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1. emeraldgirl
   Member Profile

   I called Tierra Landscape because of their advertisement in the West Seattle Coupon book and was looking for a fall yard cleanup. (I have a big yard and anticipate it will be a lot of work.) With my busy and erratic work schedule, it was hard to settle on an appointment to meet with Walter (the owner). I explained to him that my availability was limited and I'd have to call him back after an out of town trip. Today when I called him (on my only day off for the week), he suggested we meet at 4:00pm because he had a 5:30pm appointment in West Seattle scheduled, so he would be in the area. I agreed, and I made sure to be home by 3:30pm so I wouldn't miss him. He called at 4:05pm to say that he didn't think he would make it! I asked where he was, and he said the West Seattle bridge! Unless there was some huge emergency, do you think it would take over an hour to get from the WS bridge to the Fauntleroy area? I mean, REALLY??? If the guy had a 5:30pm appointment in the area, to look at my yard before that should've taken no more than 15 minutes... to provide an estimate for a yard cleanup. Sounds like a case of Friday-itis to me! I would've had a little more respect if this guy was honest and at least showed up a bit late or tried to reschedule. You'd expect in this economy, with businesses competing for what few clients can afford landscaping services, that the professionalism would be first-rate. Well, at Tierra it's definitely not! Glad I found out about their unprofessionalism before they worked on my yard - guess that's the bright spot!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

2. Diana
   Member Profile

   We would be pleased to meet with you and provide an estimate for a fall cleanup. Just give us a call at 206-932-1850 to set an appointment. We've been serving West Seattle (and beyond) for almost 20 years. http://www.northwestbotanicals.com. Thanks!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

3. zaogardening
   Member Profile

   I don't know the details of this situation, of course (I should probably just stop right there!) But I do know Walter and trust his integrity and his competence in the garden. I guess I'm just writing in to introduce the possibility that he had a good reason, I know he takes his job seriously and is good to work with.

   Whatever is happening with the economy, the good gardeners all have waiting lists and incredibly busy schedules - they may not be at home, waiting for the phone to ring, as you might imagine!

   (Still, you are busy too and it's very frustrating to have a meeting cancelled, I don't mean to discount that feeling.)

   Ben
   http://www.zookandolesongardening.com

   Posted 1 year ago #         

4. Irukandji
   Member Profile

   

   I don't know Tierra, but I do know the two preceding gardening experts and would endorse them both. Ben and Diana are both hardworking and professional. I've had the chance to work with both of them on varied projects in the many years we've been here.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

5. JanS
   Member Profile

   

   Interesting...Tierra is a WSB sponsor. Hopefully, he'll see this and make it right.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

6. dhg
   Member Profile

   

   Someone blows off one appointment and you want to rant about it? Life must be pretty sweet.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

7. anonyme
   Member Profile

   I think I remember seeing on the blog that there was a big problem on the bridge during that time slot. The bridge may even have been closed. It's possible that the guy thought that he could not get to his other, previously scheduled appointment without having to abruptly cut off his consultation with you. I'm just saying that he may have made the most courteous and professional choice he could under the circumstances. After all, he did squeeze you in at the last mimute to begin with, and he did call to cancel...

   Posted 1 year ago #         

8. JanS
   Member Profile

   

   there is that. He DID call, even if at the last minute. I'm in a business where people sometimes think it's OK to just not show up for their appointment (massage therapist). I can't tell you how many times people simply have blown me off, no calls. It's disrespectful of my time, and assumes that I had nothing better to do with that hour...or anyone else who may have wanted the appointment. Here's a question, emeraldgirl..did he simply not offer another time? Did you ask about another time? He was probably in his vehicle, so may not have had a calendar with him, or appt. book...and couldn't do it while driving anyway. I realize you took time out of your day for this...but was there any attempt to rebook at all? To make it right?

   Posted 1 year ago #         

9. emeraldgirl
   Member Profile

   Thanks to all for their posts. Kudos to Northwest Botanicals, who were very professional, prompt, and easy to work with. They provided an estimate within one day, and didn't need me to be on site (much easier!). JanS, to answer your questions, Walter called 5 minutes AFTER my scheduled appointment time, and it was a time HE suggested... that would be best for his schedule, and I made it work for me. Yes, he offered to reschedule for Saturday (the next day), but I would be working again. That Friday was my only day off. Our appointment was at 4:00pm, and his other appointment was at 5:30pm. When he called at 4:05pm and I asked where he was, he said the West Seattle Bridge... Now, I understand being late due to traffic or an accident, but completely canceling??? Even if it took 30/45/60 minutes on the bridge, he still could've made it out to my house AND his 5:30 appointment in time. Both of us are located near Fauntleroy. My guess is that his 5:30pm canceled, and so he opted to take the afternoon off, thinking it would be no big deal to reschedule... but it really was. I would've had much more respect for the guy if he would've been honest about taking the afternoon off... instead of blaming it on something to do with the bridge. Providing good customer service involves trying to best accommodate the customer... especially when you're trying to earn the business of a new customer.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

10. jwws
    Member Profile

    

    Diana, Pat and Dennis at NW Botanicals rock!

    Posted 1 year ago #         

11. Fishgirl
    Member Profile

    Wow - emeraldgirl, you're one harsh judger. Deciding you want to work with someone who's schedule is more amenable to yours is one thing, but to call someone out by name from an anonymous cover, make assumptions about them, and then post it as a rant on a public blog? Harsh.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

12. Mrs. A
    Member Profile

    Want great yard service? Call Ben at Zook and Olsen 206.595.2793. Ben and his crew have been taking care of our property for almost 6 years. They are reliable, reasonably priced and do a fantastic job!

    Posted 1 year ago #         

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