Evelyn's Blog

Maybe it’s the combination of my old age and upcoming 26th birthday, but I’m really annoyed with customer service these days! There’s no true assistance from corporations anymore — just looped phone messages and canned email responses. Barnes and Noble has been the worst experience!!!! After placing an order, they made a mistake on the receipt. SEVEN WEEKS LATER, the issue is still not resolved. Tried to call my dental insurance company because I didn’t know my subscriber ID — could not get a human on the phone after trying all options on the prompt.

Maybe it’s the Austin hippie in me, but I am all about going local!  This city has an amazingly strong local business population, and I am an even bigger supporter after this past week. When you visit Austin, or decide to move here, I highly suggest you research the Austin Independent Business Alliance, a non-profit organization with the goal of strengthening the Austin economy. Here are some of my favorite local businesses:

• RunTex — Wonderful running shoe/accessory store; very knowledgeable staff; donates time and money to support health education in Austin.
• Lamb’s Tire and Automotive — Great place to get your oil changed, new tires, or random fixes; staff takes the time to make sure all of your questions are answered; excellent customer service. Somehow, today I broke off the door to my gas tank on my car. They fixed it quickly and didn’t even charge me!
• Waterloo Records — Staple in the Austin community; extraordinary amount of music; hosts free concerts in store.
• Amy’s Ice Cream — Definitely lives up to the “Keep Austin Weird” mantra; strange (and delicious!) flavors and very unique employees.
• Precision Camera — Experts in all camera needs; wonderful customer service; offers classes so that you learn the full benefit of your camera.
• Russell Korman Jewelers — I can’t say enough great things about Russell Korman! I interned with their marketing department as an undergraduate, and they are the BEST in customer service! My beautiful engagement ring is from Russell Korman.
• Bookpeople — Terrific book store that actually HAS customer service; very unique gifts and a large selection of books.
• Hotel San Jose — Very trendy hotel on South Congress with a great Austin/Zen feel.
• Lambert’s Downtown Barbeque — Fancy trend on barbeque — best macaroni and cheese in town; great place to hear upcoming music.

In this busy holiday season — SHOP LOCAL!