Redeeming Qualities

Warning: gzinflate() [function.gzinflate]: data error in /home/secretsh/public_html/wp-includes/http.php on line 1787

Angela Lechtenberg brings us a perspective from the other side of the customer service desk.

Redeeming Qualities

I don’t expect perfection in every business transaction after all; it’s not a perfect world. When something goes wrong, however, be prepared to redeem yourself and you may see me back again anyway.

Recently, I planned a birthday dinner party for my husband. I had a list of people to invite and a number in mind. I called a week ahead to make arrangements and the lady I talked with was helpful. “No problem” she said, “call back 2 days before to confirm the number”. She said they’d be busy but could definitely accommodate us. I felt good, even when my husband turned our party of 15 into a party of 22. I called right away and someone else told me it was still no problem. The came my obligatory confirmation call.

On the evening of the event we arrived 10 minutes early, only to be told by the woman that I had originally spoken with that our tables had been given away! After visions of 13 adults and 9 hungry children waiting an hour in a small lobby went away, I calmly explained to her my concerns. After all, I’d called twice and was told our tables would be ready. At first she tried excuses, (“the other person you talked to doesn’t work tonight”; and “People are just lingering longer”, but I was worried the party would be ruined. She could tell a mistake was made. And she said “I’m sorry. We’ll get you seated”.

By the time our party arrived it took only 20 minutes to get everyone seated. They worked fast clearing and moving tables. Our meal was good, service persons were enthusiastic and eager to help, and everyone had a good time. The restaurant staff redeemed themselves in our eyes and convinced us they wanted us back. We appreciated their effort and we will be back.

Tweet This Post 

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.