Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Dazzler3370 on November 19, 2017, 09:31:44 am

Title: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Dazzler3370 on November 19, 2017, 09:31:44 am
Hi Alex,
Im a member on other forums, which you are getting ALOT OF VERY BAD reviews on, with regards to your customer service. Apparently you are banning people from further orders who have returned products to you, which have either been faulty or not happy with the product.
As I always use your company for pretty much all my WFP products, this is very alarming news. Surely this its not the way your customer service operates is it....?? I could understand it if it was one or two reviews but its LOTS of people who are saying have been banned from purchasing from your company.
Firstly I'm sure you would like to know this and Secondly could you shed some light on the matter.

Dazzler 
 
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: tlwcs on November 19, 2017, 10:09:23 am
Yes I read that also.
I guess if Alex chooses not to supply people for whatever reason, then thats his prerogative. (I'm sure when he's dumped someone, he replaces them with two more)
Social media, it is what it is unfortunately.
Tony
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Slacky on November 19, 2017, 10:15:41 am
Maybe it’s lies too. You see some dreadful stuff posted on some FB groups about shiners attitudes to customers.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 19, 2017, 10:18:31 am
Hi Alex,
Im a member on other forums, which you are getting ALOT OF VERY BAD reviews on, with regards to your customer service. Apparently you are banning people from further orders who have returned products to you, which have either been faulty or not happy with the product.
As I always use your company for pretty much all my WFP products, this is very alarming news. Surely this its not the way your customer service operates is it....?? I could understand it if it was one or two reviews but its LOTS of people who are saying have been banned from purchasing from your company.
Firstly I'm sure you would like to know this and Secondly could you shed some light on the matter.

Dazzler

Hi Dazzler

Thanks for asking this question. I am aware that on some of the unregulated Facebook groups there have been some rather inaccurate posts being made about us over the last few days -this does happen from time to time when someone wants to sound off if they feel aggrieved or have not received from us exactly what they wanted and in the exact way they wanted it.

As you have been using our company for some time now I am sure that you have experienced our usual excellent standard of customer service. We have over 11,000 customers and we work hard to provide a high standard of customer service, with courteous and knowledgeable staff. This standard of service is applied to all clients whether we are helping customers with their first order or whether handling warranty replacements.

We do have an excellent warranty program on our own products and the products we supply. As we are selling tools into the commercial market these are generally subject to a return to base warranty as is standard with most re-sellers in these types of industries. This means that if a warranty issue occurs the product will need to be returned for examination and then repair or replacement. However we are often able to 'shortcut' this by means of photos or videos showing the issue - sometimes then we are able to replace without the need for return - however this does not replace the return to base warranty and we will often still need the faulty item back to assess - sometimes this is so that we can learn from the failure and other times so that we can return to the manufacturer or supplier.

Sometimes a client simply will not send back the faulty part, even when their postage costs are being covered and they have already received a replacement part. On occasions then we will raise an invoice for these parts until they have been sent back - this is also fairly standard practice and even Amazon have now started doing this - the difference with Amazon is that they automatically charge your credit card after 30 days if the alleged faulty part is not returned or is returned and found not to be faulty (we do not do this!)

So why have a very few clients found themselves banned from doing business with us?

A very few will find that they have been on a temporary hold until an outstanding invoice is settled - if they have found this then they will usually have gone through a process of being reminded to either return a part or to settle the old invoice. This temporary hold is only taken after communication with them about this. If it is regarding a broken part then before sending the new part out they will have been told to keep the old part to return to us.

There are only 2 reasons that we have ever put clients on a permanent exclusion from doing business with us:

1. Fraud - yes unfortunately this does happen from time to time with stolen cards, disappearing goods etc.

2. Abuse - we have a zero-tolerance policy to abuse within our company. We aim to always treat our clients with courtesy, respect and tolerance, even when the exchange with them is stressful. Unfortunately, even after being warned there are a small number of clients who have been persistently threatening, abusive or aggressive - this can include the use of texts, phone, emails or social media. We do not tolerate any such threats or abuse either written or verbal to us or our staff regardless of the circumstances. So after suitable warning if such behaviour or attitude persist, once we have fully resolved whichever issue is being dealt with we inform them that we do want to continue to do business with them. Often this is not believed until the next time they try and order from us.

So in summary there are those that have been banned from doing business with us  - this is not because of any warranty issues ever - it is only because of either fraud or abuse.
One thing we all appreciate is that when running your own business, you can choose whom to do business with. Sometimes we exercise this freedom within our sales business just as I used to when window cleaning.

I hope that this has reassured you and we are very happy to say that the majority of our customers are a delight to deal with and very professional.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: tlwcs on November 19, 2017, 10:23:02 am
The best bit is as much as they bitch about you, they still buy your products by using a mates address. Class
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Og on November 19, 2017, 10:23:07 am
Can’t please all the people all the time eh Mr G?

Just like cleaning windows.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Soupy on November 19, 2017, 10:30:48 am
Having read a Facebook post on this my initial thought was one of disbelief. I've been using Gardiners for a few years and I've never had an issue with customer service, quite the opposite.

My only gripe would be the resistance to discuss issues over the phone. I prefer to deal over the phone, Gardiners preferred method of communication seems to be via email, the reasons for which becoming apparent I guess.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Slacky on November 19, 2017, 10:34:47 am
I prefer phone too. If I need to talk to staff and there’s no answer I’ve always received a return call within 20 minutes.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Stoots on November 19, 2017, 10:54:41 am
Sounds odd to me as that's the first I've heard anyone bad mouthing Gardiner's in the 3-4 years I've been active of various cleaning forums and FB pages all I've ever heard is how good Gardiner's customer service compared to a lot of others.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on November 19, 2017, 10:58:32 am
I have found Gardeners to be exceptional. 

No issues for me but if I did I would be professional about it as they seem to be professional too when ever I needed some advise.


Hey Alex,  off the subject a bit.  Are you planning anything for Black Friday?
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 19, 2017, 11:08:28 am
I have found Gardeners to be exceptional. 

No issues for me but if I did I would be professional about it as they seem to be professional too when ever I needed some advise.


Hey Alex,  off the subject a bit.  Are you planning anything for Black Friday?

Nothing specific planned for Black Friday.

Have just put a selection of brushes on a half price sale though  :)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Redworth on November 19, 2017, 11:10:06 am
It’s a shame that you view me and many others as problem customers

I personally have never abused any staff, the ban came after Gardiners  refunded money in good faith for a faulty reel

I sent items back at my own cost for Gardiners to inspect which was within the 12 month gurentee

They sent back replacement parts which didn’t fit correctly so we did what we could with what they provided

We waited weeks maybe even up to a month for a broken to get sorted

It would of been much easier to just replace the reel quick turn around instead of all the back and forth emails to see who was in the right or wrong

In fact we just ended up buying another one whilst the damaged reel was being inspected as it was taking so long to replace and we couldn’t afford any longer to go without due to being a reel down

And since then that claber reel has also gone down.

Yes Gardiners kit are good but not perfect they have their clause

I think Alex Gardiner seems to think that all his products are not faulty and having to pay out to replace stuff he doesn’t like

I know I’m not a one off case just somebody who feels the need to speak out about this to warn others. Hopefully this will raise awareness of Gardiners bad customer care and they will change their ways and help customers more proactively rather than cause them problems which really can be avoided

We all have business to run and have heavily invested into Gardiners equipment so when something doesn’t work it has a knock on effect on your business so needs rectifying quickly

Like I said belive who you want, I can only raise awareness .

The fact that Alex Gardiner is making out all these other people are lieing about why they have been banned speaks volumes and incorrect, Gardiners just don’t seem to want to listen and will carry on what they want to do regardless of others feelings or views
 
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Soupy on November 19, 2017, 11:19:26 am
Do Gardiners manufacture claber reels?
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: ֍Winp®oClean֍ on November 19, 2017, 11:26:12 am
Never had any issues with Gardiners in 14 years of using them. However, I have witnessed people who are affiliated with rival companies wilfully spouting nonsense on forums in what I can only assume is an attempt to discredit them or their products! I recall one slagging a particular design off- only then to try and replicate it on their own products!
You can't please everyone, every time but as far as I am concerned Gardiner's lead the way in terms of both products and customer service!
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: ֍Winp®oClean֍ on November 19, 2017, 11:35:34 am
I also don't do FB for anything other than family and friends. We might have a few spats/disagreements/character conflicts on here but FB is a whole new level of bad, childish behaviour- often descending into something lower than I am prepared to enter!
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Shrek on November 19, 2017, 11:45:04 am
Gardiners is awesome, the first time I dealt with them years ago - I was actually shocked how much they help you.
Keep up the good work Alex 👍
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on November 19, 2017, 11:51:38 am
I also don't do FB for anything other than family and friends. We might have a few spats/disagreements/character conflicts on here but FB is a whole new level of bad, childish behaviour- often descending into something lower than I am prepared to enter!



Totally agree.  I am amazed when I look through sponsored or popular page posts to see so many idiots trying to stir things. Some people will argue for the sake of arguing.

That's social media. People hide behind a screen.  Similar to road rage where people feel secure in there metal box.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: zesty on November 19, 2017, 01:39:39 pm
I’ve had nothing but 1st class excellent products and services from Gardiners.

It is impossible to please everyone, no matter what business you run.

We must also remember that people are very immature these days and love to spout off criticism to others. Which to me, is childish.

For every bad customer, Alex probably has 1000 good customers.

The 1000 keep quiet because there happy, the 1 will always create a big fuss.

Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Tristan R Clean on November 19, 2017, 02:19:09 pm
When I think back over the years to what Gardiner have done for the window cleaning industry . The innovations as regards the poles and other products have made other companies up there game.
I have had nothing but excellent service from Gardiner and even the odd freebie to keep my bonce warm😁
Keep up the good work

Tris
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Simon Trapani on November 19, 2017, 02:41:17 pm
Totally agree. NEVER had a problem with Gardiners in the 8 years or so I’ve used them. Alex & his staff go way above and beyond in customer service. Always my first stop for anything window cleaning. Can’t praise them enough.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: M & C Window Cleaning on November 19, 2017, 02:45:37 pm
I had a 5ltr tub of resin shattered in the post. It was wrapped in bubble wrap if memory serves and must've taken quite a whack in the post and resulted in quite a mess when I unwrapped it. I let Gardner's know. They requested a photo of the tub and packaging which I could have fabricated ( I didn't, I hasten to add) and they replaced it, no quibble.
Like others I've nothing but praise for them.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: mufcglen on November 19, 2017, 03:13:00 pm
I’ve seen these few posts lately and wondered what was going on with gardiner a banning people, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have done it for no reason or it’s a genuine mistake.
I order something every month or 2 from them and it’s always bang on, I recently bought an slx that’s giving bad black carbon staining on my hands and I posted on here as I know Alex comes on and he’s offered to take a look at it however I don’t have the time to send it but it was nice he’s offered, I bet some wouldn’t have even replied to the issue.
It always cracks me up these two bit start up guys selling stuff out of they’re kitchen selling adapted shall we say kit and say it’s designed for window cleaning then slate the best pole maker and possibly the biggest window cleaning company in the uk off ;D
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: robbo333 on November 19, 2017, 03:55:55 pm
I've always found Gardiners a pleasure to deal with.
I had a Claber reel for years and the spindle went. Gardiners were out of stock of the spindle, so I just bought another reel, so I could keep working. Then I later purchased the spindle and now have two Claber reels.
Sometimes you just have to be pragmatic and get on with it.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Walter Mitty on November 19, 2017, 04:27:39 pm
I can only speak as I find.  Even on the rare occasions when things haven't turned out perfect,  they've always ended up in the "good enough" category.
My only real gripe are the words "out of stock" when it involves a part to go on something I previously bought.  It can be a PITA when I have to use an inferior pole bought elsewhere for the sake of a clamp being out of stock. Lesson learned. Next time I buy a pole from Gardiners, I'll buy a full set of spare clamps too.
I've had my current CLX-27 for ages. It's like Trig's broom :) I think there are parts from four poles on it if you count clamps, a replacement section, barrel nuts, and the nylon y-piece :) . I reckon it'll outlive David Jason at this rate.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: M & C Window Cleaning on November 19, 2017, 05:14:13 pm
I think when it comes to a supplier keeping spares there has to be a reasonable expectation on our part too.

It's not reasonable for a supplier to keep every spare part for everything they sell. Otherwise you could go to a car dealership and build a compete model of every car they sell fom their spares department.

Of course it's anoying if you can't work as a result.  I, like many have experienced this also.  However, I try to learn from it and keep a supply of parts that have caused me grief in the past, and if something keeps failing I'll try to work out why and modify it, and if that fails I'll bin it and try a different brand.

Sadly too, there are enough people out there who will try it on, and who cause business people like Gardiners to be cautious and take steps to protect themselves from such.  Unfortunately, their protecting themseles can be interpreted by some as unfair.

(I'm not saying that the gentleman who posted earlier is one of them.  I have no idea.  It sounds like he could just be a victim of circumstances, and I can understand that frustration too)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Spruce on November 19, 2017, 05:39:32 pm
I find it interesting that Mr Alex Redworth registered as a member of this forum 18 months ago.

His first post was in response to Alex's reply to another poster within an hour. His response was quite detailed so it took him sometime to compose his post before pressing the send button.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: DeLuce on November 19, 2017, 05:50:12 pm
These accusations are just unfounded tosh or unreasonable people!
I use Gardiners for their excellent service and we'll trained staff.
Over the years, I've dealt with many companies, not just for window cleaning products, and Gardiners stand out as quality. Like John Lewis.

Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: paul alan on November 19, 2017, 06:46:10 pm
It’s a shame that you view me and many others as problem customers

I personally have never abused any staff, the ban came after Gardiners  refunded money in good faith for a faulty reel

I sent items back at my own cost for Gardiners to inspect which was within the 12 month gurentee

They sent back replacement parts which didn’t fit correctly so we did what we could with what they provided

We waited weeks maybe even up to a month for a broken to get sorted

It would of been much easier to just replace the reel quick turn around instead of all the back and forth emails to see who was in the right or wrong

In fact we just ended up buying another one whilst the damaged reel was being inspected as it was taking so long to replace and we couldn’t afford any longer to go without due to being a reel down

And since then that claber reel has also gone down.

Yes Gardiners kit are good but not perfect they have their clause

I think Alex Gardiner seems to think that all his products are not faulty and having to pay out to replace stuff he doesn’t like

I know I’m not a one off case just somebody who feels the need to speak out about this to warn others. Hopefully this will raise awareness of Gardiners bad customer care and they will change their ways and help customers more proactively rather than cause them problems which really can be avoided

We all have business to run and have heavily invested into Gardiners equipment so when something doesn’t work it has a knock on effect on your business so needs rectifying quickly

Like I said belive who you want, I can only raise awareness .

The fact that Alex Gardiner is making out all these other people are lieing about why they have been banned speaks volumes and incorrect, Gardiners just don’t seem to want to listen and will carry on what they want to do regardless of others feelings or views

This doesn't sound right?

So what your saying is that gardiner's have messed you around, held you up, refused to help and then banned you?

I just cant see it happening, there is plenty of people on this forum that have first hand experience with gardiner's. I can recall making an incorrect order one night and after realising the next morning I called them up and they were more than happy to help rectify the order which really they didn't have to do.

You say you are trying to "raise awareness" but your actually "raising suspicion"....where did you come from....
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: AuRavelling79 on November 19, 2017, 10:23:05 pm
I have removed "8 weekly's" and most of "Peavey's" posts from this thread.

Please both try to conduct yourselves without name-calling and pettiness. Try not to rise to the bait and don't throw the bait if you think it might be misconstrued as a personal dig by a sensitive poster.
 
I have removed some of P&F's posts too; not because he posted anything wrong but because his (quite rightly) calling attention to the  behaviour of the aforementioned posters, if left would be detrimental to the intent of this thread.

Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: rosskesava on November 20, 2017, 12:41:39 am
I can't see Gardiner's just banning people out of malice or for no reason as it would make no sense business wise. What do those who question the service from Gardiner's think they do, just on a whim decide to ban someone from ordering goods? People ordering stuff is how they make their money so to randomly ban someone from ordering would be stupid.

The facebook page where the complaints originated from makes this forum look angelic. The utter tripe that sometimes gets posted on there and the cat calling along with the bitching is quite something else. It's the only reason I subscribe to that group. I've yet to read anything that has been of use to me on there yet on this forum, I've read plenty.

Added to which, Alex Gardiner's reply was clear enough and is good enough for me.

Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Pete Thompson on November 20, 2017, 01:16:48 am
Well I might just throw up after reading all this puke-inducing fawning.

Quote
these two bit start up guys selling stuff out of they’re kitchen selling adapted shall we say kit and say it’s designed for window cleaning 

Gardiners was selling stuff out of his garage for a long time as I recall, don’t see how that’s any different?

And as for “adapted shall we say kit and say it’s designed for window cleaning”  well,  gardiners have done that quite a lot. I remember they used to (maybe still have) some ridiculous trolley thing that they were advertising for window cleaning. It was in fact a sprayer for something on sale for half the price on alibaba. They still have backpacky type things that they’ve dragged up from the depths of internetland and are not window cleaning products at all.

However, I will say this, if gardiners decide for any reason (or no reason) that they don’t want xyz customer, that’s absolutely their prerogative. They don’t need to give a reason, or justify it. Just like I will drop a customer on occasion just because I don’t feel like dealing with them anymore.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on November 20, 2017, 02:55:24 am
Totally agree. NEVER had a problem with Gardiners in the 8 years or so I’ve used them. Alex & his staff go way above and beyond in customer service. Always my first stop for anything window cleaning. Can’t praise them enough.

here here ive found the same , the staff there have spent along time on the phone with me sorting out which brushes to use due to staff suffering with bad elbows

i know they do keep notes on there system about you and the problems you have , had helping them help you , we will not buy from anywhere else 
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Steve Newres on November 20, 2017, 05:38:22 am
I have removed "8 weekly's" and most of "Peavey's" posts from this thread.

Please both try to conduct yourselves without name-calling and pettiness. Try not to rise to the bait and don't throw the bait if you think it might be misconstrued as a personal dig by a sensitive poster.
 
I have removed some of P&F's posts too; not because he posted anything wrong but because his (quite rightly) calling attention to the  behaviour of the aforementioned posters, if left would be detrimental to the intent of this thread.


But you left this?


“This dumb guy can't help but rise to every bait, like a stupid fish flapping his gums at a wriggly worm. 8weekly is a poor little fantasist, attention seeker and delusionist who craves you Partie, craves the very interaction that he hates. Still, it must be better than whatever he was stuffing up his nose in his previous made-up life hey  ;D Or maybe he's just a window cleaner and can't quite cope with that. Sad really.”

Can you explain how the abuse above is acceptable but my posts which were not even mildly abusive were not? You even made some daft comment just below the above one.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: AuRavelling79 on November 20, 2017, 06:47:11 am
8 weekly posted this.

"But you left this?


“This dumb guy can't help but rise to every bait, like a stupid fish flapping his gums at a wriggly worm. 8weekly is a poor little fantasist, attention seeker and delusionist who craves you Partie, craves the very interaction that he hates. Still, it must be better than whatever he was stuffing up his nose in his previous made-up life hey  ;D Or maybe he's just a window cleaner and can't quite cope with that. Sad really.”

Can you explain how the abuse above is acceptable but my posts which were not even mildly abusive were not? You even made some daft comment just below the above one."

My explanation.

That thread, started by you in the "non-cleaning related" section degenerated into name calling and nonsense and the thread was locked  (hopefully to descend through the lists into oblivion).

Before it was locked I posted this. (my "daft comment" in your parlance)

https://hips.hearstapps.com/ell.h-cdn.co/assets/17/12/1490396935-elle-next-dimension-lead.gif


What a bunch of handbag wielders on this thread.  ::)roll

I had hoped that a little pointed humour would have diffused the situation and we would have  gone about our business and stop worrying about petty nonsense and bruised egos.

I do not have the time or inclination to over-analyse all problem threads and remove certain comments and posts and only did so in this thread because it was being hijacked but had important elements in it which I felt useful to be aired in a sensible discussion in the Window Cleaning section.

Since you have come back to the forum - after your leaving of your own volition - the controversies and upsets have increased. I am not saying that this is down to you, but if I were in your shoes I might ask myself "Why is it that I seem to be at the centre of difficulties on Cleanitup? Is it always the other members' fault or might I modify my own behaviour in some way?"

This thread is not the place to continue this discussion and I hope you can draw a line and continue being a useful contributor to this forum.

Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Soupy on November 20, 2017, 07:02:42 am
Lowest common denominator.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Steve Newres on November 20, 2017, 07:10:58 am
8 weekly posted this.

"But you left this?


“This dumb guy can't help but rise to every bait, like a stupid fish flapping his gums at a wriggly worm. 8weekly is a poor little fantasist, attention seeker and delusionist who craves you Partie, craves the very interaction that he hates. Still, it must be better than whatever he was stuffing up his nose in his previous made-up life hey  ;D Or maybe he's just a window cleaner and can't quite cope with that. Sad really.”

Can you explain how the abuse above is acceptable but my posts which were not even mildly abusive were not? You even made some daft comment just below the above one."

My explanation.

That thread, started by you in the "non-cleaning related" section degenerated into name calling and nonsense and the thread was locked  (hopefully to descend through the lists into oblivion).

Before it was locked I posted this. (my "daft comment" in your parlance)

https://hips.hearstapps.com/ell.h-cdn.co/assets/17/12/1490396935-elle-next-dimension-lead.gif


What a bunch of handbag wielders on this thread.  ::)roll

I had hoped that a little pointed humour would have diffused the situation and we would have  gone about our business and stop worrying about petty nonsense and bruised egos.

I do not have the time or inclination to over-analyse all problem threads and remove certain comments and posts and only did so in this thread because it was being hijacked but had important elements in it which I felt useful to be aired in a sensible discussion in the Window Cleaning section.

Since you have come back to the forum - after your leaving of your own volition - the controversies and upsets have increased. I am not saying that this is down to you, but if I were in your shoes I might ask myself "Why is it that I seem to be at the centre of difficulties on Cleanitup? Is it always the other members' fault or might I modify my own behaviour in some way?"

This thread is not the place to continue this discussion and I hope you can draw a line and continue being a useful contributor to this forum.
The post you left behind was bullying and abusive. Bearing in mind that the poster had called me a paedophile a couple of days earlier and you had warned him I had hoped you’d have stepped in. The previous name calling was actually pretty good humoured up until that post. Just the usual by Partington, but the above post was just nasty.

I was just not going to post again and locked the thread but then I thought why should I be bullied off  here again so I reported it. It ought to be possible to debate without such nastiness. The fact is that however heated I don’t believe I descend to that.

If you wish to carry out your threat and ban me for merely being critical of your lack of consistency then so be it.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Soupy on November 20, 2017, 09:34:02 am
The post you left behind was bullying and abusive. Bearing in mind that the poster had called me a paedophile a couple of days earlier and you had warned him I had hoped you’d have stepped in. The previous name calling was actually pretty good humoured up until that post. Just the usual by Partington, but the above post was just nasty.

I was just not going to post again and locked the thread but then I thought why should I be bullied off  here again so I reported it. It ought to be possible to debate without such nastiness. The fact is that however heated I don’t believe I descend to that.

If you wish to carry out your threat and ban me for merely being critical of your lack of consistency then so be it.

Grow up.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Steve Newres on November 20, 2017, 10:09:47 am
The post you left behind was bullying and abusive. Bearing in mind that the poster had called me a paedophile a couple of days earlier and you had warned him I had hoped you’d have stepped in. The previous name calling was actually pretty good humoured up until that post. Just the usual by Partington, but the above post was just nasty.

I was just not going to post again and locked the thread but then I thought why should I be bullied off  here again so I reported it. It ought to be possible to debate without such nastiness. The fact is that however heated I don’t believe I descend to that.

If you wish to carry out your threat and ban me for merely being critical of your lack of consistency then so be it.

Grow up.
Mind your own business.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Soupy on November 20, 2017, 10:11:02 am
Mind your own business.

No.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: GAZZA B on November 20, 2017, 10:56:17 am
All I can say is that Alex and his team are very professional, I have used them for meany years and never found one single problem.
I know what they are about, its selling very good products that they have developed to help our job more helpful and they have done a wonderful job.  thank you Alex.

can we now end this, and get back to helping new ones with cleaning windows!!!

Gazza 
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: AuRavelling79 on November 20, 2017, 12:29:29 pm
(Sigh)

8- weekly wrote

"If you wish to carry out your threat and ban me for merely being critical of your lack of consistency then so be it."

Remind me where I said that or the substance of it please.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Clever Forum Name on November 20, 2017, 12:40:17 pm
Dealt with Gardiners since 2010 i believe. I've had several items returned as faulty and never had a problem. Even a pole section that snapped and it was questionable if Gardiners should replace it or not. However they did, i have since broken another and the same scenario is there but I haven't contacted them this time as they were good enough to replace the first one.

I don't know about the reel or anyone else's story but there is usually more than just a "faulty" product.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: P @ F on November 20, 2017, 04:05:25 pm
Hey , Clever forum name , you are not by any chance an .....Extreme user / Window pusher .....are you ?    ;D ;D
Is that the scenario we are talking about  ;)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Michael Peterson on November 20, 2017, 04:36:18 pm
gardiners have alwasy been fair to me, and i have forgotton to send faulty parts back before, the only product i just never liked and broke every one i ever had was those gooseneck valves ! i hate them so much but gardiners sorted every one of them for me so what can i say
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Clever Forum Name on November 20, 2017, 04:58:53 pm
Hey , Clever forum name , you are not by any chance an .....Extreme user / Window pusher .....are you ?    ;D ;D
Is that the scenario we are talking about  ;)

I am yes BUT not a regular window pusher and if i do i spin the pole round and use base cap end. It was series 2 sections snapping in the same section by the metal collar piece. It was more of a failure of the pole instead of actually snapping.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: P @ F on November 20, 2017, 05:07:39 pm
Yes , that is the only thing that puts me off the extreme, i am very good to my gear but dont want to try my luck for that kind of money .....One day Rodney !
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Clever Forum Name on November 20, 2017, 05:12:00 pm
The new extreme series 3 i don't think you will have a problem with :)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: P @ F on November 20, 2017, 05:15:49 pm
I hear they are better , its just a shame half of my custies have not heard that WD40 does wonders for hinges  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: M & C Window Cleaning on November 20, 2017, 05:34:07 pm
I close windows all the time with my X3.  However, being forwarned by other forum members before I bought it, I take care when I do it.  I liked the idea of turning the pole around and using the butt end but have never needed to do it.  I only push forward on the pole and only ever use the slightest down force.  If a window doesn't start to move easily, I use the angle adapter to adjust the brush angle and clean it where it is.  So far so good, and ten months in, it still feels almost as good as new
It's an odd combination of more rigid but not quite as sturdy as the same length SLX but it's definitely easier to use, especially with an xtreme brush - IMHO anyway. 
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: mufcglen on November 20, 2017, 05:57:39 pm
Another nice bit of customer service from gardiner today.
I put an order in late Thursday night expected it today but didn’t get the usual tracking code  email so sent a quick email this afternoon, less than an hour later Millie replied with info however it had already been delivered!!!
Sent her a thank you message back and keep up the good work, never once have I phoned gardiner to order something always by online ordering and emails :)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Clever Forum Name on November 20, 2017, 06:17:00 pm
Alex - thinking about it can you please pass on my thanks!

I snapped a section 1 recently as i dropped the pole from some height! I called up and the lady on the phone gathered it wasn't a spare section i needed for just spares she twigged i had snapped a section. So she did her best to get it out the same day and i actually got it the next day! It was something like 20 mins before the fed ex van was due!

It was an order of just a section 1 pole for an extreme series 3

I keep forgetting to pass on my thanks! :)

so would be great if you could do that for me ( bit lazy i know lol)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: p1w1 on November 20, 2017, 06:28:02 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me  cringe   ;D
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Clever Forum Name on November 20, 2017, 06:31:02 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: p1w1 on November 20, 2017, 06:32:02 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D
;D i changed it to cringe..vomit was probably a little ott
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on November 20, 2017, 06:37:18 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D

Or a thanks for all the positive comments  :-\
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: davids3511 on November 20, 2017, 06:53:55 pm
It’s a shame that you view me and many others as problem customers

I personally have never abused any staff, the ban came after Gardiners  refunded money in good faith for a faulty reel

I sent items back at my own cost for Gardiners to inspect which was within the 12 month gurentee

They sent back replacement parts which didn’t fit correctly so we did what we could with what they provided

We waited weeks maybe even up to a month for a broken to get sorted

It would of been much easier to just replace the reel quick turn around instead of all the back and forth emails to see who was in the right or wrong

In fact we just ended up buying another one whilst the damaged reel was being inspected as it was taking so long to replace and we couldn’t afford any longer to go without due to being a reel down

And since then that claber reel has also gone down.

Yes Gardiners kit are good but not perfect they have their clause

I think Alex Gardiner seems to think that all his products are not faulty and having to pay out to replace stuff he doesn’t like

I know I’m not a one off case just somebody who feels the need to speak out about this to warn others. Hopefully this will raise awareness of Gardiners bad customer care and they will change their ways and help customers more proactively rather than cause them problems which really can be avoided

We all have business to run and have heavily invested into Gardiners equipment so when something doesn’t work it has a knock on effect on your business so needs rectifying quickly

Like I said belive who you want, I can only raise awareness .

The fact that Alex Gardiner is making out all these other people are lieing about why they have been banned speaks volumes and incorrect, Gardiners just don’t seem to want to listen and will carry on what they want to do regardless of others feelings or views

This doesn't sound right?

So what your saying is that gardiner's have messed you around, held you up, refused to help and then banned you?

I just cant see it happening, there is plenty of people on this forum that have first hand experience with gardiner's. I can recall making an incorrect order one night and after realising the next morning I called them up and they were more than happy to help rectify the order which really they didn't have to do.

You say you are trying to "raise awareness" but your actually "raising suspicion"....where did you come from....
This. I agree, I've dealt with Gardiners for years. I've had stuff break on a number of occasions and Alex has never let me down.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 20, 2017, 08:14:39 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D

Or a thanks for all the positive comments  :-\

It has been very good to read all of the positive comments - thank you Paul for yours  :)

Good business of course is not just about being able to handle positive comments, but working with the majority of people to achieve a satisfactory outcome for them regardless of what has gone wrong or occurred.

We really try very hard to do this for all customers and appreciate the support that customers give to us even when something is less than ideal. It is sad that we have obviously not been able to do this for all of our clients all of the time, but this is the nature of business. The recent Facebook posts have brought out some of our disgruntled customers whom we thought had finished their previous Customer Service transaction with us as satisfied customers, some even emailing me to thank me personally - however their FB posts would suggest otherwise! I will be endeavouring to reach out to them all individually before we next conduct business with them to see where the divergence in 'satisfaction perception' has occurred and what we can do about it.

The internet can be a useful place for expressing opinions and experiences and it can be an education to watch the way differing opinions are expressed and received  :D - balancing this with respect and fairness is something the the CIU members seem to manage most of the time - this is where some other Social Media platforms/groups are, in my opinion, let down. I would not want to participate in a forum or group where personal attacks, foul language and abuse are considered to be valid business tools.

I have certainly learned a lot over the years from the input of the Forums and have also had weaknesses pointed out to me, both in my products and my business - Sometimes the points can be very personal  :o but if they are genuine, valid and do not have a different story behind them, then I will always look to try and learn and improve if possible. Bottom line is we are out to make money from the business of window cleaning - working with our customers is the only way of achieving this. If we have to take the step of stopping doing business with a customer this is a decision not taken lightly, but is always taken for good reasons.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 20, 2017, 08:15:49 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D
;D i changed it to cringe..vomit was probably a little ott

Positivity is difficult to take in large doses  ;D
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 20, 2017, 08:18:58 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D

Fair enough  :)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: elite mike on November 20, 2017, 09:00:12 pm
Always had great service from Alex and  his team .
and a beanie  ;)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: P @ F on November 20, 2017, 09:02:43 pm
Alex i do hope that bit about coments being personal wasnt about me , I wouldnt have really come down and speared you with one of your own SLX's honest , hey even i know a pole wont be as shiny as the day you got it 12 months earlier  ;D

But while im on , i had a problem with my v3 backpack , used it on Friday for 8 windows , went to use it on Sunday and nothing , checked everything inside , all was good , then i realised i had left it on all weekend !
Battery was still fully charged but still nowt happening , i have just pulled the pump apart and found that the pressure switch had jammed , once removed and replaced it fired up lovely , just thought it might be a trouble shoot fact for you !

Rich   
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 20, 2017, 09:08:02 pm
Alex i do hope that bit about coments being personal wasnt about me , I wouldnt have really come down and speared you with one of your own SLX's honest , hey even i know a pole wont be as shiny as the day you got it 12 months earlier  ;D

But while im on , i had a problem with my v3 backpack , used it on Friday for 8 windows , went to use it on Sunday and nothing , checked everything inside , all was good , then i realised i had left it on all weekend !
Battery was still fully charged but still nowt happening , i have just pulled the pump apart and found that the pressure switch had jammed , once removed and replaced it fired up lovely , just thought it might be a trouble shoot fact for you !

Rich   

Really wasn't about you  :) I enjoy a bit of banter  :D

Glad you got the backpack sorted - I will add this tip into the troubleshooting flows we have for this product - could be useful.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: P @ F on November 20, 2017, 09:09:11 pm
I do however have a complaint though , that last pen you sent me was utter rubbish , the pushie down bit fell off the first time i used it , well its just not good enough , will you be wanting me to send it back for inspection or not ?   ;)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 20, 2017, 09:12:07 pm
I do however have a complaint though , that last pen you sent me was utter rubbish , the pushie down bit fell off the first time i used it , well its just not good enough , will you be wanting me to send it back for inspection or not ?   ;)

If it was the red one then, no I do not want it back  :D

Gone back to my favourite blue/white supply again (also carbon fibre pens for those buying Xtreme, 3K and Ultimate poles)
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on November 20, 2017, 09:18:10 pm
Haha.  I am placing an order tomorrow for a couple of brushes. 

My last order  a few weeks back  had a d clip instead of the pen.   Nice. Much appreciated. Ta.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: p1w1 on November 20, 2017, 09:19:34 pm
I do however have a complaint though , that last pen you sent me was utter rubbish , the pushie down bit fell off the first time i used it , well its just not good enough , will you be wanting me to send it back for inspection or not ?   ;)

If it was the red one then, no I do not want it back  :D

Gone back to my favourite blue/white supply again (also carbon fibre pens for those buying Xtreme, 3K and Ultimate poles)
Hope we dont get black hands from these carbon pens...   as everybody seems to have lots of paperwork to do on a rainy day  :P
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: P @ F on November 20, 2017, 09:21:06 pm
Quality answer !
It was the red one , big recall happening here me thinks , you admitted it  ;D
Save me a carbon one , you never know !
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: p1w1 on November 20, 2017, 09:21:19 pm
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D
Do you still use the halfords lacquer for the extreme poles or have you found something better?
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: CleanClear on November 20, 2017, 10:01:35 pm
I can't be the only one dying to know... how long he had the reel and exactly what was up with it ? Its spread acorss the FB groups and still no one knows................

 That reminds me, anyone get any further setting up a page for dickhead customers so we know who to avoid ?
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Slacky on November 20, 2017, 11:14:47 pm
Daz said you were going to set it up.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: CleanClear on November 21, 2017, 01:07:11 am
Daz said you were going to set it up.

Definatley not me mate. For a few reasons..... 1] i'm not bothered about them. 2] i quite find it funny some other cleaner getting them and having to deal with them......   ;D

I'm still dying to know what happened with this reel tho' ?
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: tlwcs on November 21, 2017, 06:13:49 am
Haha.  I am placing an order tomorrow for a couple of brushes. 

My last order  a few weeks back  had a d clip instead of the pen.   Nice. Much appreciated. Ta.

What do you do with those clips, I can't even sell them on eBay?
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: Clever Forum Name on November 21, 2017, 07:39:00 am
Although i agree with others on their customer service it is very good and their are others just as good. This thread is starting to make me want to vomit  ;D

I just want a free beanie hat tbh  ;D ;D
Do you still use the halfords lacquer for the extreme poles or have you found something better?

Without sounding like a “insert your fav word here” I just replace the pole every 12 months and keep the old pole as spares.

My dad still does that with his series 2 extreme and he’s never snapped a section yet and he’s still on the same pole.
Title: Re: Question For Alex Gardiner
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on November 21, 2017, 08:38:13 am
Haha.  I am placing an order tomorrow for a couple of brushes. 

My last order  a few weeks back  had a d clip instead of the pen.   Nice. Much appreciated. Ta.

What do you do with those clips, I can't even sell them on eBay?

They come in useful. In use them on my work trousers belt loops.  I clip my hose into it as use a tap.   So that's how i fix my tap to my waist.  Also it protects the rectus fitting from dragging across the ground.