I bet I'm not the only one who usually expects the worst when it comes to customer service.  I used to have high expectations, but as I get closer to 40 (only 2 months away!) I start to realize I need to lower those so I'm not always upset.  I have two examples of customer service and yes, one of them has a happy ending!

During the busy shopping season, my husband and I rushed into one of the big stores to remain unanimous.  I have only step foot in there 2 times in the past year due to the fact I don't like to support China, but at this time I had no choice.  It was close to that big day of gifts and I had to work everyday.  Anyway, we rushed in before work one Friday morning, loaded the cart, and ran off to the register.  We ran to our car and unloaded, took it to the office and hid the *stuff*.  About a week after Christmas I reviewed my receipts.  I found we were charged for 2 items twice.  I took the receipt back into that un-named store and was told, "sorry".  That extra $50 that got charged to my card will not be refunded.  I was told "You should've called about a week ago so we could ask the cashier if she remembered your items".  Right!  If she did, then she wouldn't have scanned twice and overcharged 2 items!  I begged the manager for some help.  After being told I waited too long, I walked out, vowing to never go back.  I told the story to another mom I saw while walking out.  She told me my expectations are too high..

OK, here is the GOOD STORY!!  I had never bought a new oven before.  A week before Thanksgiving my old oven caught on fire while preheating to bake cookies!  I went to Kees Appliance in Aberdeen and they helped me decide a good pick for a replacement.  They made sure my oven was installed before Thanksgiving   During the install, something went awry and an indicator light went out.  No problem, they'd have a local repair company come and fix it.  It was either 3,4 or 5 visits from the repair place later, and now the back burner wasn't working.  I was left with the oven turned off and the breaker off.  Hmmm...  I had in-laws coming to visit from Florida that next day!

Kees Appliance ordered me a replacement oven and came and installed it within 4 days.  Vern was very polite when I wasn't at my best.  I appreciate their service and want to tell people... this is one huge reason to shop locally.  Whether it's ovens, clothing, food, Internet or other items, shop locally for the personal service.  Always remember too that it is real PEOPLE that are running businesses.  They are humans too.