P Sam

Reached out following the adoption of a cat and needing to transfer ownership via the microchip. We received a prompt and super helpful response from Joanne who gave us direction as to how best to proceed. Really good stuff! Quick, polite and thoughtful responses. Thank you Joanne for your help with this! Much appreciated.

Recently purchased a used Volvo which was a considerable purchase but something highly anticipated. In keeping with the title, Stoneacre initially stood out in their attention and were very helpful. So far so good. The vehicle arrived with damage to the windscreen which required a replacement and it then took the promise of returning the vehicle to ensure the dealership paid for this (they suggested I claim on my insurance). I will accept some chips etc in a car that’s a few years old, however I’ve just discovered two rust spots on the vehicle roof. Volvo have suggested I speak to the dealership about this. Given the state of the vehicle at the point of collection and then since discovering rust, the idea that there was ever an inspection of any kind is just ridiculous… the alternative explanation is far more cynical. I’ve had similar experiences with dealerships historically with a similar mixed bag. Overall, very disappointing and not somewhere I’ll be heading back to. It’s difficult to find good service even when paying for it.

Of the many and varied companies out there at the moment who offer deliveries, I’ve consistently found DPD to be the best and by a country mile. The most useful part for me is having a delivery time sent well ahead, with updates at 30 and 15 minutes and a final ‘you’re next’ when the driver is about to show up at the house. The drivers have always been very polite and friendly. Don’t change anything DPD, you’ve literally got this.

On the look out for a new car and on the strength of peer review I visited Evan’s Halshaw Vauxhall (Shiremoor) showroom. The weather was fairly stormy which seemed to dissuade any approaches from staff save a brief one before they retreated. I also wonder whether the football (Euro’s) played a part as when I ventured into the showroom, I was dissuaded from looking at a few of the cars on the forecourt. It’s been a few years since I bought a car but the experience here was poor with staff seeming very distracted and that’s being polite. Of all the garages I visited that day, this was by far the most frustrating as I wasted my time even visiting. Can I suggest giving customers more attention, especially when they’re showing an interest in vehicles.

Purchased a vacuum via the Dyson website, having made contact with customer services. I spoke with a friendly advisor who helped me make the purchase. Things went downhill from that point. Whilst the vacuum works great, Dyson took partial payment for this, going on to take an additional payment a month later and without my permission have set up a continuous payment thereafter (confirmed by my bank). Numerous calls later, they have refused to refund or accept they have tried to set up a continuous payment. Thankfully my bank has been able to block Dyson from taking any further money. I’ve had dyson vacuums for years but I cannot recommend using their online or phone platforms. It’s also impossible to make a complaint beyond a wall of insincere apologies.

From initially contacting customer service to ask questions about installation, then again about pricing and once more about equipment I’ve been impressed. Response rates have been quick overall, sometimes super quick and always friendly and helpful. Companies rely on their staff to deliver and to date the staff at Giganet have delivered. Well done!

I’ve always been impressed by Wickes over the years. They were able to come good a few years back on a big project when a large delivery went wrong and faced with a possible 6 week delay, they pulled out the stops and the delivery got sorted same day. The staff have always been really helpful with questions and even loading the car on occasion. They’ve impressed again with balancing keeping everyone safe and still managing to open. The click and collect service works really well - easy to order, confirmation and a text to say it’s ready. Collection made easy and safe for all. Wickes showing other stores how it’s done even in these unprecedented times.