Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot

In the past my family would go to whichever tree lot was most convenient but for the last 2 or 3 years we’ve made a point to go to Dave’s. They seem to have the same people working the lot each year and that’s part of the reason why we keep coming back. The people working are always welcoming and even remembered us from the previous year. Most importantly, they are willing to work with you on price. To be honest, these are moderately priced trees and you can get a cheaper tree at Lowe’s but you’d sacrifice quality and customer service. The several trees we have bought from Daves have been in excellent health and condition as promised and therefore are actually a bargain price wise. We also bought some good firewood this year. Highly recommend this lot

So, we ventured to Dave’s in search of a Christmas tree on Friday. We were looking specifically for a tall tree. We arrived on the lot and noticed that most of their trees were 5′ to 7 or 8′. There were several, however, that were taller but were bound with cord so you really could not tell at all what they looked like. It took about 15m before an older gentleman (who we later found to be the «boss») asked if we needed help. There were two younger guys helping others– one though was completely aloof. We asked about the pricing of the tall trees and were told that they were $ 229.00– a bit steep comparatively– and I said «wow» that’s pricey at which time the older guy, abandoned us. One of the younger fellows came up a bit later and asked if we needed help. He was incredibly friendly and helpful. Chatting and actually saying– «what price do you need to be at and I will see if I can help». Without the «boss» allowing us to unravel one of the tall ones to take a look to see if we were actually interested in buying it, we didn’t see much point. At that time, we watched as the «boss» began flocking a tree. Now, I don’t know about you, but flocking a tree is generally done under cover so as to keep the dust/​particles/​chemicals confined. This dude was hurling red powder (apparently the buyer wanted red) at a tree near the back of the lot but in plain sight and right where cars were parked. The dust was everywhere, traveling to the vehicles parked at the lot. He just kept heaving this stuff at the tree, and I asked the young man– «is this how you guys flock a tree?» He responded– «I suppose???».
At that point we noticed a tree on the ground that looked nice and tall and we were told it was sold. We asked though, if they could stand it up just so that we could see the height in comparison to the ones that were bound and the fullness. The boss said «No! I am afraid that the flocking will get on the tree.» Well, all I could think was– this dude has no interest in selling me a tree, customer service or what have you. If you are worried about getting the flocking crap all over someone else’s tree– move your flocking process elsewhere and away from people’s cars and people as well so that we don’t have to breathe the dust.
Let me say– the young men were helpful and friendly, however the owner was about as friendly as a rattle snake. These trees are sold to benefit local PTA’s. Which we were happy to support. We ended up buying some firewood.
Word to the wise Mr. Boss Man– sell trees by selling your service. Show me WHY I should buy a tree from you! Unravel a tree if someone wants to see it– you will have to eventually anyway for someone to see it to purchase. Act as though your customers matter. You could learn a lesson from the young people working for you!
We ended up going to Winterland Trees in the Walmart parking lot on Bloomingdale. They were incredibly helpful and kind and wanted for us to have the best experience possible. We bought a beautiful 9′-10′ tree for $ 130.00.
Regardless– if the tree at Dave’s had been perfect and the customer service excellent all around we just might have been willing to shell out $ 230.
Dave’s– your customers matter no matter who they are. Get it together sir!

My girlfriend and I wanted to carve pumpkins this year for Halloween so I went about trying to find a pumpkin patch. There aren’t any actual pumpkin fields anywhere nearby and I didn’t want to buy them from any old retail store. We were referred to Daves Pumpkin patch by a friend who had a pleasant experience.
The staff was nice and there was a good selection of pumpkins. Along with that there was an area where you could take pictures that was set up. Overall it was a very good experience. Also, Daves lot will be selling Christmas trees starting November 27 which we will also check out.