NOT Bitchin' and Moanin'


 So when I posted a rant the other day (https://bfthsboringblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/water.html), I said to my husband that I hate writing posts like that, but it seems like the only way to get corporate attention is to turn to social media.  (In addition to the tried and sometimes true, phone call or email to customer service.)  Sadly, it's been my experience over the years is the ONLY way to get a company to truly hear you (if they do at all) is to blast it out there.

My husband said I LOVE writing posts like that.  But that's not true.  I wish I didn't.  I wish corporations and companies would just do their jobs, but...

What I really like to do is RAVE about customer service.  When we get good customer service (or even just plain old customer service) I feel like you have to rave because it's so rare these days.  (Customer service seems to have gone the way of common sense.  Maybe they had a joint burial service?)

So let me tell you about some really good service that I've had recently.  (And this is not just to prove that I'm not a bitch!)

  • I've recently started to get my hair cut (and colored) at a local salon in PA.  It's a one on one experience, so you have the full attention of the owner/stylist.  My first experience was to go in for a 10 minute or so consultation so she'd know what I wanted.  Then a week or so later, I had my cut/color.  It was a wonderful experience.  Very relaxing and calming.  Just what I needed.  (The mimosa that I was offered didn't hurt either.)  The next time I went the experience was not as I had expected.  Instead of going into full detail here, I'll direct you to what I wrote at the time (https://bfthsboringblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/tales-of-customer-service.html) and say that a bad experience can be changed with good customer service and I can't imagine going anywhere else to get my hair done.
  • I know I talk about my pond a lot. The company that takes care of it exemplifies customer service.  Every time I have a question or concern they answer promptly.  If there is an issue they will come out right away or if they can't (which is completely understandable...I'm not their only customer, although I feel that I am often treated like I AM their most important customer), they let me know when they will be by.  They follow up.  They give wonderful advice.  But what I like the most is that they HEAR me.  They listen and provide solutions.   I feel like my business is important to them (as it should be).  They aren't a big company, but they could teach large corporations how customer service should be done.
  • With spring around the corner, I wanted a pedicure and I thought it was time to have one done in PA rather than waiting to go back to NJ and go to my "usual" place which is okay, but not fantastic.  I asked around on our local town social media board.  One place consistently came up.  And it was a place that I had been to before.  It had been okay, but again, was not that great.  (And definitely not as relaxing as I would have liked.)  When someone mentioned another salon around 20 minutes away, I checked it out, but they had no appointments available during the week that I wanted.  I responded to the person who had recommended it and she immediately responded, tagging the woman who does mani/pedis.  This person, who I will call B, also messaged me and said if I was available after 6 on Friday, she would be happy to help me.  The two of us tried to set up an appointment over FB messenger, but it didn't work.  She told me to call the salon; that they would be expecting my call.  I did and they were!  They knew when I was coming, they just wanted to confirm my name, number and make sure I had directions!  Now that is service!  The pedicure was great and afterwards I found out the B had stayed late just to take care of me.  (Believe me, I tipped well when I found out.)  Both B and the salon went way above and beyond. As a new customer I felt valued and as a result they now have a customer who will be coming back time and time again.  (Even if it's a bit further to go than I would like.)

 So customer service IS alive and well; as the above three instances prove.  I just wish other companies would learn from them.

 (As an aside, after posting to social media and emailing the water company's president, I did get a response...actually multiple responses.  I'm hoping my words will make a difference and that the channels of communication will be improved as a result...but don't hold your breath.)

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