Well, I bit the bullet and bought myself a Xerox laser printer 4 weeks ago on the advice that Xerox have great quality and service. This may be true generally, but not for me. I am a Mac user and I recently upgraded to OSX 10.5 and apparently this isn't compatible with my new laser printer. So I rang Xerox and asked for help. The response was to downgrade my computer! and if I didn't wish to do that then 'sorry' you've wasted your money....
OK, I've had an update to this drama. I sent Xerox an angry email and they got back to me 2 days later. It seems the fellow I spoke to gave me 'incorrect' information and they gave me instructions on how to download a driver. The website wouldn't allow me to do this and so I sent a reply to which they responded by emailing me the driver and it has solved the problem. Hooray!!!!!!

The food here is nice, enticing... the portions are a little on the small side. The wine selection is good. Desserts are yummy. Service is poor. You almost have to yell at a passing waiter/ess to get their attention and then, often, you have to follow up to make sure they remembered!!

ING is an online banking service. They do not have branches or bank cards which is why there are no bank fees. You link your bank account with the ING account and can organise a regular deposit easily via the ING web site. Managing the account is easy and if you need to call customer service they are always friendly and helpful. Transferring money always takes approximately 24hrs so keep that in mind. I use my account as a savings account that I can forget about and access in emergencies, or save for special items/projects. I also have my tax refund directly deposited into my ING account - I figure if I don't see it then I won't miss it and I can access it if necessary.

Choice offer completely unbiased research, facts and advice. Some of their articles are free otherwise you can subscribe and access all articles. They have subscriptions to suit most people ranging from online access to magazines. They cover a huge range of topics from appliances to telecommunications and finance..they include prices, the low down and much more! Choice has helped me enormously when shopping for appliances for our new home. They charge per quarter and while I only access the website on the odd occasion the value I have received has been so much more! These days, you really can't afford to go shopping without prior knowledge.

Approximate cost: $18.95

This is a mail order service, but you can visit them at Heronswood or Garden of St Erth. Live plants, seeds, garden supplies delivered directly to your door. A large range of heirloom and organic plants - great for the vegie patch, orchard and your health! They advise you on plant suitability for your location and climate. They are very eco conscious and have a range of books as well. Being a member entitles you to discounts and free seeds (if you spend a certain amount), plus seasonal catalogues. They keep in touch about orders via email, and once despatched they usually arrive promptly.

I have only dealt with this business via the internet and have, so far, been very impressed. They stock an amazing range of herbs and sprouts, and their knowledge is second to none! I ordered 2 books on a sunday evening and received them tuesday morning. I'm slowly working my way through the book on herbs and am blown away that asparagus may be a cure for cancer! and I'm only up to A!!

We've been struggling with trying to find the right shade of cream tile. Aahhhgg! Romano's have a range of whites and creams that are different to the others and of a better quality.. yes, the price reflects this, but not outrageous! The service is impeccable, friendly, helpful, no pressure, no dramas. They also have a store in Kilsyth.

Overdue update:
This shop no longer exists.

This is a large store with an extraordinary number of videos. Jeff and Lyn are familiar with their stock and can locate a DVD or video for you quickly. Between the two of them I believe they have seen most, if not all, of the movies in their store and can usually give you good advice. We rang them late one night about a faulty disc and was given advice on cleaning, which worked! Friendly, helpful, a large range of movies and great package deals if you are a couch potato.

While we did not buy a Ford we were most impressed with the service. Although Richard was new to Etheridge Ford, he was cheery, casual and what he didn't know he made a concerted effort to find out promptly. He placed no pressure on us and was very accomodating.

What's wrong with car dealers?!! We went looking at a ute, a workhorse. The sales rep did not listen to our needs, he rattled on and on about how 'cool' and powerful the Navara is. He paid no attention to our questions or comments and drove us away with his yuppy sales pitch.