10/30/2020

The Iconic (Online Shop)

Link

I have bought many times from The Iconic, and they are legends.Dispatch and delivery has always been super-fast pre-COVID, and decently timed during COVID.
 
>Their website is very clean and easy to browse and their search tool quite refined. I find the mix of casual and posh styles, local and international names, normal and curvy sizes, average to excellent quality, generic-ish brands to very well-known brands, clothing and accessories, and pricing terrific.  
 
> They have average-sized models and curvy models, all gorgeous, to showcase the clothing. They also have people from different races.

> Returns are super-easy and free and you can get your money back or rewarded credit for further purchases. 

> Their wish-list and boards are very useful. If desired, you can receive email notifications with updates re the products in the list just in case you are mad about anything.

> Great discounts all year around, and some of their outlet items are a total bargain. 

If you subscribe to your newsletter is 20 bucks off your next purchase and you can cancel any time. 

DOWNSIDES
> One of the main downsides to me is the fact that many of the accessories are not photographed on people but on white backgrounds, which is great to see the product itself but not so much to get an accurate idea of how the product looks on a real person re length, size and overall look. 
 > The items in outlet and sale cannot be exchanged or returned, which is a bummer because sizing is fanciful and you could order something in your size and fits larger or smaller than usual. If you cannot return it, you won't be able to wear it at all and would have been a waste of your money. 
> This being an iconic Australian brand, I truly miss the presence of more Indigenous Australian models in the photos.

10/24/2020

Pioneer On-Ear S3 Wireless Headphones Blue SES3BTL

I got this headset at a very discounted price thanks to a gift voucher. I choose the blue colour because it looked like a pretty metallic blue and it was the cheapest in the range.

GOOD THINGS.
> Large head band, perfect for both women and men. For females with small heads, the headset tends to slip off a bit when bending.
> The awesome pods rotating system, which allows them to move freely and easily in different angles and adjust to most ears. This also helps the pods to fold flat inside the band, and they can be easily stored and carried.
> The pods cushioning is very comfortable, and they do not press my ears at all.
> Battery life is great, almost two days of generous time with them on.
> Pairing is easily done.
> The quality of the sound is good overall. Decent range and bass.
> If on standby for a while, the headset auto-shuts off, and saves battery life.  
> Good value for money.
 
SO-SO.
> The headset looks and feels cheep and plasticky for a Pioneer.
> I know these aren't meant to be noise-cancelling headphones. However, the volume range is not strong enough to muffle the outside world noises when walking outdoors or while on public transport. 
> Quality of sound and bass is not bad, but I was expecting much more from a Pioneer.
> The charging cable is ridiculously short.
> The top is ridged and hollow as if the padding had to be stuck there but it was never done. Headband has no padding on the top, and it can be uncomfortable to wear if you have the headset on for a while.
 

BAD.

The colour on the packaging and promotional photos isn't the headset true colour.If the headset had been photographed properly I would have not chosen the blue colour heaset. Please, Pioneer masterminds, provide professional photos that reflect the true colour of your products. Otherwise, what's the point?

10/21/2020

LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell (Online Service)


My employer has a package of sessions available for each staff member due to the nature of the work we do, but the consultations can be used to sort out personal stuff from marital problems to grieving to finances or other personal issues. 
 
One can book the session in advance or use the after-hours service, on the spot, if necessary. Booking is hassle free and the phone "reception" staff are really helpful and efficient. 
 
I have had different counselors in my consultations and they range from really helpful and empathetic, so you can tackle the issue at hand from a new perspective, feel listened and helped to, to the really uninterested incompetent professional that is like talking to a wall, don't know what active listening is and are a waste of your time because you won't get anything good out of the session. These professionals are paid for their consultations, so I found the presence of latter type worrisome and annoying. 
 
I would recommend customers not to stick to any professional that is not really helpful, even if the professional pressures you, because the service does not demand that from you. You can swap professionals if you want or can choose one for all your consultations if you feel they are making a difference for good.
 
Quality of sound in all the calls has been deficient, perhaps because staff are working remotely from home during COVID.