Take Care of “The Man”

In our current economy, as prices rise exponentially, on nearly everything, I’m often surprised at the rapid drop in customer service. Maybe it’s the inverse of higher prices=higher company demands=worse conditions for employees=lower morale=bad customer service. Just a thought.

Yesterday, I went to buy my wife some candles. She didn’t ask me too. No special occasion. Just wanted to be thoughtful. These weren’t just any candles; they were special candles that fill your home with aromas that take you far, far away! They make you think happy thoughts, and bring you constant joy and peace. Okay, not really…but she really likes them; I like to make her happy; I bought them.

The catch…they’re a bit more expensive than regular “store-brand” candles, and the price on them has nearly doubled in the last year or two (I do this 3-4x p/yr., so I pay attention). You would think, higher prices=better customer service. This formula was de-bunked as I stood in line yesterday.

From my long-time observation, 98% of this store’s customers are women. From my knowledge of the area we live in, probably 90% or greater of these women shoppers, do not work outside the home (I could be wrong, but guessing I’m not). So, assuming I’m closely accurate, 90% of this stores revenues come from the working spouse (“the man”). Armed with these statistics, and knowing that the store personnel should be aware I’m most likely not buying these candles for myself, the scenario should have played out differently.

I get to the counter with my candles (3 of them), pay and ask for a bag. The lady in front of me, who had just purchased candles as well, received a nice bag, with pretty, flowy paper, coming out, perfectly aligned…eye-candy, if you follow me here.

My bag…one piece of tissue paper, wrapped around (3) candles, tossed into bottom of said bag. Having just spent nearly twice the amount of money on (3) candles, as I did when I first started buying the lovely candles, for my lovely and adoring wife, I vow to never shop here again…until I get home, and she sees the gift; completely enamored by said FAVORITE candles and thoughtful husband, decide I will only by them to bring her joy.

Lesson learned: in hard times, take care of your customer (no matter their gender, and especially if you’re fairly sure they’re buying it as a gift); and do whatever it takes to bring joy to your wife’s face and heart…even if it is, three little candles.