Having posted new content each day since the first post on February 13, 2011, I will be taking a break from the posting schedule to spend with my family. This reprieve will hopefully rejuvenate my creative juices, so I will be ready to present new content in 2012.
Rather than ignore the blog during this time, I have chosen to re-post the Top 10 articles of Using Time Wisely (decided by viewing count) from this year. The list will begin tomorrow with #10 and countdown to #6. After a Christmas post, the countdown will continue until #1, revealed on December 30, 2011.
As a preview today, I will share my favorite post from the year (which did not make it on the list). Enjoy this trip down memory lane while using time wisely.
Customer Service: Publix
Photograph Credit: Flickr (otherstream's)
Happy Hump Day! In our area of South Carolina, many students returned to school today. With the hustle and bustle of getting up early, eating breakfast, packing lunches, getting pictures, and arriving on time, many moms will be exhausted by 10:00 a.m. If you are feeling this way, hang in there. It will get easier!
To bring a smile to your face, I get to share a great customer service experience. Do you remember when I asked for your customer service stories? Well, a friend (let’s call her Melinda) posted her experience on Facebook, and I was floored with the customer service shown to her. After corresponding with her, Melinda has agreed to let me share her story with you.
The Situation
After a Monday morning workout, Melinda used her time wisely to stop by Publix (grocery store) on her way home. Without her 4 children in tow, she was able to gather her items and proceeded to the checkout counter. While the cashier was scanning her items, Melinda realized that she was without her wallet. (Oh, no!) Without panicking, Melinda told the cashier that she could not pay for the items, so the cashier called for her manager to void the transaction.
The Solution
When the manager arrived at the register and heard that Melinda was without her wallet, he responded, “Oh, she comes in all the time. Go ahead and finish her order. She can take it home and come back later and pay.”
WOW!
This manager understands customer service!
- He knew that Melinda, a loyal customer, would come back to pay – which she did.
- He knew that it would take more time to restock the items and have her come back to shop again.
- He knew that a little kindness goes a LONG way.
The Aftereffect
Free publicity. Melinda hopped on Facebook to share Publix’s incredible customer service. Her friends commented, and the story is now posted on Using Time Wisely to continue spreading the word of Publix’s great customer service.
Trust. From this example of customer service, I know that Publix is concerned about their customers. As a shopper, Melinda was a person first and then a customer. This manager knew this mama had mouths to feed and extended kindness in her time of need. The manager trusted Melinda, and in turn, I trust Publix.
Loyalty. I love shopping at Publix!
- Their staff is always available, helpful, and friendly.
- Their store is clean, organized, and accurate (10 items or FEWER).
- Their image is honest, kind, and trustworthy.
As this manager resolved a customer service situation, his act of kindness to Melinda in her time of need has increased my trust and loyalty in Publix where “shopping is a pleasure!”