Changes have been made to the nail-trimming at Mondou. While I raved about it in a previous post, I'm no longer sure I like it as much as I used to. Earlier this year, they changed which stores the services would be provided at. They stated they would only do it store that had a lave-toutou (dog washing station), this wasn't really a problem with me, I don't necessarily disagree with that.
The latest change is now we have to call or pass by the store ahead of time to make an appointment for the nail trimming service. While I do understand where they are coming from, I strongly disagree with this new procedure. A big part of it has to do with not knowing about ahead of time and being informed, rather rudely, by a clerk when I showed up today. She acted as if this was well-known news and that the changes had been well advertise for a long time. She also said it's been a week or two since they had the sign up in the window.
First of all, I don't go to the pet store all that often, certainly not on a weekly basis, more like a monthly one. So that would be easy to miss. Even more considering the sign on the door was slightly wordy and didn't highlight any key words I might catch on my way into the store. Second, it was only the website and twitter for a few days before hand. I don't have time to read all the tweets that are made and one tweet is easy to miss when you don't check them for a couple days. Their website wasn't much better, it only gave 8 days notice and while it was in the news column, I think they should have put on the events page as well since this is a big change. The wording of their announcement also needs to change since there can be some confusion over the need for appointments. In one paragraph it clearly states that they are needed now but then in the next one it mentions getting a number when you show up for quicker service.
Second, I don't always know what I'm up to from one week-end to the next, so I like the convenience of being able to show up when I wanted. Sometimes I have time in the morning and other times in the afternoon. If for some reason I couldn't go on the Saturday, I could go to another store on the Sunday. I fear that with making appointments, I might not be able to get in on the day I want or have the choice of time. I usually go when my dog's nails need to be done and sometimes I don't know until that week. I feel like I'm going to have to make an appointment a couple weeks ahead of time so that I can pick the time. I also feel that the way it is now set up, less people will be able to get their dog's nails done in one day.
Third, my dog like seeing the other dogs while waiting in line. I found it was a good way to socialize her and now this opportunity was taken from me. While I get that you want a more secure environment, you are taking away an enjoyable experience for most dogs and their owners. I don't necessarily love standing in line for an hour but I did like that my dog got to interact with other dogs and I enjoyed being able to speak with other dog owners.
Like I said, I understand why the changes were made but I have my doubts that they will be the best for the people who enjoy this free service. We shall see and I will keep you updated.
Update (June 2012): The other day I was at the dog park and overhead some people talking. Apparently others aren't happy with the changes and I'm not the only one who has stopped using this free services as well as shopping there.
The latest change is now we have to call or pass by the store ahead of time to make an appointment for the nail trimming service. While I do understand where they are coming from, I strongly disagree with this new procedure. A big part of it has to do with not knowing about ahead of time and being informed, rather rudely, by a clerk when I showed up today. She acted as if this was well-known news and that the changes had been well advertise for a long time. She also said it's been a week or two since they had the sign up in the window.
First of all, I don't go to the pet store all that often, certainly not on a weekly basis, more like a monthly one. So that would be easy to miss. Even more considering the sign on the door was slightly wordy and didn't highlight any key words I might catch on my way into the store. Second, it was only the website and twitter for a few days before hand. I don't have time to read all the tweets that are made and one tweet is easy to miss when you don't check them for a couple days. Their website wasn't much better, it only gave 8 days notice and while it was in the news column, I think they should have put on the events page as well since this is a big change. The wording of their announcement also needs to change since there can be some confusion over the need for appointments. In one paragraph it clearly states that they are needed now but then in the next one it mentions getting a number when you show up for quicker service.
Second, I don't always know what I'm up to from one week-end to the next, so I like the convenience of being able to show up when I wanted. Sometimes I have time in the morning and other times in the afternoon. If for some reason I couldn't go on the Saturday, I could go to another store on the Sunday. I fear that with making appointments, I might not be able to get in on the day I want or have the choice of time. I usually go when my dog's nails need to be done and sometimes I don't know until that week. I feel like I'm going to have to make an appointment a couple weeks ahead of time so that I can pick the time. I also feel that the way it is now set up, less people will be able to get their dog's nails done in one day.
Third, my dog like seeing the other dogs while waiting in line. I found it was a good way to socialize her and now this opportunity was taken from me. While I get that you want a more secure environment, you are taking away an enjoyable experience for most dogs and their owners. I don't necessarily love standing in line for an hour but I did like that my dog got to interact with other dogs and I enjoyed being able to speak with other dog owners.
Like I said, I understand why the changes were made but I have my doubts that they will be the best for the people who enjoy this free service. We shall see and I will keep you updated.
Update (June 2012): The other day I was at the dog park and overhead some people talking. Apparently others aren't happy with the changes and I'm not the only one who has stopped using this free services as well as shopping there.
RSS Feed