Extremely disheartened at my experience at this establishment today. Leadership comes from the top and it is clear to me that customer service is not a top priority at this establishment. To note: I have been here in the past for ice cream, and blueberry picking so was excited to see they were offering strawberry picking this year. Was looking forward to a day out with my 2 daughters to do something outdoors that encouraged social distancing. My daughters (2 & 4 yr. old)
My experience: upon paying I asked if I could do the larger basket for my 2 year old and I and the smaller basket for my 4 year old. I was informed that everyone 2 and older must carry their own basket, so I had to purchase 3 separate. I did not think much of this and thought maybe it had some COVID regulations. While walking quite a distance to the crop a fellow mom warned me how hot it was and was surprised to see that I had to purchase a separate basket for my 2 year old as the website stated that 3 and over required their own basket. Needless to say , it was extremely hot and after the long walk my 2 year old picked maybe 5 strawberries. When we returned I asked the sales associate who checked me out about the website stating the age requirement of 3 and asked if I could have one of the pre packed pints considering the website stated 3 years old and my daughter barley picked any strawberries, she went to get her manager. I explained the situation to the manager and she very abruptly and rudely told me no. She said they were in the process of changing the website but there was nothing else she could do for me. I asked for her supervisor and was first told there was no one above her, then informed the owner is the one who would not authorize this. I asked to speak with the owner, simply to inform her of how abrasive I felt this manger had been to me. I was told the owner, was not available and busy doing the books. I offered to wait, as I would think as an owner you would want to know if a customer had a bad experience. After waiting the owner came out and was just, if not more unpleasant. I asked her name and the response was what do you want!?! I expressed my dissatisfaction and experience with her manager, she did not care. The owner said the website was not her fault but a typo from her IT team. Finally the owner said she was done with me and to give me the strawberries. The manager informed me I needed to learn some manners and then another sales associate very aggressive yelled and pointed get out. Informed me that if I don't get out they would call the cops. I could not believe this, really over strawberries! I said I could not believe what A$$holes they were abs was then told what a bad mother I was.
The worst part about the whole situation it was In front of my 2 and 4 year old, who asked, mommy why were they mean to us and told us to get out when we were already leaving!
It's not about the strawberries, honestly they were only $8 a pint and had my 4 year old not picked her own pint I would've returned them all. It's fine to make a mistake/ typo as a business but own it and be accountable. It takes nothing to be kind, courteous and simply create a positive experience. Every interaction big and small have relevance and speak to who you are. Maybe your business has suffered due to COVID, maybe I was just a mom trying to provide my daughters with some fun in these challenging times either way- I believe there was a better way for this company to handle this. Even if it was not giving me the strawberries, they could've listened and apologized for the confusion on the website vs. in store experience. We were going to stay for ice cream, buy more water and fresh veggies for dinner- my $24 could've easily been a $50 day to you but we went elsewhere.
I encourage you think about the impression you left on my daughters. Out of the mouth of babes, my 4 year old said if someone is rude to you just walk away and never go near them again. Clearly you've lost my business, somehow I don't think you care but if you really in good faith feel a 2 year old should be paying for their own box then please change your website so that the next mom taking her kids out for a days fun doesn't have the same experience as I do. read more