ZooKeeper

I had a package that I had chosen, after much deliberation, from their brochure. I had an oil treatment added on, in which I was disappointed as the oil was cold which was unpleasant. The staff were polite and efficient, but it seemed to hasten the experience rather than make it feel completely relaxing. The yoghurt snack was yummy. The services I received also differed from what was printed on the brochure, which I pointed out to the staff at the counter. I was disappointed as I had chosen that specific package over others precisely because of what had appeared to be omitted. I found their handling of this oversight to be unsatisfactory: there was neither apology nor an effort to make amends.

We had children's portraiture done in the studio in O'Connor, under a mother's group session (i'm not sure if she runs these anymore). We paid a session fee and got photography and nibbles included. Given that there were children in the session, I found the studio to be a little underfurnished to keep little ones amused while they were not being photographed. I personally found Janine (the photographer) to be a little "flat" on the day. The packages were inflexible at the lower cost end, which was disappointing for some of our group. However, she did capture some nice images and the online preview ability is a neat idea.

Approximate cost: $~$30 ~A5 size

We chose this photographer based on our budget and because he included all the negatives in the purchase price. We had him photograph our wedding several years ago. He arrived on time and stayed from the ceremony to the beginning of the reception. Most of the photographs he took were posed. He had a few interesting ideas for photos and he did take a couple of poses that I specifically wanted. He was reasonably friendly and polite and got the photographs back to us in reasonable time. The poses were standard, none of the more elaborate ones you might see at the more upmarket photographers. One drawback was that he operated alone, so could miss out on some of the more candid shots.

This is one of the few doctor's surgeries that still bulk-bills. Dr Mikosza is quite thorough in terms of taking medical history and letting you explain why you have booked in to see him. His surgery is usually busy, though, so inevitably you do wait past your appointment time. And it is not the most modern facility, but it suffices.

I got a facial which included a neck and shoulder massage. The atmosphere was quite relaxing, the room temperature wasn't too cold (and I was offered a nice warm blanket) and the attendant was lovely. I appreciated that she didn't force conversation. the massage was very relaxing and the facial was what I expected. There was no "hard sell" of the products used, the attendant just passed on some information about them.

The best bit about this place is the warm turkish bread coming out of the wood-fired oven: yum! They have kebabs, turkish pizzas and pides. The Doner kebab has the usual salads (lettuce, tomato, onion) and sauces and a reasonable amount of meat. Prices are average.

I have been to Mai Thai several times, for both dine in and takeaway. They have attentive service in both regards. Dine in is a little noisy due to the settup of the dining area. Water is refilled regularly and service is polite. The portions of food are good and prices reasonable. Restaurant is BYO, with a bottleshop virtually next door. Parking can be a hassle on busy nights.

Approximate cost: $17

My cat had an infected bite that had to be treated on a sunday. Jandakot Vet was open. They didn't charge a very large penalty for the Sunday service. We were seen within 15 minutes and my cat was treated appropriately. On a later date, I got her teeth cleaned. Again, the price was reasonable (can't remember how much) and a reminder notice was sent out at 12 months following.

Although it can be difficult to get a booking in within a month for non-urgent work, I think it is worth waiting for a good dentist. Ken appears to be quite knowledgable and doesn't recommend unnecessary work. The dentistry is equipped with modern equipment, including photographic tools to allow images of teeth to be kept on file and recalled at later visits. The clinic is clean. Staff are friendly. I haven't required work beyond teeth cleaning, so not sure what it's like for fillings, etc...
And I must add that I get health fund rebates so the cost is usually reasonable to me (I am on a low-mid level cover). Having not had to pay full cost I am not sure what this would be like.

I bought boxes for moving house from these guys. They sell both new and secondhand. The beauty is that you can return new boxes once you're finished with them for a bit of a refund (subject to a couple of conditions). You can even return them a year later! Cost was cheaper than other places I enquired at. Service over the phone and over the counter were efficient, friendly and not pushy. I haven't returned anything yet, update the review when I do.

Approximate cost: $3.65 for tea chest size