Marci H.
Disgusting Visit Today!
I've always had wonderful experiences at America's Best--everyone has been incredibly helpful, and I absolutely loved seeing Dr. Molly Wiles. She's the best! Unfortunately, my visit today changed all of that. I recently had to replace my glasses after my puppy damaged them...again. During that last visit, the employee assisting me said the previous frame style I loved so much was no longer available after I shared with him, they needed to be ordered online like they were in the past. I was told I had to choose from a limited in-store selection and ended up settling for a replacement that felt cheap. I also purchased the $25 insurance, which I was told would help cover future issues. It felt like a great value and wondered why I wasn't offered it at my very first appointment. Today, I spoke with the assistant manager, Tamiko, and the interaction was extremely disgusting. Initially, I asked if she could order the glasses I liked and verified she could. I asked why I wasn't told the frames could be ordered 3 weeks ago, and she didn't offer an answer, just a defensive attitude. When I said not to bother checking the shelf because I already knew they weren't in stock, she mischaracterized it as me "demanding" she not look. That wasn't the case at all. I naturally have a loud voice, but I was not yelling or being disrespectful. If the store has a recording device, they should watch the video and listen to my voice level and how she talked to me. I was explaining the situation sternly, and she wasn't listening and cut me off several times. Tamiko stated she was the store manager, became combative and argumentative in front of other employees and had the gall to say that's what I was doing and asked me to leave the store. I can't help they have an open floor plan at the store, so people are going to hear us. She challenged what I said, twisted my words, and didn't acknowledge the poor communication from my last visit. She didn't check my account either to see that I had insurance or try to offer any kind of resolution. In fact, she said I would have to pay full price for the same glasses I originally wanted and attempted to make me feel as if I had done something wrong. Had the previous associate done his job and simply placed an order online like I mentioned, I wouldn't have had to endure what happened today. Then, to my shock, she told me there were notes in their system about my behavior from past visits. That was deeply upsetting and I'm sure false, as every employee I've interacted with previously has been kind and helpful--and I've always been friendly and respectful in return. We talked about our pets and other things during our session and not sure how that would be considered a behavioral concern. Being kind to everyone is how I grew up and am with everyone I know or don't know. How dare she flaw my character! Tamiko handed me a card for Dawn, their store CEO, who has helped me before and was very helpful. But honestly, I will be going to their corporate office. I don't expect to be treated this way by anyone, much less an assistant manager representing your brand. The experience today was insulting, unprofessional, and extremely disappointing. I will not be returning to the 2212 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL location--and that's a real shame because I was so happy to have a convenient, nearby location with great service. Tamiko's behavior was unacceptable, and I hope this situation is taken seriously. No customer should feel talked down to, disregarded, or ridiculed. I know if I owned America's Best, I would never want an employee like Tamiko representing my company and fire her! Shame on you lady!



