Posted in Homestead

Are lives are so busy and chaotic these days, that you may feel as though you have no extra time.  When it comes to being a consumer, this can be a detriment.  I cannot count the number of times that I have had experience as a customer or with a product that I feel should brought to the attention of the company, but the chaos of life can prevent me from doing so.  More and more, people are taking less time to contact companies about products or services.

This is a large part of the fact that people get the idea that companies don't care.  However, my experience has been that they do.  Companies do want your business and they care what you think, for the most part.  If you own or purchase something that you feel exceeds your expectations, take time to call the company.  Yes, you can use a few moments on the internet to go to the company's website and email a commant as well.  However, because they kow that people lead busy lives, they cherish those phone calls even more.  Everyone likes to have a pat on the back, but companies truly want to know when they are doing a good job, manufacturing a good product, or are providing a good service.  More often than not, they will make it worth your time by offering coupons for their products and/or services. 

This holds true when you call to report products and services that are not up to snuff.  For example, the hubby and I visited Cracker Barrel for lunch one day.  I was thoroughly disappointed to find what they had put in front of me as my meal.  Later that week, I called to let them know that I found their product unacceptable.  They took my name and number and thanked me for contacting them.  A few days later the manager of the Cracker Barrel we ate at, contacted me to get a more full picture.  As a token of his appreciation for taking time to alert him to the situation, he sent us a coupon for 2 free meals.  Other calls I have taken the time to make is to report exceptional customer service, an exceptional product, a suggestion for improving a product, an idea for a new usage of a product, poor customer service, a product that has been a great disappointment.  Each time I have been offered something from the company as a thank you for taking the time to contact them. 

I am not suggesting you call every company for every product you use or service that you recieve, because you would be on the phone constantly, and no one has time for that.  However, when something is above or below the norm or your expectations, take time out of your life to contact the company.  Not only may your opinions affect positive change, but you will most times be rewarded for your time. 

These are my thoughts.