Sometimes I think customer service is a lost art, and then other times I am blown away by someone with great customer service. Since I will be the first to e-mail or call when there is a problem, I also want to praise a company when they handle a situation well and exceed my customer service expectation.

Photography Credit: Bi-Lo

Shopping at our local grocery store, I have struck up a friendship with the bookkeeper, Laura. She is very friendly and has 3 children about the same ages as my three.

Since Laura works at the Bi-Lo grocery store near my son’s school and I am not planning to drive on that side of town this summer, I will miss her. Knowing someone at the store saves me time and energy.

When a bottle of dishwashing detergent leaked inside a bag of groceries, Laura wiped everything down and replaced the messy bottle. She also helped to adjust my receipt when the register missed doubling a $.50 coupon.

Besides helping with my shopping needs, she is pleasant and brightens our day. She communicates with my girls, and they look forward to seeing Miss Laura when we shop at Bi-Lo.

If I ever need an item out of stock, help reaching an item, clarification on a sale, or assistance with a leaking product, I can find Laura and know that she will either handle the matter or get someone to address the problem. I’m thankful for the friendship we have with Miss Laura, and I look forward to visiting with her again next school year.

Do you have a favorite cashier or store employee that gives you great customer service? Having that connection saves time and makes shopping enjoyable rather than a necessary errand. With so many companies downsizing, policy seems to be taking priority over customer service.

In an effort to encourage those who put the customer first, I would love to post your stories of employees that give great customer service. If you have a great story to share, then please contact me.