in Ballysimon
Barry's Hardware Store on High St

Poor
Lana - staff were poor at dealing with a complaint
Argos on Cruises St - no idea how to deal with a queue


+ 1 for Widdess' it's not my normal pharmacy but if I ever call there for something the staff are brilliant.

Mc Love

Noels menswear in Bedford row and their original shop on Wickham st (i think) - they are all very helpful in there and not pushy at all.

topcat72

Good - Sage cafe on catherine Street, always on the ball
The florist on Roches street - Lawless's
Ryan's Locksmiths on Upper William Street - some of the soundest I have dealt with. Knowledgeable.

Not so good - My ultimate pet hate - people that follow you around and pounce on you as soon as you walk in ( Brown Thomas )- I only go about once a year at Christmastime , and I know they are trained to do it, but, STOP it already. The key is to be available when needed, not to pounce when you are not.

Comhrá

topcat72 wrote: »

Ryan's Locksmiths on Upper William Street - some of the soundest I have dealt with. Knowledgeable.

Def. agree re Ryan's Locksmiths. Also, I've always found JJ Kenneally Jewellers a pleasure to deal with,with nice friendly old-world service and advice.

Sully777

topcat72 wrote: »

Good - Sage cafe on catherine Street, always on the ball
The florist on Roches street - Lawless's
Ryan's Locksmiths on Upper William Street - some of the soundest I have dealt with. Knowledgeable.

Not so good - My ultimate pet hate - people that follow you around and pounce on you as soon as you walk in ( Brown Thomas )- I only go about once a year at Christmastime , and I know they are trained to do it, but, STOP it already. The key is to be available when needed, not to pounce when you are not.

Once a year??? But if a stretch to call it a pet hate. 1st world problems?

seachto7

Sully777 wrote: »

Once a year??? But if a stretch to call it a pet hate. 1st world problems?

It's the reason I don't go in there. Very off putting

vkid

Don't find BT too bad, buy sweet mother of god Harvey Normans staff are brutal for that stuff. Go away...I'll find you if I need to thanks

Bored_lad

I don't think I've ever had a good experience with BT staff especially in the menswear department, they put you off shopping there and I've taken to avoiding shipping there and if I need to I order it online and get it delivered or collect in store.

panda100

Paul in Moviedrome is just a perfect example of great customer service. Always friendly and happy to help.

I think Rene Cusacks on the Dock Road are excellent, not so much in the Milk Market.I actually have found them to be quite rude in the Milk Market especially on a Saturday morning.
The family that run Sadliers are lovely and always so helpful, even when I ask the most stupid fish-related questions

Reputable Rog

Garvey's Supervalu Grove Island- left standing at the Deli/Bakery counter for 10 minutes on Saturday, completely ignored whilst assistant had a lengthy chat with a customer and then proceeded to serve someone else ahead of me despite me being ahead in the queue.
The idiot manager was standing there watching all this and wouldn't intervene, just kept saying that someone would assist me in a minute.

riverrocked

Reputable Rog wrote: »

Garvey's Supervalu Grove Island

Completely agree with this, customer service is not something that is a priority in there at all. The staff seem completely disinterested. I have been left waiting at tills as the cashiers wander off mid-service or chat to each other.

Mc Love

riverrocked wrote: »

Completely agree with this, customer service is not something that is a priority in there at all. The staff seem completely disinterested. I have been left waiting at tills as the cashiers wander off mid-service or chat to each other.

It's the exact same in the one in Dingle too. Rather unfortunate

Mc Love

Mc Love wrote: »

It's the exact same in the one in Dingle too. Rather unfortunate

Their old SuperValu in Newcastle West was the same too. I remember posting something about it here when they shut down.

unichick

Good: Subway at Groody Roundabout, Copper & Spice, Annacotty, Texas Steakhouse, Bella Italia.

Bad: H&M, the crescent, Harvey Norman, Supervalu, Castletroy

Swiper the fox

Bored_lad wrote: »

I don't think I've ever had a good experience with BT staff especially in the menswear department, they put you off shopping there and I've taken to avoiding shipping there and if I need to I order it online and get it delivered or collect in store.

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that, I shop a bit in the menswear and I find them grand, Oscar (the shortish Spanish guy) is sound and an excellent salesman, the others are grand, it's generally lads that are there all the time and the girls seem to change quite a bit, there was a really lovely girl (30s) there for a long time with blonde hair, was going on maternity break last I saw her, hope she comes back.

topcat72

True, hardly a crisis. But my point was I might go in there more often if I was not hounded as soon as I made eye contact with anyone. It might not bother some, but it does get annoying.

Poxyshamrock

Swiper the fox wrote: »

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that, I shop a bit in the menswear and I find them grand, Oscar (the shortish Spanish guy) is sound and an excellent salesman, the others are grand, it's generally lads that are there all the time and the girls seem to change quite a bit, there was a really lovely girl (30s) there for a long time with blonde hair, was going on maternity break last I saw her, hope she comes back.

Totally agree about Oscar. A complete gentleman and always there to give a helping hand.

Exeggcute

It must be a real struggle for some people to say "I'm fine thanks."

topcat72

Yes, good point. but then you walk somewhere else, another two people approach you, the same thing occurs, you go elsewhere in the shop and it keeps on happening. The potential customer/buyer ends up saying NOOOOO I'm feckin fine! Shag Off! ( perhaps in his or her own mind, hopefully). Some bigger shops don't do this, some do. There is a way to be available when needed, and to know when to leave people to browse.

panda100

topcat72 wrote: »

Yes, good point. but then you walk somewhere else, another two people approach you, the same thing occurs, you go elsewhere in the shop and it keeps on happening. The potential customer/buyer ends up saying NOOOOO I'm feckin fine! Shag Off! ( perhaps in his or her own mind, hopefully). Some bigger shops don't do this, some do. There is a way to be available when needed, and to know when to leave people to browse.

The trick in BT's is to look as shabby and unkempt as possible. Then they will think you are poor and won't go anywhere near you. Works for me.

Comhrá

Any place where the staff say "Are you ok?" really gets under my skin.

That's fine if you're after collapsing, or banging your head or getting sick all over the floor but as an opening greeting to potential customers , it's pretty poor imho.

'Hi' 'Hello' or 'Can I help you' sounds so much more friendly and professional.

Maybe I'm just gone too old and grumpy?

Reputable Rog

tippman1 wrote: »

Any place where the staff say "Are you ok?" really gets under my skin.

That's fine if you're after collapsing, or banging your head or getting sick all over the floor but as an opening greeting to potential customers , it's pretty poor imho.

'Hi' 'Hello' or 'Can I help you' sounds so much more friendly and professional.

Maybe I'm just gone too old and grumpy?

That irritated the **** out of me, barman in City West asked me "yur reet?", i said "great and yourself" and he walked off. I then called him back and told him that I wasn't alright and that I wanted serving and wasn't standing there for the craic.

seachto7

Reputable Rog wrote: »

That irritated the **** out of me, barman in City West asked me "yur reet?", i said "great and yourself" and he walked off. I then called him back and told him that I wasn't alright and that I wanted serving and wasn't standing there for the craic.

haha, what did he say to that?

Are you okay is an Irish thing though, or maybe a UK/Ireland thing?

I always thought good bar service was, when you were almost finished a pint, the barman would give you a nod, you'd nod back, pint would come on board then. No words exchanged. A lot of locals are like that where I suppose the barman and customers would be regular and be on speaking terms.

McSween

Lana Raheen the other night - no thank you when handing over the takeaway. Also when I asked the owner did they do catering he just said 'no'.

Any member of staff who has a conversation with a colleague when they are supposed to be giving the customer attention is a dickhead. Many times they have their hand held out for your money before they turn their head away from their conversation.

Mc Love

Good few places actually put the money on the counter which in my mind is downright rude too.

philstar

^^^^^^^^^^^

maybe they don't want to pick up germs??

i notice some staff at the shannon tunnel toll use latex gloves

Jofspring

The germs would be on the money so placing it on the counter doesn't really save them from germs.

I have seen the toll using them alright but there again that is because they are handling money all day. The dirt on their gloves just shows how bad it is.

jbkenn

tippman1 wrote: »

Any place where the staff say "Are you ok?" really gets under my skin.

Anyone approaches me with that salutation, I tell them "Grand, just shoplifting", usually gets rid of them

Comhrá

I was in Bobby Byrnes today for lunch and the service there is always excellent....in fact, it's almost too good.

They always have nice food but when I'm walking to a table, and one of the staff offers to carry my tray, it always makes me feel like I'm a frail little old pensioner.

I'm just not used to that level of attention in any hostelry or eatery I've ever frequented, but still they do try hard so well done to them.

Parchment

The workers in the parcel collection An Post depot on the Dock Road are really lovely.

Parchment

Parchment wrote: »

The workers in the parcel collection An Post depot on the Dock Road are really lovely.

Sound lads. Great craic too

paulers06

The staff in Starbucks are really nice and friendly. Always a pleasure.

mgbgt1978

tippman1 wrote: »

I was in Bobby Byrnes today for lunch and the service there is always excellent....in fact, it's almost too good.

They always have nice food but when I'm walking to a table, and one of the staff offers to carry my tray, it always makes me feel like I'm a frail little old pensioner.

I'm just not used to that level of attention in any hostelry or eatery I've ever frequented, but still they do try hard so well done to them.

Used to drink there years ago, and loved it.
Went in for lunch with the Family twice in the past 6 months. Both times it was a saturday at 2ish. Despite the extensive menu on display (outside and inside) all I "could" chose from was whatever was left at the carvery, which on both occasions was very little.

Bye, Bye Bobby's.

mgbgt1978

Sully777 wrote: »

Once a year??? But if a stretch to call it a pet hate. 1st world problems?

Ah here, in fairness this whole thread only concerns First World Problems. I don't see any Syrians complaining about the long wait for a Latte in the Starbucks in Aleppo .

Swiper the fox

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

Used to drink there years ago, and loved it.
Went in for lunch with the Family twice in the past 6 months. Both times it was a saturday at 2ish. Despite the extensive menu on display (outside and inside) all I "could" chose from was whatever was left at the carvery, which on both occasions was very little.

Bye, Bye Bobby's.

The extensive menu kicks off at 3 O'clock does it not, I'm almost certain the menus you referred to say that,until then it's carvery, I'm sure there's a good reason for this and I don't see why they should cook to order for anybody.

Sorry for the tone of this post but your last line really annoyed me, bye bye yourself.

orm0nd

a grumpy old culchie/farmer here who spent a lot of time in the city in my younger days both socializing & for business, however I rarely frequent the city now.

a few places I still call in to are Noel's & Kennelly's in Wickam street, Michael Gleeson's & Limerick Sport's Store Willliam st, and Peter Ferguson Catherine St., where I'm always assured friendly efficient service & a brief chat.

Some time ago I mentioned I was very disappointed with O'Connor's Thomas St. however for convenience we had lunch there recently & must say there was a vast improvement on our previous visit, the better half had the house special while I had fish and chips, f&C could have been a bit better especially the side salad, but overall happy enough, service was fast & friendly

we were long time customers of Clancy's, O'Connell St. before they closed down & then moved on to Jack Fitzgerald's, however after a good start we had 2 very disappointing experiences (which I won't go into detail) & now we go to Soundstore where we find the staff very efficent.

On a side note herself & myself went to Cork & Galway during the "summer" & comparsion to Limerick is like chalk and cheese, both cities were alive from early morn. & the atmosphere on the streets was buzzing

colm_mcm

So strange, I came to this thread to comment on O'Connors on Thomas street, find the staff really friendly and genuine. Brought my toddler in there and they're always so nice to him. It's not the swankiest or modern of places but there's something nice about it.

Phoenix Wright

The Good: Penney's in town are pretty good imo, especially considering how busy they get. The Cornstore was an enjoyable place to eat. The owner of the Fitto Cafe is a gent, but can be a bit much if you're looking for a quiet coffee. Gold Converters in town are really helpful and know their stuff. Musgrave have great customer service too. Future Sound and Vision were helpful and the same can be said for Elvery's out by Childer's Road.

The Bad: The owner of China-Ki by Westbury is extremely arrogant. Also, avoid getting passport pictures at the Fujifilm store by Cruise's Street. The rudeness and condescending attitude of the man working there is shocking. Elvery's in town and the post office at Upper William Street have caused me problems before also.

The Worst: N.P. Service around the back of Chicken Hut; I really don't know what the lad's problem is, but there's definitely something not quite right there. He fixed my 3DS, which was great. However, when I went to collect it I felt like he wanted to punch me. I've honestly never experienced anything else like it. He was rude beyond belief and I can't even comprehend what I could have possibly done to cause it. Avoid like the plague.

The Runner Up: One of the workers at the BOI branch at the Parkway seemingly made an intentional error that resulted in me going abroad without a properly functioning card. I asked for a new card prior to going abroad for four months because ATMs were often struggling to read it. I presented my old card and had to input my PIN to prove it was mine. She started questioning why I needed a new card and I explained the problems I was having. I got the impression she wasn't overly impressed, but I couldn't run the risk of my card breaking abroad. Somehow, the idiot got BOI to send me a reminder of my PIN?? Even though I clearly knew my PIN and spoke at length about why I was requesting a new card? If I had more time, I would have definitely spoken with the manager. I had to request a new card again and wait a couple of weeks before receiving it abroad. Needless to say, this caused myself and my parents a lot of stress.

black & white

Phoenix Wright wrote: »

The Good: Penney's in town are pretty good imo, especially considering how busy they get. The Cornstore was an enjoyable place to eat. The owner of the Fitto Cafe is a gent, but can be a bit much if you're looking for a quiet coffee. Gold Converters in town are really helpful and know their stuff. Musgrave have great customer service too. Future Sound and Vision were helpful and the same can be said for Elvery's out by Childer's Road.

The Bad: The owner of China-Ki by Westbury is extremely arrogant. Also, avoid getting passport pictures at the Fujifilm store by Cruise's Street. The rudeness and condescending attitude of the man working there is shocking. Elvery's in town and the post office at Upper William Street have caused me problems before also.

The Worst: N.P. Service around the back of Chicken Hut; I really don't know what the lad's problem is, but there's definitely something not quite right there. He fixed my 3DS, which was great. However, when I went to collect it I felt like he wanted to punch me. I've honestly never experienced anything else like it. He was rude beyond belief and I can't even comprehend what I could have possibly done to cause it. Avoid like the plague.

The Runner Up: One of the workers at the BOI branch at the Parkway seemingly made an intentional error that resulted in me going abroad without a properly functioning card. I asked for a new card prior to going abroad for four months because ATMs were often struggling to read it. I presented my old card and had to input my PIN to prove it was mine. She started questioning why I needed a new card and I explained the problems I was having. I got the impression she wasn't overly impressed, but I couldn't run the risk of my card breaking abroad. Somehow, the idiot got BOI to send me a reminder of my PIN?? Even though I clearly knew my PIN and spoke at length about why I was requesting a new card? If I had more time, I would have definitely spoken with the manager. I had to request a new card again and wait a couple of weeks before receiving it abroad. Needless to say, this caused myself and my parents a lot of stress.

If that Fuji shop is the one across from Charlie Chaplins I think it's closed, I passed by on Tuesday and it seemed to be empty

Phoenix Wright

black & white wrote: »

If that Fuji shop is the one across from Charlie Chaplins I think it's closed, I passed by on Tuesday and it seemed to be empty

I suspected as much. I probably should have mentioned that it was roughly two years ago when it happened.

Jofspring

Ya it's closed and elverys in town is gone also. At least a year now.