The Phoenix Ham Radio store is an ideal example of what customer service should (and used to) be - a rarity in these days of on-line and "faceless" buying.
I planned to give my significant other a Ham Radio for Christmas but am not technologically savvy and had no clue what I should/shouldn't buy. After some initial research with his friends and a local police officer, I was referred to the Phoenix Ham Radio store.
Bob answered the phone and immediately established a conversation that couldn't have been more helpful. His knowledge and expertise were obvious, and he spent time understating our expected use and misc. other personal circumstances that would influence my purchase. He did not try to up-sell or add on anything and in fact talked me out of buying one item stating it would be something to consider down the road but not for initial needs. Given my nativity on this stuff, a less than ethical retailer could have easily taken advantage and gotten more money out of me. (P.S. The price of the radio and other items were equivalent to what any other on-line source was offering)
The other issue was that I needed the item within the next 3 days as we were traveling for the holidays and I wanted to give it to him on Christmas day. Unfortunately, I was unable to get to the store in NW Phoenix from South Tempe due to work conflicts. After a minute on hold, Bob told me the store manager, Rod, would meet me in the East Valley on his way home from work on Monday to drop off the radio, etc. That was amazing and I was so grateful. Yet, a few minutes after we hung up with that plan, they called back and Jim, a part-time employee, had overheard the conversation with Rod and realized he lived very close to me so he volunteered to arrange for a more convenient meeting the next day, Sunday. This was truly above and beyond any normal customer service and it was obvious this type of culture was simply their way of doing business.
The radio gift was a huge hit and we have since driven to the store to thank Rod, Bob and Jim as well as gain their assistance in clarifying some of the set-up and programming questions for the radio. As I experienced on the phone, they were extremely generous in their time and expertise as well as being honest about what else to consider and when you might plan to add on - if you choose. No up-selling - no pressure - just real information. Its obvious their primary goal is to simply ensure their customers get what they want, learn to use and enjoy the Ham Radio world. We would gladly pay more for an item that includes this kind of service - something you will never receive when buying items on-line or in the big box stores.
Whether you are a veteran Ham Radio user or a "newbie" this is the place to go. I cannot imagine having a better experience and am grateful that the surprise Christmas gift came along with a wonderful story of service and commitment to the customer. read more