Stephanie Karin H.

Last Chance Bargain Shoes

My friend and I decided we could use a new "going out" outfit for the weekend so headed to Last Chance. On our $50 each budget, we SCORED! The selection of shoes seemed endless, even for our size 9 feet, the most popular size & first to sell-out. For my $50, I found a perfect little black dress, pointy high-heel cocktail shoes, casual pants, casual shirt, & 4 hair care products. DEALS GALORE!!! Some of the original price tags were still intact; others I simply recalled from seeing in retail stores. I added up my purchase to be at least $210 if not more. If you need a business or going-out outfit fast & on a budget, this is the place to go. Great selection. Neatly organized. I can't wait to return. OH! I have heard the weekends are PACKED so go in the middle of the week as we did.

PROS: rock-bottom prices, ample parking, helpful staff
CONS: crowded at the weekend

Shirts N Things

This shop was recommended to me by a friend who knows I like more edgy, alternative clothing. Though most is geared towards men, there was a nice assortment for girls, including great mary-janes, doc marten style, for super-cheap! The staff was very friendly, greeting me when I entered, asking if I needed help, and then leaving me alone to "browse." It's an especially ideal place for gift-giving ideas if you have teenage boys into alternative, metal, or industrial music! Shirts, posters, stickers, shoes, belts, wallets, you name it, they have it.

PROS: ample parking, friendly staff, nice selection
CONS: if you're easily offended, you may not like the music or merchandise

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union

Having just moved to Arizona, I needed to locate a new credit union branch for my financial needs. Fortunately, Desert Schools FCU was right around the corner from me. I tried them out and was so pleased that there was no line and only smiling, happy Tellers awaiting to help me. I've returned 3 times now and each time, without fail, the staff at this location on Southern has been top-notch in service, accuracy, and friendliness. It makes a difference!

Antique Haven

Glendale is known for its abundance of quality antique shops but after a whole day of browsing and shopping, my friends and I agreed that Antique Haven was an especially special place to visit. We had no intention of spending 2 hrs there but it just sucked us in. The displays are beautifully done by color. Everything's clean and bright. The owners not only own the shop, everything you see is theirs from years & years of collecting. There was absolutely NO pressure and no "over your shoulder" watching. And for my friends and I who are cat-lovers, it was a pure delight to meet the grumpy cat behind the counter! I can't wait to return to this shop when I have a job again and can justify spending some more money!!! (Er...we still managed to spend plenty as there was too much good stuff!) Oh, and they take lay-away. I was so tempted.

PROS: super-friendly, bright, cheery, comfortable, clean
CONS:

Discount Tire Ctr

I went in to Discount Tire Centers for a set of 4 new tires. I called several places & they assured me they could offer me the best deal. And, they did. So, I went with them. They told me I needed new brakes. I wasn't sure so called my dad who is car-savvy & he met me there. They went over everything with my dad in detail & he agreed it was a legitimate need. The last mechanic who worked on my Jeep did some shoddy work so these guys at DTC had to use extra elbow grease & creativity to work around some problems. My overall cost was surprisingly reasonable; they definitely gave me a break since I got both tires & new brakes. They also referred me to a body shop. These guys are so friendly, I brought them donuts the next week just to say thanks. Hey, how often do you find a good mechanic? Now that I moved to a new state, I miss them!

PROS: fast, reasonable prices
CONS:

ISU Insurance Services

I have used ISU Insurance Services for several years. When I moved recently to Arizona from California, my broker made the transistion very easy for me. He did some research on AZ for me before I left as to rates and the laws. He then referred me to an agent in my new area who ended up being just as fantastic as he is. When I did the switch, I had premium owed me from my former CA policy. I don't think I've ever received a check so fast! How often does THAT happen?! It was truly a pleasure to have a hassle-free insurance transistion.

PROS: fast, efficient, easy to work with
CONS:

Office Team

Having just moved to Mesa, AZ, I needed to find a job. I looked through the Yellow Pages and Office Team's ad caught my eye. I remembered them from working in the Human Resources industry. They have an excellent reputation. So, I put them to the test to see what they could do for me! Their office is beautiful and calming. Any job candidate can appreciate that. The staff, from the receptionist to the staffing team, were not only friendly but helpful and enthusiastic about helping me in my career search. I was very scared about re-entering the job market after 2 years of not working (I lived abroad). Office Team made the transition that much easier!

PROS: quick turnaround, pleasant office, friendly and helpful staff, a great tool
CONS:

Taylor-Nielsen Assoc

I just moved to Mesa from California. This agency was recommended to me by my former insurance agent. I was very pleased with the service. My agent, Elizabeth, knew that I was comfortable doing everything via email so she and I corresponded that way getting all my insurance needs squared away before I ever even walked into the office. The office was nice & neat with a friendly receptionist. Elizabeth was well-organized so all I had to do was hand over a check and sign a few papers. It was one of the easiest processes I've ever been through.

PROS: fast, friendly, accurate, organized, throrough, honest
CONS:

Golba Group-Realty

My brother and I recently moved from California. We desperately needed to find a rental home and continued to strike out. That is until we found GOLBA Realty. They had amazing resources and very friendly consultants. Our consultant knew exactly what we were seeking and couldn't have found us a more perfect home to rent. We are so pleased and GOLBA made it easy, fast, and pain-free.

PROS: fast, efficient, easy to work with
CONS:

Best Friends Animal Hospital

I just moved to Mesa and have 2 retired racing greyhounds. These are unique dogs with sensitivities, especially under anesthesia. Vets have to be be familiar to greyhound needs or else they can kill the dog. I wanted to do a "meet & greet" appointment with the vet in my neighborhood so she'd know my dogs & have them on file. The entire staff, including a black kitty, was friendly and welcoming. My wait was not long. And Dr Brady was very knowledgeable, very thorough, and in-tune with greyhounds. I feel a sense of relief now that i have a good vet in my new town who I can run to just in case something comes up.

PROS: friendly staff, cats in office, patient and thorough vet
CONS: if you're allergic to cats, there are cats in the office