I appreciate these guys with the customer service they show. Today, they did another fine job of meeting a need I had, and doing it promptly.
I’m attending a blind Champagne tasting this weekend, and there was a single bottle I wanted, priced very well, and well below that of a more convenient store to me. I had been dragging my feet on buying it, as I wanted to avoid the new Summer shipping charges that they had recently implemented. The charges relate to the inclusion of ice packs into the shipment box. I agree with the practice, but it’s been very cool here now for weeks and so to have the wine shipped with ice packs to go 85 miles in what is 70-ish degree weather, it seemed silly to have the packs both charged and included.
I called and asked them to clarify the new shipping rate schedule, and once I understood it, I made the request to have them skip the packs. They thought on it, then agreed, which reduced my shipping charges significantly. That was the first win they had with me today.
The other win? They also made the order happen, packing the order up for today on very short notice, to go out with the Fed-Ex driver this afternoon. And since they’re not all that far away, the wine will arrive tomorrow late morning.
And this isn’t the first time that they have treated me well. They have consistently shipped what they say they will ship, and it is timely to arrive. Plus, they’re not reluctant nor will they see it as a burden if I ask them to fart with checking a bottle’s back label for info on disgorgement.
I just want to give them a positive shout-out and affirm something going well, and thank them for the way they have treated me time after time.
They’ve done a really fine job of keeping the Laherte Freres range in stock. Just about everything Aurelien Laherte makes, they sell it. And they’ve done a great job with Vilmart, mainly Grand Cellier, keeping it in stock too, at what is a smashing good price for that wine. Hell, and for as long as it has been since I have bought Vilmart Grande Reserve, I did today. At $42, I thought why not! Same with some of the Mousse stuff, along with Benoit Lahaye. Just a # of things that are within reach, and usually for me (and like Alan says) a shipping box away.
It’s just about 80 miles from my crib to their parking lot, but damn, that drive will chew up a man’s soul, spit it out and then step on it. I shudder to think of that drive so the shipping remains a fair priced, necessary option.
Dude, truth. The last time I had any reason to drive past there was…well, when my wife and I went to Santa Barbara this past year for some work I had in Santa Barbara, I think it was September, it was hot as piss, like 105f hot. I didn’t let that dissuade me from jumping off the 101, stopping in and filling up a six pack.
Other than last year, I just never have a reason to go through the dreaded LA Metro area. I elect to keep my ass planted here in the OC.
I avoided ordering from them for a long time because I stupidly assumed they didn’t ship to me in MA (I don’t understand interstate shipping laws but when it comes to booze and fun I assume New England doesn’t allow it). Turns out, I was wrong! I’ve ordered from them a few times since realizing my mistake and they’ve been impeccable.
They are five miles from my home. I have been shopping there since it was in Northridge. Always friendly service. GREAT price on all of their wine. They have met every request I have made over the years. Their wines are well stored.
I can completely relate to this. I occasionally order from them. I’m up in LA at least once a month so I always just put things on hold…but then I remember how much further it is past the heart of LA and it sits for months.
Anyway, one of the times I set aside a day to take care of a couple things up there they got that sudden, insane 120 degree heat spike in The Valley. According to the Googles that was 09/06/20. So there I was, picking up wine in that kind of heat. Never say never.
Very good to see the high level of customer service recognized, Frank.
Bassins did something like this for me a couple of weeks ago when we had a two-day break in the weather and I thought about posting but didn’t. But really there are very few shops that will quite happily get something out same day like this. Nice to hear about the great service there at WHWC.
I paid $27 for shipping today. I paused to think about that for a minute. In context, what would it cost me and my time to drive up there? I drive an EV so the cost is cheap, given that I solar from my roof, then charge from my garage wall so you could argue it’s not much at all. But to drive myself up there and back, my time to do that and be stuck on I-5 and 101, that $27 is cheap. You know it all too well.
I can see @Scott_Watkins point, as he lives close by WHWC and the thought of him trying to reverse this same commute and come down here to the OC places he mentions, I feel his pain and I understand why he wouldn’t make the drive either. Scott, I feel you.
So, to get really good service from a store, and a collection of people who work there (Matt I think served me today, and Dennis has supported me on a # of past occasions), the $27 is money well spent. Again, thanks to WHWC for the service today.
Frank, let me put your mind to rest. That drive is 80 miles (hard to believe, I know), so 160 round trip. Even a hybrid isn’t getting even half of that, you’re on gas much of the way, not to mention the mileage wear and $$ on your car. Even without the psychic cost of driving all the way through central LA, twice, you’re way ahead at $27. Not even close
Yeah, I get the math. I was simply calling it out, as I sometimes get hung up in shipping costs. I’m human, I pay attention to what things cost and I fall into the trap of small cost in light of the bigger picture. Call me guilty of being honest.
I have had to remind myself of that when it comes to picking up wines I buy from Sonoma county wineries. We usually pick up at an event that makes it worth driving up and back, but if it’s just picking up wine, it’s a no brainer to pay the shipping.
