I've waited about two weeks to post this review as I wanted to stew over my experience.
I love the concept of Volks, a consignment shop that allows sellers to leave their goods for sale in Volks showcases. The consignees rent the showcases and when an item sells, Volks takes a percentage of the sale. Hundreds of showcases full of random figures. You can shop around and will probably find the same figures at different prices.
I've been to the Tokyo shop in Akihabara and the Hiroshima shop on Hondori. A year or so ago I purchased from the Osaka showroom and had no problems, the staff were easy to deal with.
A year later I returned (two weeks ago). As I was checking the showcases I noticed a staff member berating a family that was speaking Cantonese . I figured maybe it was a miscommunication, but after a few minutes of the staff member saying "No..No..NO..NO!" Over and over again something didn't seem right. The level of rudeness just seemed excessive and unnecessary.
When you enter Volks there is a station that has a piece of paper and pencil that allows you to fill out the showcase number and the name of the item and price that you want. As you shop you write down which item you want. When you are done shopping you hand it to a staff member and they'll get a basket and pick the items. As a foreigner it's a bit confusing.
I was there on a Thursday afternoon and the place was empty with the exception of 3-4 customers. I headed to the cashier after shopping and handed them my list. I was scolded for not following directions. Was told I needed to wait in line when there wasn't one. I sat in a non existent line for 3 minutes. Finally they took my list. The employee walked away from me, then came back after 2 minutes and then told me to go to the showcases where I wanted the items. Super confused at this point, I waited, and waited. Finally he showed up. He proceeded to open the showcase with a key attached to his belt, after he grabbed my figurine the door swung towards my items super fast and was going to damage it because he had his hands full, I stuck my finger out to stop it and again was scolded "DO NOT TOUCH!!!" At this point I was more than annoyed.
The payment process was much worse than my experience to this point. I asked if they accepted credit card (Japanese tend to accept cash everywhere) the employee was clearly annoyed. Gave a subtle eye roll. I set my card down on the counter. He taps the payment tray "HERE!! CARD GOES HERE!!!" another annoyed eye roll from him. Paid for my items and he starts to wrap my items. Did a terrible job of wrapping up my items, used a cheap plastic bag and was super rough with everything.
The whole process was beyond aggravating. I understand that it must be difficult for an employee that deals with a lot of tourists to eventually get annoyed with people not following the 'rules', but they do a terrible job of explaining how everything works. Everything is written in poorly translated English.
I tend to have issues with businesses in general that have rules written all over the place telling you what you can and can't do. That's usually a bad sign. They usually have owners that seem super controlling and don't understand their customer base. I want to spend money at this place, I truly do but if they're gonna continue to treat people like this then I'll shop elsewhere. Honestly I feel bad for the consignees, they're the ones that ultimately suffer.
I hate leaving 1 star reviews because it might have just been a bad day for the employees, that being said they need to get their act together.
There are more and more tourists flooding into Osaka every year. The worst Japanese service I have ever experienced in the 10 years I've been coming to Japan.
Be prepared when going to...
ย ย ย Read moreCertainly! Here's a review for the Volks showroom in Osaka:
A Treasure Trove for Hobbyists: Volks Showroom Osaka
Stepping into the Volks Showroom in Osaka is like entering a hobbyist's paradise. The Nihonbashi district, known for its vibrant culture, is the perfect backdrop for this gem of a store. With the widest product lineup of any showroom I've visited, the Volks Showroom doesn't just meet expectations; it exceeds them.
The array of samples on display is nothing short of impressive. Each case is meticulously organized, showcasing an extensive variety of models that cater to all levels of expertise. From beginners to seasoned collectors, there's something for everyone.
But what truly sets this showroom apart is its attractive selection of supplies, materials, and tools. Whether you're looking to start a new project or finish an ongoing one, you'll find everything you need under one roof. The quality of the products is top-notch, ensuring that your creations stand the test of time.
For those who are passionate about "moe" culture, the Volks Showroom is a must-visit. It's a place where your "burning heart" for anime and character models can be fully satisfied. The staff's expertise and willingness to help also add to the overall positive experience.
In conclusion, the Volks Showroom in Osaka is a standout destination for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. Its comprehensive range of products, coupled with a welcoming atmosphere, makes it a place you'll want to return to time and time again.
I hope this review captures the essence of the Volks Showroom in Osaka and conveys the excitement it offers to its visitors. If you need any further assistance or another type of content, feel...
ย ย ย Read moreIf I had a choice, I wouldโve given this place a zero star for their staffโs EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
This one Japanese girl, in particular, provided horrific service from the moment I called her. She gave me a look all along, and was angry at me for no reason. The only things I asked her were whether I could get the figures from my list and whether I can observe the figures to see if there are any damage.
I could not figure out why she got so angry at me, so I stopped talking to her and instead just pointed out at the figures. However at the counter, she was clearly talking to her peer about me in a scorning tone. Not only that she was throwing parts of the figures into the bag while packing. As a figure collector, I was worried that my figures would break as she was handling them.
It was such an unpleasant experience, so I asked her upfront at the counter for her name, but suddenly, she doesnโt understand English. I asked her again for her name in Japanese, and she doesnโt know. I felt that I was being discriminated against for my background. I still want to figure out why she was mad at me for no reason.
I have worked in customer service and understand how exhausting it can be. However, blasting the anger out on customers is another story.
Iโve had pleasant experience with another Japanese staff, but this was definitely not the one. Iโve gone through other peopleโs google reviews on VOLKS and found similar reviews about poor customer service. I think a person who scorns at its customers for no reason should not work there. I am sure it is not in VOLKSโ interest to be labelled as a store with...
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