Something New in Paris: Customer Satisfaction Counts!

Have you found your happiness? (Votre bonheur).  This is the current expression that customers are likely to encounter when they go shopping in Paris.  And given the state of the economy at this juncture, keeping customers happy is a top priority.

I have to say that there is definitely a small revolution going on here in customer service.  And it's happening not just in boutiques geared toward tourists but in all types of shops including your local  mom&pop grocery stores.

Here are some recent examples:  At the SIMPLY grocery market, close to where we stay,  a sales clerk took the time to change a sales slip for me - to give me credit.  The self-service robot counter had overcharged me for a case of bottled water (because two of the six bottles had been removed). 

The corner bakery that I avoided all last summer because of a sales clerk who consistantly tried to shortchange me has been replaced by a sales clerk who actually undercharged me.  (Of course,  I did politely suggest that she might doublecheck the bill).

As for the womenswear boutiques,  sales clerks are smiling and attentive and they seem to want to do everything possible to help you find your happiness.

Of course, we all know that happiness cannot be found in a shopping mall - even if Emile Zola entitled his novel - Au Bonheur des Dames - but Paris's new attitude is enough to make you smile :)

Your Dog in Paris: Finding a good Vet and a good Groomer

This is only Hercules' second week in Paris and he's already found a groomer that he loves and a good veternarian, just walking distance from the apartment!   Needless to say, we are all thrilled to know that Paris is dog heaven!  Rather than write two posts,  I'm going to fill in the details at  Parisgirlshopping.com!  See you there - in a hop, skip and a jump!

Excuse me for cutting this short - but the sun is shining and Hercules is eager to take a stroll down the Avenue. 

Bringing Your Dog to France

When I first wrote about dog-friendly Parisian parks for Parislogue.com,  little did I realize that years later,  I'd be walking our very dear Hercules, a five-year-old Shi-Tzu, in the Luxembourg Gardens.  But, here we are.  And if you've had any apprehension about bringing your pet to Paris,  do not despair!

France is a dog/cat friendly nation, but dogs, in particular seem to get a warm welcome, especially if they're cute, well-groomed, and well-behaved in cafes.  Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that France is a rabies-free country so that the paperwork, should, in theory be minimal to return to the US.

Just be sure that your dog is up-to-date on his rabies shots, have your vet complete the international health certificate that can be found online.  We made a trip to Miami to have the USDA provide us with a certification form for France,  but when we arrived at CDG airport,  along with our dog (who accompanied us in the cabin of our Air France tourist class seat),   absolutely no paperwork was requested by French customs.  Of course, this doesn't mean that every time will be the same.  Always have your medical paperwork and documents handy- just in case.

Air France/Delta accepts service dogs in the cabin.  They are obliged to remain on the floor, always attached.  In our case, because Hercules weighs just under 12 pounds,  we were able to find a comfortable traveling bag for him which is useful as well for traveling in France, i.e. taking trains or local buses.

I also have a wicker shopping/picnic basket that is just the right size for taking Hercules on buses or crossing parts of the gardens where dogs may not be allowed to walk.  Luxembourg Gardens has one specific area allowed for our four-legged friends.  They even have their own drinking fountain.