No problema Windeguy!
Something seemed a little off in your response.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
tambo'
Something seemed a little off in your response.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
tambo'
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La Sirena in Puerto Plata
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Worked good for me. Every Dec. 15/20th. most of my shopping including a big turkey is paid with my points.
I hate to be a goody two shoes, but whether we are talking about La Sirena or Playero or Janets or Club X (which I have never had the opportunity or need to patronize), if we look for crooks, we will find them.
I believe that some businesses here just don't understand customer service, so I make it my personal policy (Club X excluded) to help them out. How?
1. I learn the names of the cashiers and bag boys. (I ask!)
2. I smile and say hello, how are you when I enter the lane.
3. If I see a cashier or bag boy do something good, I make a point of telling management.
4. If I see a new product which I am happy they are now carrying, I tell them.
5. If I see a problem with a mislabeling, or broken packaging, or malfunctioning freezer, etc., I tell management (or the person working in that department) in a kind, understanding way. I ultimately understand that it is their business decision what to do with the information I provide.
6. If I don't like the way the bag boy is packing my purchases, I offer to help him out and show him how I like them packed.
7. I give a small tip to the boys who bring the bags to my car and remember to thank me and wish me a good day. At Christmas, I bring a token gift to my favorite cashier and bag boy. (something very, very small, but showing thought)
8. And, yes, sometimes the cashier doesn't have a peso or two change to give me. I try to be understanding of her plight, as just as often, she will give me a peso or two more than I have coming because of the shortage of change. However, MOST of the time, she makes it her business to be certain that I have the right change.
I will do the same at La Sirena or even PriceSmart in Santiago. Give La Sirena time to get over the honeymoon period and they will eventually experience some of the same problems that you mentioned about Playero.
Patience, kindness, and understanding is the key. And I feel better about myself when I deal with businesses here that way.
We are all ultimately trying to make a good go of life here in the DR. I try to make it as easy as possible on myself and those with whom I deal. Life then just seems to go better.
Lindsey
I believe that some businesses here just don't understand customer service, so I make it my personal policy (Club X excluded) to help them out. How?
1. I learn the names of the cashiers and bag boys. (I ask!)
2. I smile and say hello, how are you when I enter the lane.
3. If I see a cashier or bag boy do something good, I make a point of telling management.
4. If I see a new product which I am happy they are now carrying, I tell them.
5. If I see a problem with a mislabeling, or broken packaging, or malfunctioning freezer, etc., I tell management (or the person working in that department) in a kind, understanding way. I ultimately understand that it is their business decision what to do with the information I provide.
6. If I don't like the way the bag boy is packing my purchases, I offer to help him out and show him how I like them packed.
7. I give a small tip to the boys who bring the bags to my car and remember to thank me and wish me a good day. At Christmas, I bring a token gift to my favorite cashier and bag boy. (something very, very small, but showing thought)
8. And, yes, sometimes the cashier doesn't have a peso or two change to give me. I try to be understanding of her plight, as just as often, she will give me a peso or two more than I have coming because of the shortage of change. However, MOST of the time, she makes it her business to be certain that I have the right change.
I will do the same at La Sirena or even PriceSmart in Santiago. Give La Sirena time to get over the honeymoon period and they will eventually experience some of the same problems that you mentioned about Playero.
Patience, kindness, and understanding is the key. And I feel better about myself when I deal with businesses here that way.
We are all ultimately trying to make a good go of life here in the DR. I try to make it as easy as possible on myself and those with whom I deal. Life then just seems to go better.
Lindsey
Is every Wednesday green day? Are there any other discount days on other products? Thanks for the info...Tom
Tflea,
I think it is the principle of being ripped off. Yes one peso or 10 pesos does not make a lick of difference to us, but being constantly taken advantage of an establishment that is supposed to be commumity and service orientated just rubs me the wrong way.
Twhitehead,
Yes i believe every Wed. is green day and they also have discount prices on other items all week long. Yesterday 400gm spagetti at 12 pesos. Check out this site for weekly ad:
La Sirena - Portada
BObK
I think it is the principle of being ripped off. Yes one peso or 10 pesos does not make a lick of difference to us, but being constantly taken advantage of an establishment that is supposed to be commumity and service orientated just rubs me the wrong way.
Twhitehead,
Yes i believe every Wed. is green day and they also have discount prices on other items all week long. Yesterday 400gm spagetti at 12 pesos. Check out this site for weekly ad:
La Sirena - Portada
BObK
Nobody gets ripped off here unless they don't know how to NOT get ripped here.
I get ****ed off also, of course, and daily, but.....
I got ripped off every waking moment in the U.S., and had no idea I was in such a system really, so I moved here.
Now I am still learning. Some ideas I had are out the window. Principles I had (have) still linger but are sometimes best forgotten.
Memories I keep, today and every day, but I remember I came here for a reason, and what I realize daily is, I am better here than there.
Otherwise I would just move back.
I don't wanna do that.
I'll probably spend another 10 pesos tomorrow to learn a little more,
but what the heck.
It's still less than a quarter, and these days, education doesn't come cheap.
Did it ever?
I get ****ed off also, of course, and daily, but.....
I got ripped off every waking moment in the U.S., and had no idea I was in such a system really, so I moved here.
Now I am still learning. Some ideas I had are out the window. Principles I had (have) still linger but are sometimes best forgotten.
Memories I keep, today and every day, but I remember I came here for a reason, and what I realize daily is, I am better here than there.
Otherwise I would just move back.
I don't wanna do that.
I'll probably spend another 10 pesos tomorrow to learn a little more,
but what the heck.
It's still less than a quarter, and these days, education doesn't come cheap.
Did it ever?
Bob,
More than likely the owner's intention is to make money. Thank goodness there is a semi-decent supermarket in Sosua. Walk in there again with fresh eyes & think about what you can't find elsewhere nearby under one roof- it's nice to have it there & there's an obvious attempt to provide a wide range of products.
As for ringing things up twice, prices in computer not matching price on the floor, and the odd peso or three not given in change... I've been involved in a large enterprise in DR before & I can only tell you that it's an ongoing struggle to 'get things right'. You can set up procedures, but the discipline of employees despite your efforts & their good intentions is often lacking. Even with repetitive errors, don't assume they are intentional.
I think TFlea is right. If you want north American standards & conveniences, this is the wrong place to look. Don't let the little things get to you, just deal with them as they arise - if everything worked, it would be as boring as living on the coast in Florida. Enjoy the experience
There is an 8 page foldover yellow shiny flyer with specials & offers which I found tucked into my copy of the local paper El Faro, this morning. It is different from the picture Nals posted above and the offers are valid until 29th. March. I don't know where you found yours, Nals, but the 8 page one relates specifically to the Puerto Plata La Sirena. Since I don't shop there, anyone who wants this flyer can have it.
My dislikes..........
........from 4 visits to LaSirena since opening:
1. The parking lot is just too tight.......
2. There are no or not enough baggers that will carry your stuff out for a tip.
3. Even when you are very careful to make sure you pick out your cookies/crackers/breads etc to get the ones that aren't broken, you can be sure that when the casher throws them into the bag they will break.
4. They seem to wait until they completely run out of an item before they start to restock the shelf.....mostly in the vegetable and meat section.......and when you ask, they will tell you 3 times you'll have it in 5 minutes, but plan on 45..........
5. Too many children / friends / family running behind the cash registers to give the cashiers kisses etc.........
6. You have to remember to get ALL your vegetables/fruits weighed before going to the cashier.........and make sure that includes melons (ie watermelon) that is sold by the pound, AND try to make sure that you are standing behind people in line that ALSO had their vegetables/fruit weighed!
7. 2 out of the 4 visits they did not have any chicken wings or drumsticks and wouldn't bring any out.
8. The store is too small..............
.........but I like it.............but being used to shopping at the one in Santiago this one is quite limited.........
OMHO.................:paranoid:aranoid:
........from 4 visits to LaSirena since opening:
1. The parking lot is just too tight.......
2. There are no or not enough baggers that will carry your stuff out for a tip.
3. Even when you are very careful to make sure you pick out your cookies/crackers/breads etc to get the ones that aren't broken, you can be sure that when the casher throws them into the bag they will break.
4. They seem to wait until they completely run out of an item before they start to restock the shelf.....mostly in the vegetable and meat section.......and when you ask, they will tell you 3 times you'll have it in 5 minutes, but plan on 45..........
5. Too many children / friends / family running behind the cash registers to give the cashiers kisses etc.........
6. You have to remember to get ALL your vegetables/fruits weighed before going to the cashier.........and make sure that includes melons (ie watermelon) that is sold by the pound, AND try to make sure that you are standing behind people in line that ALSO had their vegetables/fruit weighed!
7. 2 out of the 4 visits they did not have any chicken wings or drumsticks and wouldn't bring any out.
8. The store is too small..............
.........but I like it.............but being used to shopping at the one in Santiago this one is quite limited.........
OMHO.................:paranoid:
aranoid:no pickles save for the slimy sliced ones in a nasty plastic jar. no instant cappuccino. and did i mention no hellmans mayo? no hellmans mayo. so sad.
but i have never seen so many tatood gringos (both sexes) in skimpy clothing in one place since my last summer visit to soho, london. they are, however, not for sale, as it seems.
but i have never seen so many tatood gringos (both sexes) in skimpy clothing in one place since my last summer visit to soho, london. they are, however, not for sale, as it seems.
Bob,
More than likely the owner's intention is to make money. Thank goodness there is a semi-decent supermarket in Sosua. Walk in there again with fresh eyes & think about what you can't find elsewhere nearby under one roof- it's nice to have it there & there's an obvious attempt to provide a wide range of products.
As for ringing things up twice, prices in computer not matching price on the floor, and the odd peso or three not given in change... I've been involved in a large enterprise in DR before & I can only tell you that it's an ongoing struggle to 'get things right'. You can set up procedures, but the discipline of employees despite your efforts & their good intentions is often lacking. Even with repetitive errors, don't assume they are intentional.
I think TFlea is right. If you want north American standards & conveniences, this is the wrong place to look. Don't let the little things get to you, just deal with them as they arise - if everything worked, it would be as boring as living on the coast in Florida. Enjoy the experience
Ok one more thought then i give up the soap box. I have walked into this market (Playero) with open eyes a couple of times a week for 3 years. Yes it has been nice to have a large market so close to the house. Yes they do have a good selection of goods (though you have to be careful as many are outdated). No I do not expect North American standards nor do i need them. Yes I DO EXPECT a store to be honest (we are not dealing with a street vendor here) in dealing with the public. Sorry this has been going on for too long not to be at least partially intentional. You would think they have been in business long enough to have it mostly right. This does not happen as frequently in other stores we visit. This week when getting my change back (incorrect yet again) I just looked at the checker and without saying a word she opened the drawer and gave me $100 pesos to make the amount correct. How did she know she shortted me exactly $100RD??????
Sorry major shopping is now at La Sirena or Jose Luis. The 10% or more that i save on prices more then pays for the gas.
Bob K
Originally Posted by dv8
IN LA SIRENA THEY DON'T HAVE HELLMANS MAYO!!!!!!! :tired:
sorry for caps lock but this is a crucial information to me. jose luis, i love you again.
Just as a followup, it was on the shelves there this afternoon. Hellman's mayo for $94.95, I believe that's the same price as Playero. But alas, no Caesar dressing, which made me laugh for they sell Caesar salad croutons right above the dressings, but offer no Caesar dressing............oh the DR, got to luv it!
you sure hellmans? not kraft? coz i didn't see any in my two trips there? maybe new addition?
went to jose luis today. blissfully quiet. and they are selling now german produce from playero butcher. since everyone spits on playero left right and center can i politely ask if the butcher offers quality products?
we bought few packets of sausages because my mouth was watering big time but i am not so sure it was a good idea.
need some guidance here, folks!
went to jose luis today. blissfully quiet. and they are selling now german produce from playero butcher. since everyone spits on playero left right and center can i politely ask if the butcher offers quality products?
we bought few packets of sausages because my mouth was watering big time but i am not so sure it was a good idea.
need some guidance here, folks!
Unless there is someone doing local production and distribution in the north coast area, as far as I know Rica is the only company in the DR that produces real 'fresh' milk, as opposed to UHT/long life. Most supermarkets stock it but BEWARE! I soon gave up buying it because it was so often spoiled when I opened it, even well before the sell-by date.
Who needs ready-made salad dressing! Caesar salad is not my thing but it is an easy enough dressing to put together with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mayo and parmesan.
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