'The Little Shop Of Crafts' - How Not To Run Your Irish Business

I'm a huge fan of finding new Irish businesses to get to know, love and then get to gush to family, friends or blog land about! But when I come across such an unprofessional business I can't hold my tongue. Especially when they clearly don't want business with the attitudes they have.

'The Little Shop Of  Crafts' (as seen on their shop front) 'Just By Me' wedding and occasion creations (as seen on their social media and their leaflets) is a shop located in Naas, Co. Kildare just off the main street. They apparently specialise in unique handcrafted designs - something I have yet to see. Last Friday afternoon my mother went in and asked a anniversary card to be commissioned, being told it would be ready Monday afternoon for roughly €10-€15. This was going to be the main present from my sisters very first wedding anniversary as she is a lover of beautiful cards, so forking out crazy money for more then just a Hallmark card was an important part. Tuesday came round (my mother asked for it to be picked up after Monday) and the card was still not ready, however she was assured that Wednesday it would be ready for her.

Cue today, Wednesday. I was sitting in the car when my mother appeared in tears - now can I just point out that my mother is not dramatic or easily brought to tears (unlike myself, oh hey The Notebook!) but she was hardly able to tell me what had happened. Not only was the card not ready, but the woman who owned the shop was next door in the hairdressers. After being called out - how unprofessional! - she simply told my mother she was getting her hair done and had yet to even begin the card. She suggested she could start it later after her hair was finished.... 

I went into the shop myself to inquire what was going on, perhaps the dear aul mammy got something wrong? I was met by what I could only describe as the most aggressive, unhelpful and rude customer service I have ever come across. I was thrown a leaflet and told that I could contact the woman in question if I had a problem. A little shocked, I asked if they had any social media where I could contact them and was told no. Lets pause there a quick sec and head to google. Ah look their Facebook page and confusingly enough, their other Facebook page!

I'm not impressed by their carry on at all. They are a small Irish business that should be more then happy to have customers. Not head off to the hairdressers, not bothering to actually do the commission or at least make contact to say they weren't able to get it done in time. Or god forbid, an apology! Their lack of professionalism is laughable. From their spelling mistake filled leaflets to their confusing shop name. What the hell are they called?! I can't say that I will ever set foot in the shop again, nor would I recommend them to anyone as I would be afraid that they would yet again, not make the commissions and have customers let down. Or even worse, bring them to tears with their aggression and rude manners. This sort of behavior bothers me so much from businesses that actually have shops in busy towns when there are so many amazing people online who are nothing but helpful, friendly and professional but might lack the financial backing to open their own place. SceneDesigns and DoodleMoose Designs are two perfect examples of fantastic Irish card businesses that I personally know I can rely on.