New Zealand Corner — Local services in North Island

Unfortunately had three separate bad experiences in this shop, and felt inclined to share in the hope that maybe something will change.

First time I went in I purchased three postcards and was overcharged at the till. It was only 50c over but I questioned it and instead of an apology the woman huffed and scowled and silently completed the transaction.

The second time I went in to browse and look for an NZ pin. I could feel all of the staff watching me and one woman followed me around re-adjusting the hanging badges that I had just looked at. It was obvious that customer service was an issue in the store or that I was not wanted in there. I left because I felt so unwelcome.

Third time I went in to buy 2 $20 salt and pepper shakers because nowhere else stocked them. They had one set open on display and then one boxed set. I took the boxed set to the till and waited for about 2 mins before the lady came over to serve me (it was very quiet in the shop). I asked if they had any others through the back. I was rudely told that they only had what was on display. I then asked how much they would charge me to buy the ones that were open as a display product and the woman sneered and told me that 'obviously' they would be the same price. The feet were dirty and they had been handled by lots of people and had a dusty coating on them and they were trying to charge full price?! I politely told them that I would just leave them then and thanked them and left the store.

They have shocking customer service, especially for one of the more upmarket stores in town. The staff need a reality check if they are only going to treat the wealthy elderly customers well because that was the feel as soon as you walk into the store. Please...

Terrible customer service, you feel really unwelcome and like you are annoying them and the lady at the till was pretty rude. I was the only customer so no stress at all could have explained the bad attitude. It is really unfortunate as the products there are really good... So I would say if you don't care about being treated rudly the shop is still worth it, but I think the management should do something to improve customer service cause it's not normal to treat people this way... Especially customers if you want them...

We bought three t-shirts today for presents and after the purchase we’ve been given the clear plastic wrapping of one the t-shirts for carrying bag, and when we asked for original Souvenir Outlet Taupo, New Zealand bag, we’ve been advised that our purchase should be above NZ $50 to be able to obtain one. And strange enough couple days before we did the same purchase and received one even without asking for it. What great service experience on our...