Gift Mart

Category:	Gift Shop
Address:	11920 Westheimer Rd D, Houston, TX 77077, USA
Phone:	+1 281-759-4438
Rating:	3.6
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 4

Reviews 6

Edwin

**Updated to respond to reply from the owner (scroll down)** The person (older Indian guy) working the counter on Saturday, 11/12/16, has got to be the rudest person I have ever encountered at a business. This was my first and last time to visit this place. I walked in with the intention of sending a letter via USPS. When I asked the guy working the store what the difference was between one type of USPS shipping service an another, he asked me if I knew how to read. I proceeded to let him know that he was an idiot for talking to any customer that way, and he proceeded to tell me where the door was if I did not like the way he was talking to me. I am appalled at how someone with absolutely no sense of customer service could be placed behind a counter to help people. I understand Mr. Prashem Patel (the owner) used to be at the store himself and was very liked by his customers. Prashem, unfortunately, this guy has tainted a business you probably spent many years building, and if I were you, I would rethink having this guy work for me. This persons behavior was unacceptable, and I will absolutely be placing a complaint with the USPS Office of Inspector General. I strongly encourage others who have dealt with this guy to write a review in order to same someone a trip, but most importantly so that no other person has to experience this. ********** UPDATE: This is a reply to your reply. Just to clarify a few things: 1. There was only one person in front of me, and he was LEAVING the counter when your employee approached ME by the packaging center, therefore, there were no "customers before me to ignore"—check your cameras. The store was dead when all of this occurred. The people behind me were with me, and they can attest to everything in my review. 2. Let me be more clear: my question was not about what envelope was what, I was asking what the transit time was for each service. It is very hard for me to try and explain anything when his immediate reply is to ask me, in a very unfriendly tone, if I knew how to read. I can assure you that I DID NOT "misconstrue" anything, you should have seen his facial expression. Regardless of what type of day he was having, good or bad, you do not talk to customers that way, EVER. 100 years of providing "quality services" anywhere means nothing to me the one day that I am treated this way, so please do not use that as an excuse. 3. It looks like you probably did have a talk with your employee, but unfortunately, took the subjective approach and sided with him. Of course he is going to tell you he was in the right, and, I, the customer was in the wrong. Nice try, but replying to NEGATIVE reviews in hopes that you will sway others into thinking that the customer is always wrong, will only work for some. And, I only bring ethnicity into the review so that you would know which employee I am talking about, since he would not give me his name. Owner, take my review for what it is worth. Instead of bashing the customer for writing an honest review, you should try to IMPROVE your CUSTOMER SERVICE. I suggest you start by accepting constructive criticism and putting your employees through some TRAINING. To other service providers, please learn from this incident and accept when an employee is in the wrong—acceptance goes a long way. And, please do not refer to those who are spending their hard-earned money for your services and demand great customer service as "difficult customers."

A Private User

In the past I would give the Gift Mart a 5 out of 5. But today was a very strange day. I usually go there to ship small packages to Canada. Ive never noticed a huge difference with prices though he has seemed slightly more expensive than at the regular USPS. Today I was going to be charged $55 approx. for 2 medium packages to be shipped within the United States. When I questioned the high prices and asked him to cross reference and verify, as I know from past recent experience USPS ground transportation is not that expensive, he told me he didnt want my service any longer and told me to leave his shop. Ive been a loyal customer since my husband and I moved to Houston a year and a half ago and I can say he has lost my business. Its unfortunate because like the other reviewers mentioned, in the past he has been very friendly and helpful. The only thing I can figure is he knew he was in the wrong and instead of confessing hed rather lose a customer.

Lorena Weinstein

Not an honest person!!! I sent two large packages last week and he said it was cheaper with FedEx ground. He pretended to check online but evidently lied... They came up to $54 and $44 accordingly with FedEx, and I trusted him. Now I just checked online with USPS and it would have been way cheaper (around $40 for the largest package including $500 insurance)... Also, I asked him to notarize a document yesterday which is usually $10. He made a copy of my drivers license and notarized that as well saying that it was mandatory in the state of Texas and wanted to charge me an extra $10... I am not stupid, so I refused to pay for that, and he attempted to keep the copy he had made of my DL. I told him he cant legally do that, so I took it and shred it. I am never going back to this place. Beware of this crook!!!

Lady M

I have been Mr Patels customer for the past 2 years. I am a very demanding person and had been looking for a reliable postal office for my small business. He has welcomed me with open arms and has been my trusted location for all my mailing needs, notaries, mail boxes, and packaging. I do not understand the negative reviews of this place. He has been at this location for years and would have not continue to stand if customers did not receive good service. Many places have long lines, rude employees, and a disorganized environment. He has been nothing but professional, and above all. reliable. I recommend him, regardless of what others have said. Small businesses like these are under constant attack, and it is important to know that such services are needed in the community.

Veronica B.

I have been a customer here for over a decade. The customer service is more than I could have imagined. Patel and his wife are the sweetest people I know in the industry! He calls when my packages arrives and once stayed a few minutes after closing so I could pick up my meds. Recently, I went in for service and Patel could tell I was low in spirit. He spoke so profoundly and encouraged me not to focus on what was before me but what was ahead. He told me God will close one door to open 10 more! Because of Patel, I dismiss negative thoughts and have not hung my head since. He is a hidden jewel in the community. Thanks Gift Mart Family for all you do!

Andrea Perez-Abreu

Did not have a very good experience here. The guy charged me $5 per box so that I could have my things packaged. I went around the back and saw that he was packaging my things in an old box. When I asked him why he was charging me to package it in the old box he told me that he needed to be paid for his time. Had I know this I wouldve just bought the $2 box and packaged it myself. He then tried to get me to pay a $5 pick up cost for my ups box. Post offices do this for free and actually get paid to have their things picked up. Would not recommend this place. In-n-out shopping did not charge me a shipping cost at all; where I went afterwards.