What comes of good customer service

Many of you know I work in retail, namely in a department store somewhere between Macy’s and JCPenney’s. Not totally upscale, but not super cheap, either. Some days are much busier than others. On the days that are less busy, I’m able to provide somewhat “better” (by that I mean more focused, detailed, attentive) customer service to customers in my fairly small plus-size clothing department.

Last week Tuesday, a woman came in with her two daughters. Her husband had recently crossed, and she needed some new clothing after losing a large amount of weight and deciding not to wear sweatpants every day. So, in they came, looking around, checking out different colors and styles. I paid attention to them, providing what help I could, answering questions when I could. When they completed their shopping, I wanted to let them know that, if they were able, they could come back on Wednesday and save an additional 20% on everything for a special sale. I went through and tallied everything, the price Tuesday and the price (with the discount) on Wednesday. It was a rather significant difference, over $100 would be saved. They agreed that was a much better idea, and I put everything on hold for them overnight.

When they came back on Wednesday, they tried on a few things more and added some more items to their purchase. I calculated the new total, and shared it with them. Just under $200, they saved almost as much as they spent, and the mother went home with nearly an entire new wardrobe. Both daughters expressed their gratitude for helping find the right things, as well as letting them know about the sales and the special savings. Now, these were not ill-dressed womyn. I mean, they had serious fashion sense. So it was a really nice compliment.

Flash forward to this morning, a week after the initial visit, and I get a phone call. The more-financially-involved daughter is on the phone, telling me how grateful she was for my assistance and “stellar” customer service, and commenting on sharp I was and how well I knew my department and how on top of things I was. She then asked if I had considered looking “to do something other than what I am doing now.” The implication was, have you considered looking for another job? She wanted to have a meeting with me to determine if things would be compatible for the possibility of working at her office, an office of Primerica Financial Services. Right, I know. Like, this could be a real solution to some of my recent troubles.

So, 5pm (Central Time) on Thursday, I’m having a business meeting with this womyn. We’ll find out about compatibility, and maybe there’s a job waiting for me there.

If you’ve got a spare, send a good thought my way. After a recent string of non-interviews, I can use all the help I can get.