Repeated poor levels of customer service and satisfaction.
I've been using D&A over 10 years now which in the previous branch in the North of England it was quite an enjoyable experience. Friendly staff - even when quite busy they took a few seconds to make sure you were seated or that they will make their way to you shortly.
In the last 3 years, its been D&A Bracknell and what can I say? It's been a shambles since day 1.
Often you will enter the shop and be ignored or even when asking for help they will sigh, shrug their shoulders and point to a seat.
There was even a horrendous occassion where I was seated for a booked appointment and had to wait 2 hours to be seen.
Another time they have cancelled my appointment due to staffing issues and one call was to ask to rebook as they were re-arranging the opticians diary and then give you a new appointment somewhere in the region of 4 weeks away.
When questioned on this I was given the response of 'The Reading one is bigger go try there for your appointments - we're too busy'
Which pretty much sums it up - picking glasses? They want you in and out as quick as humanly possible - so dont expect browse time to be high. Ask them questions about the frames? According to them they all look good and its constant clock watching.
So thats the shop assistants out the way, the opticians themselves didnt really inspire me. I have regular 3 month checks and have seen over 6 different optemetrists in the last 3 years. Hardly a chance to build up a rapport or relationship with them. Even worse is that each one often blamed their predeccesor for the lack of records, or the lack of guidance, or the wrong lenses/specs which brings me down to the glasses - they will try and get you to change them nearly every visit - whether its a cash drive internally - I don't know, but I've been in there with older folks who had their 2nd pair changes only 3 months ago getting a little hard sell. Not particularly nice to see in action.
As you can tell, I've jacked these guys in now and off to try a competitior. When I voiced my concern to the staff in the shop, they couldnt care less. A similar thing happened on their 'helpline' - they must be dealing with customers leaving in droves - the apathy was so immense from the operator I felt like I should give her the samaritans number.
Needless to say, I won't be recommending them further! read more