Short Stories for National Customer Service Week

Bob Miller, manager of the First Watch Restaurant in Kansas City, purchased a large supply of umbrellas for his customers.  Attaching his business card to each one, he put them in a large container at the front door along with a sign that read:  "If you need an umbrella, please take one.  If you bring it back, we will  give you a free cup of coffee."

 

New Mexico Tea Company owner David Edwards' was staring at bankruptcy.  He needed a six months loan to get him from slow summer sales to profitable December.  An SBA loan would take months, the bank turned him down, and he needed cash fast.  He turned to his customers for help.  He created a clever gift card that could be purchased on PayPal--a $50 gift card purchased in the Summer but held until December could be used to buy $55 worth of tea.  A $100 gift card bought $115 worth.  The micro-lending concept was a huge success.  And, his loyal customers felt even more loyal.  People care when they share.

 

Michael Graze had been looking forward to his birthday party.  He and his mom had planned it out in great detail, inviting many of his school pals.  So when the six-year oldie's Power Rangers birthday cake from the local H-E-B grocery store arrived with Michael spelled "M-I-C-H-E-L-E" he was distraught.  The great centerpiece of the party had turned to an object of derision through a spelling error!  He swore he could never show his face in school again.When H-E-B'er Julie McCoy heard of Michael's plight from his mother, she didn't hesitate.  First, she was completely honest and took full accountability for the error.  Knowing that apologies and refunds would be small solace for a little boy's crushed spirit, she arranged for a new cake and a new party - this one at a local children's amusement park, with Michael as host and H-E-B footing the bill.

This is National Customer Service Week. What are you doing for your customers the other 51 weeks of the year?