Friday, January 30, 2015

Camping World Redefines Dog-Friendly

My prior reference to the "iffy" reputation of Camping World was based on a large number of bad experiences shared by bloggers and forum-participants. I am well aware that the bad is more often reported than the good, and was very happy that some commenters here shared positive examples of their own interaction with CW.

The number one reason we chose CW in the first place was proximity. It is literally two blocks from the apartment - an easy walk to return home while any work is being done. Even before our first appointment we had another reason to choose them. The RV dealership quote for the same brand/model of tire pressure monitors plus installation was nearly $800.00 more!

Still, I'm a little wary when I take the Jeep in Wednesday morning for the Invisibrake and Sterling towbar install. Dealing with the parts "guy" on the phone had been a pleasant experience, but a few times it was difficult to get ahold of him. I don't know what to expect on the service end.

When in doubt, take Tessa. I'm sure everyone who goes there gets great customer service, but I felt like a celebrity. The regional manager, Laif, was spending the day at our location and handled our service from beginning to end. He explained everything they were doing, confirmed costs, and understood my time contraints - all while petting the dog. The other service agents stopped by at least once for a doggie-fix, some got on the floor to pet her. It was hysterical to listen to their voices change to "cute little dog" mode!



Just pet me - you know you want to!

 Because we share the car now, I needed to pick it up by four so I could pick Bill up from work. It would still mean his staying later, but we wouldn't need to rent a car if they didn't keep it overnight. Laif said he would call at 2:00 with a status update so I could make arrangments if necessary, and keep Bill in the loop as well.

One can't just walk into CW, go to service, and walk out......one must shop a bit. It's a rule. A sales rep comes up to me and says "Excuse me, I'm the fluffiness inspector and need to check the dog before you can continue shopping." Tessa is already wagging her tail because he said "fluffy". Of course I give permission as this is clearly a serious requirement. She passes with high marks and the delightful young man continues stocking shelves. I'm sure only until his real work is needed again :-)

Walking home I'm feeling pretty darn good about my first service experience at CW . When my phone rings at exactly 2:00 I'm still surprised it's Laif. Jeep will be ready before 3:30, come over a little early to finalize. Sweet!

This time Tessa is greeted by name and introduced to those who weren't there in the morning. No one asks to have their picture taken with her. This time. I'm asked when "we" are coming back, and when I say February 9 for the tire monitors the cashier marks her calendar to be sure she's working. They only know my name because it's on the paperwork.

All the pieces are identified and I'm shown how to attach and remove the towbar. The wiring that I'm sending to be installed on the motorhome by the dealer is bagged separately for me. Everything looks perfect. We head out at exactly 4:00. I'm sure those weren't tears in his eyes as Laif said goodbye to Tessa........

Like the commenters, I'm very happy with my Camping World experience. I imagine their service is excellent for everyone at this store, but just in case, I'm always taking Tessa :-)




Adorable is so exhausting......


20 comments:

  1. It's always nice when things go right! Hopefully that's how it will work more time than not!

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  2. LOL at your post. Next time I have to go to camping world, can I rent Tessa? She really is darling and if she looked at me that way I would for sure pet her. The "fluffiness inspector" is a riot! Maybe I'd better get my own Tessa. What breed is she? Oh and when is Bill's LAST DAY so he can just relax and be retired??

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    1. Tessa is a Wheaton Terrier - you should have one too! March 20 is the big day - and believe me it can't get here soon enough :-)))))

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  3. Tessa is an absolutely adorable ambassador! That last photo of her made me smile. :-)

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    1. Thanks Laurel. I should have made it a video - she was snoring!

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  4. CW is definitely dog friendly and that's a good thing. When you need to have work done to your home, you need someplace to spend time with your best friend ... your pet. CW welcomes your whole family.

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    1. Absolutely an important factor for us, and will be even more so when we're living on our wheels.

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  5. Funny Jodee!! Tessa is an adorable pooch--whatever works I say!

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    1. Thanks Janna :-) And she's shameless in getting what she wants!

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  6. We love shopping at Camping World, but have not used them for repairs yet. It sounds like you had a very good experience.

    We are going to the Good Sam's/Camping World rally in AZ in Feb!!!!

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    1. I can only hope that all our future service experience will be as good! Have a great time at the rally, it's a perfect time to be in AZ.

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  7. excellent idea.....Tessa is a little sweetheart !

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    1. Thank you Kelly. Believe me she knows how to "work the cute" :-))

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  8. What a great idea bringing Tessa. If there is a "fluffiness" inspection I may need to glue some fluff on Daisy next time we go in!

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    1. LOL! That sales rep was such a crack up - very straight faced and serious about the inspection :-) Daisy could "pass" just on cute.

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  9. When your kids are still living at home, your name is "kiddo's mom". Now that kiddos are gone and Tessa is there, you're "Tessa's mom". Glad it went well at CW and that you didn't have to rent a car.

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    1. Exactly! Was Brian's/Jeff's mom forEVER it seems :-) All the paperwork is always such a pain to rent a car, I was especially happy to avoid that!

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  10. Tess is just adorable ..dogs always help a difficult situation ..glad that your camping works experience was a good one ...
    Reminds me of our border crossing recently ..all the guard wanted to do was pet the dog !!..he even got a cookie ..but then in the way back..there was no cookie for poor Tucker ..

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    1. Even one border crossing made better makes Tucker a hero!! Those are never fun, even when they're easy :-)

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