Name	Linde Augenstein
	Position	Owner
	Company	Blink Optometrists
Nation-wide businesses offer many consumer advantages - from standardized opening hours, to being able to offer lower prices because of their buying power, and consistency of service.  Indeed, Barkers Mens Clothing managing director, Zac De Silva, was the first person to win an Awesome Service Award.   Yet our lives would be very different without the tens of thousands of stand-alone New Zealand businesses that provide vital products and services, and often treat customers and clients like family.  Awesome Service Award winner Linde Augenstein, who owns and operates boutique business Blink Optometrists in Birkenhead, on Auckland's North Shore, is a good example. Customer Brenda Ieriko explains why:   "Dear Awesome Service Awards, after a bad experience buying glasses from a large chain optometrist which were overpriced and of average quality, I had low expectations when I approached local small business "Blink." It was a delight and surprise that instead of getting ripped off or paying more than I could afford, I found understanding, flexibility and helpfulness from the owner/ operator. Blink had excellent deals, which meant I didn't blow the budget, and owner Linde provided other discounts which I felt beyond the service I would receive from competitors. Oh what a relief! I later went in for contact lenses, worried about the cost, but again Blink offered ultra competitive pricing, for which I was so appreciative. Linde's knowledge and understanding of business and customer service are refreshing and along with her warm and welcoming receptionist, it makes Blink a place I want to go back to and recommend to friends and ZB listeners. Thanks Linde! " Congratulations to Linde Augenstein of Blink Optometrists: Another worthy winner of an ASB Awesome Service Award 78a Birkenhead Ave Birkenhead Ph: 480 2146