X zone Is open and has not closed as pubished by others

[xzone nev 79]

I have to say Nev that trying to run a bar in Pattaya from Kuala Lumpur is a disaster waiting to happen. After all the money and effort invested could you have not got a Euro or at the least a well respected Thai Manager in while things were in their formative stages. Sorry to harp on but this is a management problem and the buck stops fair and square with you as you should have anticipated this. You have to recall that from the outset there has never been a time where things went to plan (read back through the posts) and to be brutally honest and were you my manager, I would have fired you by now.

 

Harsh? Yes, but I have managed enough larger organisations to know when I was being short changed in terms of supposed expertise and effort. You set this place up long distance, tried to manage it long distance when I think that we are all aware that a new Thai business needs micro management at the formative stages. Sure, some clubs/bars have trusted staff who handle delegation but this takes time and trust, neither of which you have had with your team.

 

Finally, as I said 200 posts ago, I want this place to succeed but you are going to have to get to grips with the Thai way of doing (or not doing) things and apply some hands on management.

 

Firstly your comments are noted and I commute between KL and Pattaya some times weekly so I do have a very hands on approach to this business. While I might not stay and drink in xzone every night I see no reason why I need too, to manage this business. I have a good size resort operating in Pattaya now for eight years successfully. So the business model works and these are Thai staff. so I think I have a fair understanding of the Thai methods or lack of methods.

 

I guess my success in international companies is why I do not work in your company ( sorry do you have one) I have three registered profitable companies. In fact I worked for the Thai government for two years on a major project so until you meet with me which you can anytime please do not make comments that you know me because you don't. By the way last months net profit was 39% of revenue after cost. For the first month not bad seeing that revenue for the month was the highest it has been for this year including prior to me buying the business.

 

( I would sack me too)

 

Iam not sure why you say that I have no hands on management in fact some would say too much hands management. These comments today seem to be a storm in a tea cup as most of the comments on the forum sites have been positive lately. For your information I did spend nearly a month in Pattaya full time setting this business up then very second weekend, sometime weekly until now. Businesses can be managed remotely I do not believe that Thailand is any different and have proven that with a successful resort and bar beer which I sold the beer bar a few years back.

 

Your comments that things have not gone to plan is not founded on fact we have had many good reviews in the forum site, sure I wished we had a easier start but tha'st history . It seems you are saying that the floods and lack of beer supply recently I should have resolve that issue too.

 

In regards to the manager I am well aware of the campaign to have her removed. Sure she has made some mistakes but her commitment and efforts have been more than I could ask for.

 

I believe in giving someone a fair go and she desires a fair go. Those how want to run their own agenda then should just find someone else to write about. This manager is doing the best she can and while she has issues with previous staff she has worked hard to get many things done which has taken allot of work.

 

Your comment about trust in the team, sure it takes time for me to trust them , you are more than aware of the activities before I bought this place. It is interesting that many of the new staff and old service staff come up and thank me for fixing many of the things that were wrong before.

 

I never expect to be liked by all that's the way of management because some will always disagree with your decisions. If you really as you state wish my business success how about writing a balance review when you visit xzone rather than making comments that lack substance.

 

Anyway now I sure I will get a tonne of hate comments for defending mysel,f the business and the manager but what the fuck needed to happen

[xzone nev 79]

Before you offered Black Label 2-4-1 all night.

 

Is this still available?

 

 

cheers

Rodney

 

yes still as before

[xzone nev 79]

How many bars have you run in Pattaya?

 

is this for me or teelack.

[Gabor 296]

Where's my gold card?.......Give me a few days to make up a good story!

 

And mine ??? However.... I'm shocked... this and the other loooong threads about the X-Zone talks about the lousy extra glass of draught beer ( I visited twice the venue and without telling or asking anything the two glasses arrived ...ice cold ... ) and no one words about the - IMO - main attraction .... the girls... I'm personally happy to pay the 95 baht for one draught beer if the bar is good, whilst the 29 baht special offer is a wasted money if the bar.... I mean the girls.... don't worth it...

 

However.... guys, remember and appreciate... at least one barowner talking with us, whilst some others try to cheat us with the unrecognizable agency girls...from the dark shadow....

[papillon 695]

Ok to explain for you. Your happy drinks remain the same nothing has changed but as you know we only offer certain drinks during happy hour not all. So if your wish to drink the happy hour drinks all night you can as before. If you want to drink non happy hour drinks then you use the discount card and get ten percent off all night.

 

Can I get 241 on bottles of San Miguel Lite all night?

 

is this for me or teelack.

 

Question was for Teelak

[capdagde 1,954]

Re: Opening Post

 

Anyone think that someone confused X Zone and X Zyte? Far away from each other and completely different but, after a skinful, EXACTLY THE SAME ! (and MM posted the other day that one of them had been "closed for ages" - which one?)...

 

Wehey!

 

Andy Cap

 

P.S. Do I get extra marks for paying attention?

Edited December 14, 2011 by capdagde

[Bazle 1,452]

However.... guys, remember and appreciate... at least one barowner talking with us, whilst some others try to cheat us with the unrecognizable agency girls...from the dark shadow....

Good point! At least Nev is taking on board the points we have made. More than can be said of places like Heavens Above!

[Gabor 296]

I decided to visit the X-Zone, just having a beer and checking the many moans...and going home... anyway a tired day... The bar had a good business, many farangs, the show going on, despite of the lack of the hard cored gynos... I ordered a draught beer and as usual the 2 glass of the draughts landed on my table ( still ice cold ) without any secret passwords or asking for it ... I tried my chances with the discount card... I told to the waitress a simple sentence: " White Card, Pattaya talk ". No any complicated explanations in english, starting the history from the year 1879.... I think, many english speaking guys make the mistake thinking the thais speaking the english language like them... and try to be smart in the verbal mode... I noticed, my broken english is appreciated much better, than the native english... a hint... try to dumb down your english.. and you will able to make better conversations... If you try to impress the girls with your verbal facetiousness, they will still nod and laugh, despite they don't understand at all what did you try to tell... anyway boring, just a pretend... However I got my white card immediately with my basic sentence without any hassle or questions...

 

 

More stories about my very best barfine from the bar are here:

 

http://www.pattayata...post__p__932726

Edited December 14, 2011 by Gabor

[MM 6,562]

I went into Xzone where they don't know me from Adam, and as I was ordering I told the service girl that I was a "forum member". She rightly enlisted the aid of what might have been a mamasan, ahd the "forum member" rule kicked in.

I waited anxiously to see what my "Heineken" order had turned into, but it was a short wait.

 

The waitress brought me two Heineken's and a bill for one.

 

Congrats, nev, they are getting better.

 

Here's the proof....

[teelack 9,352]

TO XZONE NEV

 

Hi there Nev.

 

I dont often back down but I do realise that my recent tirade was a bit rude and I also committed the sin of key-boarding whilst under the influence! Sorry about the tone if not all the content.

 

Can I make the following suggestion?

It seems to me that the real issue here and the one that caused so much angst is that people just dont know what their X Zone experience will be like in terms of Forum Membership. Most of the responses are people puzzled by what they are allowed and what they are not and at what price and between what hours. This I believe is also an issue with your staff. Can I simply suggest that you sit down and write a definative bullet pointed statement and put it on the sites that are of interest to you. Its reasonable to suggest that after some time that you should now be chrystal clear about the deal.

 

You can then simply refer any more confused people to that statement and that will be an end to it. You might even think to have it translated into Thai and given to the staff as well.

 

I think that it is demeaning to customers having to 'bargain' for their rights. I know that personally I would rather not ask for a discount (and I note that others see it this way as well)rather then get into a protracted discussion with the staff over the rights and wrongs of the policy that we both think is in place.

 

Best wishes and over to you and once again sorry if I was a bit stroppy!

[kaiser71 30]

Can I get 241 on bottles of San Miguel Lite all night?

Third time's a charm.

[xzone nev 79]

TO XZONE NEV

 

Hi there Nev.

 

I dont often back down but I do realise that my recent tirade was a bit rude and I also committed the sin of key-boarding whilst under the influence! Sorry about the tone if not all the content.

 

Can I make the following suggestion?

It seems to me that the real issue here and the one that caused so much angst is that people just dont know what their X Zone experience will be like in terms of Forum Membership. Most of the responses are people puzzled by what they are allowed and what they are not and at what price and between what hours. This I believe is also an issue with your staff. Can I simply suggest that you sit down and write a definative bullet pointed statement and put it on the sites that are of interest to you. Its reasonable to suggest that after some time that you should now be chrystal clear about the deal.

 

You can then simply refer any more confused people to that statement and that will be an end to it. You might even think to have it translated into Thai and given to the staff as well.

 

I think that it is demeaning to customers having to 'bargain' for their rights. I know that personally I would rather not ask for a discount (and I note that others see it this way as well)rather then get into a protracted discussion with the staff over the rights and wrongs of the policy that we both think is in place.

 

Best wishes and over to you and once again sorry if I was a bit stroppy!

 

No problems we have all done the email or key board spew , your suggestion has been enacted already. The manager will issue Thai cards to the service people today.

 

For the board members only this is what you can get.

 

ALL night long, two for the price of one the following drinks.

Heineken bottle

draft beer leo

Gin tonic

Vodka

Red label wiskey

Thai Wiskey

Tequila

 

My staff have some problem understanding the word forum so as Gabor suggested keep the english simple. The staff said they understand pattaya email or pattaya internet so use any of those two phases and you should have no problems. if you do just ask to speak to service manager, she will clear quickly.

 

Please remember if you are drinking these drinks your discount card will not apply as these drinks are the Happy hour drinks with the inclusion of Heineken for forum members only.

 

The discount cards are available white is free and gives 10 percent of drinks only , EXCLUDES HAPPY HOUR DRINKS AND LADY DRINKS.

 

The gold card costs 1000 baht but gives you 20 percent of drinks barfines and free VIP room.EXCLUDES HAPPY HOUR DRINKS AND LADY DRINKS.

 

This should be clear now. any questions just ask thanks for the ideas they help to improve our service.

[papillon 695]

For the board members only this is what you can get.

 

ALL night long, two for the price of one the following drinks.

Heineken bottle

draft beer leo

Gin tonic

Vodka

Red label wiskey

Thai Wiskey

Tequila

 

Not all drinks like you said before.

 

You've just lost me as a customer

[xzone nev 79]

Not all drinks like you said before.

 

You've just lost me as a customer

 

give me a break what are you looking for. This is our happy hour list as requested by another member and has always been the list with the inclusion of Heineken as requested. What have I missed that you want .

 

[gimmble 144]

What happened to Black Label?

 

Paps was refering to SM Light.

 

 

cheers

Rodney

[Bazle 1,452]

I hope you will accept a free gold card from myself as an apology for my staff poor treatment. I have already instructed my manager (puy) to arrange for you. You just need to bring your free silver card back and they will issue you a gold card which normally costs 1000 baht free of charge. This gives you 20 percent of all drinks barfines and free access to VIP room.

 

Nev

 

Why am I not surprised that this proved to be an abject failure!

 

I went into X-Zone at 9.30 this evening and immediately went and spoke to the cashier. I showed her my white card, pointed to my name written on it and said "Nev tell me on internet that if I give you white card, you give me gold card". Her response was to say that the gold card costs 1,000 Baht. So I repeated what I said, and she repeated what she said!

 

I asked her to call her manager. She ignored me and set about counting bags of 5 and 10 Baht coins. I assumed she was waiting for something but, after several minutes, it was obvious I was being cold-shouldered. So I asked her again to call her manager. She refused, and just said: "Manager come later".

 

After all of this thread, I could not believe this one simple thing had not been communicated to the cashier. I was also surprised how rude the cashier behaved.

 

:banghead :banghead

 

Needless to say, I left.

[Grandpollo 366]

I think this thread is great and, IIRC, there has been at least one more or less just like it, in that is has not managed to clarify nor deliver something so simple as a card for forum members and how that card works.

 

I haven't seen this saloon but just based on this 66 posts and counting dialogue I will go next trip if only to (try) to get a card and to see if I can get a two for one G and T.

 

Great fun watching TIT in action. Please stay in business for a few more months.

Edited December 15, 2011 by ricktoronto

[xzone nev 79]

Why am I not surprised that this proved to be an abject failure!

 

I went into X-Zone at 9.30 this evening and immediately went and spoke to the cashier. I showed her my white card, pointed to my name written on it and said "Nev tell me on internet that if I give you white card, you give me gold card". Her response was to say that the gold card costs 1,000 Baht. So I repeated what I said, and she repeated what she said!

 

I asked her to call her manager. She ignored me and set about counting bags of 5 and 10 Baht coins. I assumed she was waiting for something but, after several minutes, it was obvious I was being cold-shouldered. So I asked her again to call her manager. She refused, and just said: "Manager come later".

 

After all of this thread, I could not believe this one simple thing had not been communicated to the cashier. I was also surprised how rude the cashier behaved.

 

:banghead :banghead

 

Needless to say, I left.

 

Ok Bazle fuck me i should give up but I will not. Did you knock back but my cashier for a short time or something seems not to want to help you.

 

Anyway as I said I will not give up I will do myself . Please send me an address or somewhere I can deliver the card via personal message and I will bring to you. Or if you want I will be in x zone tomorrow night so i will have your card with me and will give to you.

 

let me know

 

Nev

[xzone nev 79]

I think this thread is great and, IIRC, there has been at least one more or less just like it, in that is has not managed to clarify nor deliver something so simple as a card for forum members and how that card works.

 

I haven't seen this saloon but just based on this 66 posts and counting dialogue I will go next trip if only to (try) to get a card and to see if I can get a two for one G and T.

 

Great fun watching TIT in action. Please stay in business for a few more months.

 

look forward to seing what happens when you come we will have these girls trained by then.

[xzone nev 79]

What happened to Black Label?

 

Paps was refering to SM Light.

 

 

cheers

Rodney

 

SM light imported so two for one all night would cost me to sell, Before those start the maths you need to add the cost plus the percentage of overhead cost to determine the break even amount. In regards to black label I can do this one due to volume so Rodney I will add this you can always get ten percent by the card when buyinh something else.

[Grandpollo 366]

look forward to seing what happens when you come we will have these girls trained by then.

 

It won't be until after Songkran so I don't have a huge amount of confidence but either the card or the 241 will do. Just G and T, I won't throw a wobbly with this fancy pants San Miguel beer or Black Label.

 

Your staff will recognize me, I am the non-Thai asking for G and T.

[xzone nev 79]

It won't be until after Songkran so I don't have a huge amount of confidence but either the card or the 241 will do. Just G and T, I won't throw a wobbly with this fancy pants San Miguel beer or Black Label.

 

Your staff will recognize me, I am the non-Thai asking for G and T.

 

gin and tonic is no problem this has been added to Happy hour list. cards are working it is just a little hard get to get understood when we do something not as per the procedure they have. Like free card when you should pay.

 

But LD and barfines they seem to understand easy I wonder why.

[Bazle 1,452]

Ok Bazle fuck me i should give up but I will not. Did you knock back but my cashier for a short time or something seems not to want to help you.

 

Anyway as I said I will not give up I will do myself . Please send me an address or somewhere I can deliver the card via personal message and I will bring to you. Or if you want I will be in x zone tomorrow night so i will have your card with me and will give to you.

 

let me know

 

Nev

 

Nev

 

Thanks fot your reply. I will try to go X-Zone tomorrow. What time will you be there?

 

What is the issue with the cashier? Is she just refusing to follow instructions or did she not receive any?

 

Cheers.

 

Bazle

[xzone nev 79]

Nev

 

Thanks fot your reply. I will try to go X-Zone tomorrow. What time will you be there?

 

What is the issue with the cashier? Is she just refusing to follow instructions or did she not receive any?

 

Cheers.

 

Bazle

 

Bazle I will be there from 10pm till about 1am . She got the instruction so cannot say what her problem is. anyway I will fix personally and make your trip back worth the effort.

 

Nev

[Bazle 1,452]

Bazle I will be there from 10pm till about 1am . She got the instruction so cannot say what her problem is. anyway I will fix personally and make your trip back worth the effort.

 

Nev

 

Thanks, Nev. I will try to get there.

 

Am I going to have ongoing problems with the cashier's fellow service staff?