Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The key to success...

...is not being a jerk to people who are trying to give you money.

After last night's Roseholme Cottage Key Drama, I headed out after breakfast this morning and pedaled up to Broad Ripple Ave., where I had an excellent customer service experience at Broad Ripple Lock Service. Compared to Captain Surly at the big box store, who gave us an only quasi-functional key and a great big side of attitude for the low, low price of almost four bucks, BRLS provided service with a smile and whipped out a pair of fresh copies that each work better than the original for just two bucks a piece. In return, they get this unsolicited testimonial for free.

See? It pays to be nice to your customers.

10 comments:

Billy Sparks said...

I learned a long time ago that big box (or actually anyone other than a true lock smith) sucks at key making. It seems so simple...sigh.

aczarnowski said...

It's nice to see there's still some Mom & Pop web design surviving against the onslaught of corporate brochure ware. I'm serious. It gives the tubes some charm.

Dock said...

Poignant, considering I just spent 1.5 hours on the phone with Microsoft trying to activate my just-paid-for product.

WV = ciumae; southern for "excuse me."

NattyBumpo said...

The last time I needed a key, I went to the Orange Box store--apt that their "guy' is named Homer-- and I almost made the dang thing myself. Not like it takes much with the new-fangled machine and all.

Pappy said...

Why is it that every time you type Broad Ripple, my mind conjures up Beech Grove? I know the difference. Years ago I lived on the fringe of each. Oh well, at least I'm thinking of the correct county and state (I hope). Marion County Indiana, right???

Tam said...

Both in Marion Co., yup.

Broad Ripple is where the hippies are, and Beech Grove is where the FEMA Death Camp cleverly disguised as an Amtrak repair yard is. ;)

Anonymous said...

Be nice to customers?

You've never worked in a gun store then!

You have to sit, all day sit, on that stool with arms crossed and tell people "No!" Now, that's a full working day!

Gun stores=>comic book stores for those with burrito-stained flannel shirts, not burrito-stained t-shirts. Same neck beards.

Shootin' Buddy

atlharp said...

Amen to that. I never understood how people think that crappy customer service is going to help their business. I sell once fired brass, and I try to do my customers right on quantities. I always say to them if they are not satisfied, I will find a way to make it right. I understand that some people may end up being pricks, but it doesn't mean I have to be.

CGHill said...

I had an actual locksmith out to the premises earlier this year after screwing up my back door beyond my capacity to fix it. Guy replaced the hardware, rehung the door, and cleaned three external locks, for well under $100. I have learned: when in doubt, call someone who knows the territory, not just someone who can read the map.

rickn8or said...

"Customer service"?

Who'da thunk THAT was a good idea??