This is a tricky post to write.

In order to protect those involved (the store in question) and the goods purchased (because Christmas is next week and I know the person will be reading this), I will be XYZ’ing my way through this as best I can.

The situation:
Acquisition of a recent Christmas gift at XYZ (a boutique in downtown Vancouver).

The service:
Completely professional, seamless, and ‘automatic’ (what do I mean by that?…keep reading)

The result:
Although XYZ is a place that I probably won’t venture into other than for rather important occasions (again, trying my best not to give it away), I did leave with an excellent service experience and would highly recommend it.

I don’t know about you, but I dislike ‘greeters’ when you walk into a store (read: Wal-Mart, Gap, etc). I just find it a little over-the-top and bordering on guerilla sales tactics. As XYZ is a highly trafficked destination, there are a lot of staff to deal with the very selective clientele that walk in the door (not as much staff as the Tomato Café, mind you!).

What’s really cool about XYZ is that although they do greet you, that much is true, they leave you alone until ‘you’ are ready…not when ‘they’ are ready (read: proper timing and delivery of service!)

Vancouver Christmas image from barbwoodgraphics.com  

When I had decided on the item I wanted, I asked if it was in stock…instead of leaving me to ‘go to the back and check’, the XYZ salesperson whipped out a little PDA, clicked a few buttons, and ensured me that it was there and to proceed to the sales counter when I was ready.

I was a little surprised by this so I did what she said. Without asking for more than my name, the person at the XYZ sales counter simply clicked a few keys and had the item, the cost, the bill, and the wrapping already taken care of. All I had to do was 1) give her my credit card and 2) wait for a few minutes.

That’s it. No re-counting of who I dealt with or what I wanted or this or that. Just my name and how I wanted to pay. EVERYTHING was pre-loaded as soon as I approached the counter.

Slick? I think so. I hope the person I bought the gift for does too!

ps – XYZ details to be released after the 25th!

darren