Sentimental

Yesterday, with the pouring rain and the still-missing cat, had me feeling blue and moderately out of sorts. Not depressed; I have happy pills for that. Just this feeling I still can't shake.



I miss Pandora, the furry little mouthpiece. Here she is with Sam, at one and a half months old.

This was in one of those forwarded emails I received recently. Puts me in mind to do something like it the next time I receive shoddy service.

There is little that I tolerate with less grace than bad or no service. I've worked in the service industry for years, and learned that rarely is it the product that brings people back as a repeat customer (unless there is no other supplier). Good service wins every time. Quality of service is one thing that can make or break a mom 'n' pop shop. So with all the competition for the all-mighty dollar, why are big box stores not making quality service part of their repertoire??

Picture it: yesterday, 'Z' store. Miserable day. Not a lot of shoppers out and about. I walked up to a checkout with several items. One item rings up over-priced. I point it out. The cashier says that that's what comes up. I suggest she verify. She stands there and points to the screen. "Can you get someone to check?", I ask. She finally calls and we stand there waiting, while long minutes pass by. I am getting irritated. No one responds to the call. She looks at me, with a look that clearly says to accept the price. She finally decides to do the price check herself, not securing her till (there wasn't anyone else waiting in line or another cashier around). Wow. Time passes. More time passes. She returns with a couple labels, none of which match my product. I consider saying all sorts of horrible things but choose instead to leave the items there and walk out of the store fuming. Grrrrr....