Yeah, they're both big chains. Years ago Maplin used to be staffed by geeks - but now they're staffed by any old sod who fancies a job. Part of it comes down to the UK's somewhat more relaxed version of customer service - which here boils down to if the customer asks for something you may deign to speak to them, briefly.

It is great when people go beyond what's required - it's the sort of thing that makes you recommend them. I ++ recommend the place I got the clutch shoes for the DAF done because their services was excellent...