Who says that Customer Service is Dead?

Personally, I find it sad that politeness is now a novelty. The fact that you are genuinely taken a back by just plain friendliness speaks volumes about our culture. Is it really that difficult to smile and practice good manners?

On average I am one of those people who say that Customer Service is dead... the majority of us are far too self centered to even contemplate going out of our way for anyone else. However, I have found that there a number of places where this line of thought does not hold true: Mainly, in smaller businesses, where store owners are store owners because they believe in their products and enjoy what they are doing. There is a coffee shop near my mother called the Coffee Grinder... little place, great coffee - Anne's Blend is delicious (dark, robust, with vanilla overtones). The previous owner was this good natured old man who really loved a good shot of espresso. It was recently purchased by a woman with a charming attitude, who again loves the smell of coffee and seems to be perpetually smiling.

Have you ever purchased anything from Anna Maria Horner's website? Same principal holds true. They are so nice; you just want to support their efforts.

Most recently however I was looking for some solid fabric to compliment Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet 2. I begrudgingly headed off to Joann's (we have a love hate relationship). As usual, there was no help to be found and they had little to no selection of solids. I can't say it was that disappointing, because in all honesty my hopes were not that high. With hesitation, I began to look online; colors never seem to be quite the same on your screen as they are in person. I remembered reading about a Kona Color Card on Film in the Fridge... Did a little research and sure enough Pink Chalk Fabrics has Kona Color Cards, which is this handy little thing that has swatches of all the Kona Solids.

Perfect! Then, I could be sure that the solids I was buying online really did compliment the prints I had at home... not to mention that Kona Solids are $0.49 a yard cheaper at Pink Chalk than they are at Joann's... And they have a Much larger selection... AND I don't have to go to Joann's and endure their horrifyingly long lines! Oh the euphoria!!

I logged on to Pink Chalk only to find they have sold out of Kona Color Cards... Rats... and they are not sure when they will be receiving more... Double Rats! Despite this set back I decide send an to email their customer service address to ask to be alerted when the Cards are back In Stock and mention that I was hoping to match the Meadowsweet 2 line. An hour or so later I received an email back from Kathy letting me know that I have been added to the "alert-list" and inviting me to send scraps of the fabric for them to match... Whaaaaa! Holy Crap... Are you kidding!?!

I sent them off that night, and you know what... she emailed me back with the colors she thought coordinated the best, picture and all! I was so excited not to mention impressed. Isn't that amazing! I ordered four of her choices and could not be happier. I highly recommend Pink Chalk, just really wonderful service and a very nice selection. Awe-some.