Update as of May 2019.
Unfortunately, I am downgrading my review rating from 4 to 2 stars.
All went well initially at this branch. Unfortunately, follow up has not been acceptable, in regards to our investment portfolio.
I contacted Mike K. 4 times before I received an e-mail reply to some pertinent questions that we had. His explanation, it was RRSP season and he was very busy.
I contacted him again recently with a couple of other ??'s and again, no reply. This time, I didn't bother writing again. I can understand being busy but following up with clients IS important and it should be a given.
We ended up going over to BMO and got the answers we needed there. Something wrong with that scenario!
We are looking at other options now as I've had enough of this kind of follow up "service" with RBC Investments.😣
........
My previous 4 star review....
We recently began banking at the downtown Nanaimo branch of the Royal Bank. It has mainly been a positive experience to date, especially regarding their friendly and welcoming staff.😊
First of all, a special mention of Mike K. , their "go to" investment guy!
We had been trying to work through what seemed to be a complicated employment pay-out situation and some other related matters. Thanks to Mike's expertise, friendly attitude and prompt attention to our needs, we were able to get things explained completely to our satisfaction and what we needed done, during two short appointments. To say my husband and I were impressed would be an understatement! We had previously been dealing with someone about this whole situation who had made it needlessly time consuming and one big hassle. Thanks to Mike, that has now been put behind us. What a relief!😊
Other superior staff at this branch who we have had the pleasure of interacting with so far include- (and in no particular order)😊
-Ivona, a teller with always greets you with a big smile and great attitude. It's always a treat to chat with Ivona!
-Sherri, another one of the tellers. Sherri is warm, welcoming and very quick and efficient at her work.
-Tiegan and Brandon, also tellers and service representatives and two very pleasant guys to interact with.
-Keven, a banking advisor who we have only spoken with briefly so far. But he already left us with a good impression as pleasant, respectful and knowledgeable about RBC products and services. We would both be happy to work with him in the future, for other banking needs.
The one star taken off has nothing to do with staff but rather the fees charged at this branch for even the basics. Having to pay for even printing regular transactions, a dollar a cheque, no waiving of fees even with a substantial balance....that is NOT appreciated! 😣 This is another way to show customers that they are valued. In this regard, RBC definitely needs to " get with the program"! Especially when comparing their fees with other local banks we go to.
Overall, this has been a good choice for a bank to work with in Nanaimo, especially when it comes to personnel. A warm, welcoming attitude goes a long way when it comes to retaining customers at any business.
Now, if they would just do something about those " nickel and diming" fees, 😣 we'd be even happier and they'd rate that fifth star!😂