Congratulations Francesca Riley!

New Zealand is a nation of keen DIYers - however most of us rely on the expertise of those in the know for advice and support.

Sales Assistant Francesca Riley of Bunnings Warehouse in Whangarei impressed DIYer Kendra Greenwoord with her knowledge, advice and top customer service.

Kendra explains why she nominated her for an MYOB Awesome Service Award:

"My partner and I are both keen DIYers but inexperienced. We needed paint to match a wall and took a section of the old colour to match up to Bunnings in Whangarei. Overwhelmed by the array of colour charts available we asked for help. Francesca showed us how to make a frame over our existing sample and the colour charts so we could best match the colour. We were flustered as there was such a range but she told us to take our time and she loved matching colours and helping people make choices for their homes. She explained how our existing colour may be of a different brand to those available or may have faded over time. She listened to our description of where we were using it and advised on whether to go a shade lighter or darker. She also explained that when on the wall the colour we had chosen may appear lighter. When we had narrowed it down to a shade she mixed a sample up in both low sheen and semi gloss to match the existing finish. We then needed to the base white and again Francesca listened carefully to where we were using it, and by this time where else we may be using any extra, and showed us a brand on special (saving us $100) which was as good for our purposes as the better known brands as it was made by one of the known brands but had a different label. The paint was duly mixed up and she then took the time to sample it again on a card, and to advise us to add another shot of the colour for reasons discussed before. We were in the store for quite a long time - but we enjoyed our visit, making our house into a home suddenly seemed like fun. We have since painted said wall and a couple of other bits and Francesca's advise was totally sound.  We were very impressed at her knowledge and customer service. She made me want to buy more paint just so I could learn more about the product and its uses Thank you for providing this opportunity to nominate someone for an award."

Congratulations to Francesca Riley of Bunnings Warehouse, Whangarei: A worthy winner of a KiaOraMai Awesome Service Award!

www.bunnings.co.nz