Anyhow... I won't bore any of you with my sob stories. I've since restarted my relationship with Just Drums in Toronto. I have one sales rep that I deal with, Corey. Their staff is rediculously gifted in the art of making me feel like the most important person that ever picked up a phone. They all have tremendous memories (Cory remembers me buying cymbals from him back when I was in high school) and they never let anything fall through the cracks. I was on their website today and noticed that like most companies, they have clearly defined a mission statement and core values:
JD website wrote:Mission Statement
To offer the highest level of service and satisfaction within the world of drums and percussion and to be the desired retailer to players of all age, ability, and background in the Greater Toronto Area.
JD Core Values
Just Drums is your doorway to musical discovery. Regardless of your level of experience or age, our aim is to show you the ropes and lead you towards mastery and personal enjoyment through drums and percussion. Just Drums is also committed to:
Building long-term relationships with our customers by maintaining courteous, respectful, and honest service as well as standing behind the products we sell.
Treating each other, whether customer, co-worker, owner, or supplier with respect and concern for the other’s well-being, and to operate with integrity in all interactions.
Striving for continuous improvement in an atmosphere of teamwork, while acknowledging the value of each person’s contribution to our overall goals.
I've highlighted the parts that interest me the most for clarity. As far as the mission statement goes, I live in New Brunswick and I'm still getting phenomenal service. As far as the core values go, I'm still waiting for Long and McQuade to come up with one so I can compare, but so far they fall very short of what's quoted for Just Drums. It's not fair to say that about all L&M locations though. Moncton offers me excellent service any time I call or walk through the door. Maybe it's because they don't know me over there. Maybe familiary really does breed contempt.
Maybe it's because I'm French? Normally I'd be kidding about that bit, but Al complains about it more than me, so it makes me think. I just choose to complain more publicly.
Anyways, back to the topic of Just Drums... They are awesome! I'm very happy to have made the switch, and this post is really about how much I love Just Drums.