I had an evaporative cooler breakdown in the middle of a heat wave - and in the middle of the campaign to sell my house! I rang around all the emergency service providers and where they even answered the phone they said they were booked out for weeks (even the supposedly 24 hour emergency providers).

Satewide were amazing - they were also extremely busy but managed to squeeze me into their also busy schedule. They kept me informed as they worked out when they could squeeze in visits to my house; they quickly diagnosed the problem and they fixed it within the week (ensuring my weekend inspection on a 40 degree day could go smoothly!). They were highly trustworthy - I left the key for them and signed the payment paperwork before they'd completed the work - and was comfortable they wouldn't overcharge (and they didn't). They even called on the evening the repairs were made to check that I was happy with the outcome.

Very satisfied customer!

Approximate cost: $600

The Bayside team organised a refinance following purchase of an investment property. At the front end the service seemed great - but at the back end when the refinance went through with major mistakes (I ended up with an extra ~500K mortgage - which was a result of mistakes in the loan application process), the Bayside Mortgage Choice team refused to assist with resolution and left me to spend 2 months chasing the bank to get it fixed. All brokers are invented by commissions - and I think Mortgage Choice has some really good and diligent teams - but my experience with the Bayside team was once the deal was done and commissions received they had no interest in fixing the mess they were part of creating.

Approximate cost: $Unknown - not disclosed

I was looking for some simple, cheap furniture for some extra storage. I went with homepine furniture because the promised delivery within 2 weeks.

I also ordered raw finish because I was told it would take an extra 2 weeks to get it stained (and said I would stain myself to save time).

After several weeks of calling and chasing up why it hadn't arrived yet - it was finally delivered 7 weeks later - all sealed in clear gloss so I can't stain it.

The delivery guy admitted it was a mistake (and the order form he handed over clearly says raw) and begged me not to send it back.

The quality is OK, pretty much what you'd expect for cheap pine, a bit rough and ready but it does the job.

I guess the moral of the story is you get what you pay for.

Approximate cost: $~$600 for a wardrobe

Dr Kotler seems to be essentially set up to cater for busy professionals working in the city - and is very well equipped to do so - definitely recommend her for anyone looking for an accessible, pragmatic, efficient doctor in the city.

The surgery is well organised so she is generally on time. She is also well versed with the pressures of corporate life so advice is pragmatic and tailored.

Approximate cost: $68 for standard consult

Spotted this little bar recently and got out to check it out last week. It exceeded expectations! It's tucked away upstairs in the cluster of bars at the "Paris" end of Smith St. Small but well thought out, "localised" cocktails menu (including the Collingwood Blazer which is spectacularly made!), bartenders really know their stuff, and the venue space is perfect. Lovely open space with modern wood furniture - has a really warm and open feel. Definitely on my list for a regular pre- / post-dinner cocktails haunt.

Paul did a smallish building job moving some internal doors and walls around (converting some standard doors into sliding doors, etc). He started the job a week after he gave the quote, and the work was finished in a week (in working order in three days, and he came back a few days later to finish the sanding). He was really flexible, great to deal with, delivered everything he promised, and the outcome exactly what I wanted.

On price, he was 20% cheaper than a quote I'd had from a larger firm that had quoted on a smaller scope of work.

I have two cats and although my local "cat motel" is good, they both get stressed and lose a lot of weight when they stay there. With the Lonely Pets Club while they get a bit grumpy about the lack of attention, they are far less stressed because they stay at home, they eat their regular food, and they get at least a bit of daily attention. The minders are great - mine sends me a text in the first couple of days to let me know everything's OK.

The fact that they bring in your mail, water the plants, put out the bins, feed the fish etc as well is an added bonus. Honestly makes going away a whole lot easier.

For two cats it is also quite a bit cheaper than a "motel" (last time I used them - July 2008) it was $17 a day versus $25 for a motel).

Have been going to Chris for several years now (was referred by a friend) and have never had a bad experience. Chris is thorough, patient, explains what's happening (so you know what to expect), relaxed, and does a terrific job.

I think their pricing is about average (eg, I paid $234 for a root canal today).

Had a really disappointing experience at Waga Mama. Went expecting something quick and simple pre-movie - and the food itself was the usual Waga Mama (good, not great, but reliably so). But they got our order badly wrong and the follow-up service was shocking. Ultimately the manager realised what had happened and was very apologetic but this was after multiple mistakes with our order (and one person's meal coming almost an hour after everyone else's!).

Approximate cost: $15-20

By far and away the best budget Chinese fare in the city

A budget Shanghai Dumpling restaurant in the city - service is fast and direct, food is delicious, and you'll struggle to spend $10 a head - great for a quick, basic bite in the city

Approximate cost: $8