Last Dollar Spent at Skiptons

[Alex]

First I'd like to say that I have spent thousands of dollars in that store and actually bought my very first coral there many many moons ago.

I stopped in on Saturday at around quarter to 6 looking to buy a copperbanded butterfly not realizing that they closed at 6. There were plenty of people there and I walked over to the fish section. The lights were out. I of course was oblivious to this and didn't understand why the lights were out. I asked if they had any copperbands in stock and was told that they had one but it had just come in and was in quarantine. If I bought it it was at my own risk. I walked over to the dog section where my fiancé Giannina had gone to pickup some stuff to see if she thought I should get it. On my way back to fish section to ask for the fish it was announced that they were closing and that there were not selling any more fish. I was disappointed but figured oh well. When Giannina brought the dog stuff to the counter to pay for it she very politely tried to explain that we had been there for a while and hadn't realized that they were closing and would it be possible to make an exception. While she is explaining this some guy I had not seen walks up rudely taps her on the shoulder and practically yells at her "I asked you if you needed anything and you said no". I tried to explain that we were together and that I was being helped but had gone over to talk to her. He just raised his voice and repeated you said you didn't need help. At that point we were done and walked out angrily with me saying more than a few words about how you should treat customers.

I'm not upset that they weren't going to get the fish for me that I can understand although the way they went about communicating it could have been better. What upset me is how the guy interrupted Giannina by poking her on the shoulder and how rudely he spoke to a paying customer. It was honestly the worst customer service I have ever received. On top of that when I got to my car it still wasn't even 6. Personally if it was my business I would just not let new customers in and make sure that everyone else left happy but that's just me. Suffice to say my money will now be spent with some of our more polite sponsors.


Alex

 

[jovreef]

[discussion removed]

 

[APISTOBORELLI]

I've had nothing but good experiences with Skiptons. I was in need of different size fish bags and the staff was very helpful and the price for what I got was very reasonable.

discussion/advice removed

 

[Fish88]

discussion/advice removed

 

[sean5267]

No experiences about puppies, per VE forum rules.

 

[NateHanson]

PLEASE do not post discussion in the VE forum! Questions for other posters, suggestions on how the store should be run, and comments on the experiences of others should either be left out or sent via private message. But don't post them here. Only post your personal reef-related experiences from the store.

 

[Jocko]

more commentary removed

Ai-yai-yai

Um... ok... I mean one time when I went to Skiptons Steve refused to sell me a fish because it was still in quarantine and I thought that was very responsible of him. So they held it for me for a couple of weeks. Also the tanks are usually clean when I physically go to the store in person. Because of this I like to go to the store again and again instead of stores where I have not experienced this.

 

[genkireefer]

Thanks for the kind words, Jocko... we're thankful we'll be seeing you soon!

To all people whose posts were removed: I didn't jump on here in time to read any of them. You are welcome to PM me or post in the Sponsor's forum.

Alex, I completely understand and apologize for your experience Saturday night. The employee in question has already been spoken to regarding this issue. As most people know, we really strive for excellent stock and service... there is a lot of thought and effort put into the selection of the product we offer and livestock assortment and quarantine. To hear of your mistreatment is extremely disappointing to me and management. From your prior experiences shopping with us I'm sure you know of our dedication to this hobby and it's wonderful reefers. With the exception of closing up a bit early we've tried to do everything possible to elevate Skipton's in the eyes of lovers of all pets.
I thoroughly hope that one non-reefside emloyee's mistake will not hugely affect your opinion of the other Skiptonauts' hard work and service. If you choose to come back to our store, come talk to me and let me know you are as I was not present Saturday night. I would like to personally apologize and make it up to you. If we are losing you as a customer, good luck and happy reefing... as long as you are still enjoying this hobby I'm satisfied.
Cheers, Michelle

 

[genkireefer]

btw thank you moderators for being attentive (albeit maybe a little brutal? lol). i'd've loved to see what people wrote!

Moderators Note: the posts that were removed were largely comments...asking about this or that, and then members answering back, trying to be helpful, etc. We have to restrict this carefully in this forum because once conversation starts, it snowballs (as it did in this thread) and then the rules of the forum are completely over-looked. Conversation like that is fine in the Reef Talk section, or in the sponsors own forum if they have one. Posts in this sub-forum MUST be ONLY personal experience.

Anyone wanting to repost stuff that was removed here it sounds like the reps. from Skiptons would love to hear from you in their own forum.

 

[alycat]

Alex I would like to sincerely apologize for the employees actions!!!! And I would love to assure you that it will not happen again!!

Alyson
Skipton Pet center
Manager

 

[Brian92]

I went into Skipton's for the first time last saturday. I found the staff to be very acommodating for example I asked if the mandarins were eating prepared yet and the guy who worked in the fish part dumped in a food mix for me to observe if the mandarins in QT were eating, he even brought over ladder so I could see if they were eating. They answered all my questions and I've found them to very knowledgeable

 

[Paula]

I was there on Saturday afternoon and it was quite busy. There were many people there. I too was asked many times if I needed any help - and of course being a fish-geek I spent almost an hour before making my purchase decisions.
I have had good experiences at Skiptons on Saturday and in the past. There were a number of tanks with Quarentine on them . . I think that is very responsible. I will go back.

 

[genkireefer]

brian and paula, thanks for posting your experiences! as i've always said, we try!

on a side note, i LOVE your signature, paula!

 

[JayM]

My last trip into Skipton's went well too.....I was greeted, asked if I needed help, allowed to browse, and checked out quickly and efficiently. I think you just caught them on a bad day.

 

[networkfishman]

I've never really been in around closing time but can imagine that it is a pretty hectic scene! Especially since Saturday is usually one of their *busiest* days. I personally love Skipton's! Michelle is really great! Always looking out for us and finding really cool & exotic specimens.
:.
Oh, and the rest of the staff is *always* *always* very helpful to me! Even though sometimes they have a sarcastic way about themselves. I do really enjoy going there and will continue to.

-bri

 

[JavaJones]

Everytime I go in, I have found the staff generally friendly and helpful. Sometimes it's been too busy and the wait times for attention are long and I have had to leave. I have also found the staff person referred to in this thread as generally helpful, friendly and full of useful insights.

My only gripe is that sometimes some staff can less helpful when it comes to a special order request.

 

[genkireefer]

hey jay, bri, and java, thanks for your support! yes, weekends here get CRAZY and there may be a wait... but when we get to you you'll receive just as much in depth attention as the previous guy!
i'd love to know what special order we were less helpful about tho, javajones. i hate being less than great!
cheers, michelle

 

[Cherokee_Dude]

I stop by at least once a week since I live nearby (Much to the Mrs' chagrin )
Everyone has always been helpful, sometimes sarcastic true... but always helpful. Sometimes hardware items are out of stock and i've needed to shop elsewhere but i've always found interesting corals and fish to walk out with

 

[JayM]

Was in Saturday after the meeting.....bought some CUC, got a GREAT price on a montipora from Ed, and half a dozen chromis for a new school.

While the store was busy, I was treated well...same as always.

 

[genkireefer]

hey cherokee and jay!
thanks for posting your experiences! y'all know if you ever need anything, we're here!
cheers, michelle