Columbia Fire & Safety

Great customer service. Love dealing with Columbia Fire.

Apparently this is a good place to go for high viz gear, apparently the prices are good and I hear the service is good, well not today (Monday April 10th 2017). This morning I arrived there around 9am ish, the open sign was not on (I was frustrated to see they weren't open after driving in from Metchosin to make this purchase but was willing to check back a bit later in hopes they would be open) even though on the google page, it says they are open at 8 am. I didn't see anyone in the store, no lights appeared to be on, so I left. About 15 minutes later, I went back to see if they had opened yet, perhaps they got there late today (I was ok with that, sometimes traffic happens). Upon arriving back at Columbia fire & safety on Garbally, I noticed there was people inside but still the open sign was not on, I was confused as to whether they were open at all, none the less, I tried the door, to my delight, it was open, yay!!! I can get my gear I need for work. The two employees at the counter were having a conversation, I didn't want to interrupt, so I began trying on a high viz jacket at the front, still nobody asked if I needed help so I walked up to the counter and they were still talking, I didn't want to interrupt but I did make eye contact with the man at the counter, he said hello, and continued on with his conversation. At that point, I thought I was just being a nuisance, I just left, no gear. It's hard to make a purchase without any customer service, they seemed to busy to even ring up my purchase, I had questions and wanted to make a purchase. Ultimately, I ended up at Western Equipment, ordered a pair of high viz rain pants there, then I went to Marks and ordered a high viz rain jacket in my size, yes I payed more, but good prices don't hold a candle to good customer service, I'll pay more if I get customer service. At columbia, I tried on an extra small, so I knew what size I needed, I was just unable to make a purchase there, too bad, they seemed to have had a good selection. For several years, I worked in retail, they teach in retail, that customers come first, I don't expect royal treatment or the red carpet, but an open sign ON when you're open, is a good start, perhaps ask them if there is anything you can help them with, I used to say "are you finding everything ok?" after greeting them. I don't jump on them when they get in the door, but a greeting always makes a person feel welcome.

The staff here is extremely helpful and friendly. Not just fire and safety equipment. All kinds of goodies in store. Even got a high five from the sweet lady at the desk on our way out. The best customer service I've had anywhere, in a very long time.

In a world of overpriced safety equipment, Columbia Fire and Safety fights against the grade. Frequently worked alongside, with every interaction better than the last. Cost effective pricing, knowledgeable, and very helpful staff.

Poor customer service. Came in asking questions as I’m not a professional and I was doing some cleaning that required a higher level of protection. I asked a couple of questions about differences in levels of protection and apparently offended the guy. Rather than being helpful he was quite rude and short with me. Very unpleasant experience. Might be okay place to go as long as you aren’t looking for customer service. Otherwise don’t bother.

Three thumbs up!!! Kevin at Columbia Fire & Safety is a class act, I can’t say enough good words. He’s always been extremely helpful, friendly, and courteous every time I’ve shopped at the store or spoken on the phone, and definitely went to the next level to help me recently, which I sincerely appreciate. Over the years Columbia has been a great resource to me and my family for first aid equipment and fire extinguishers, my Dad used to shop there, now I’m shopping there lol. I’ve always been able to get whatever I needed, prices are definitely competitive and reasonable, and I don’t even think about going anywhere else in victoria.

Great friendly staff, fast and quick service. And first time since the P***emic started that i have seen a company lower their prices!!

Columbia Fire and Safety have always been positive, fun and a great place to deal with. My queries and concerns have always been addressed and they have bent over backwards to assist me when I have needed it. I have never had anything but A1 customer service and wouldnt hesitate in recommending this organisation to anyone to deal with. The lady that dealt with me had excellent product knowledge and was quick to offer appropriate alternate suggestions, as one of the items I was asking about wasnt available. Prices are great in comparison to other options! Great work guys, keep it up!!