Learn from Frustration

Have you ever gone into a store and expect to be waited on hand-in-foot? Do you expect to be well-informed on products that are available? Would it make you feel good if someone took the time to get to know what you like and suggest items that suit your needs and wants? Normally, I don't expect to be helped. Most days, I prefer to be left alone and browse for items at my own pace. However, if I make a pricier purchase, I want the red carpet laid out for me.

Recently, I relocated and needed a few items to put into my place. As an advocate of supporting local businesses, I went into a local furniture and appliance store. The person working there was attentive, listened to what I wanted, and educated me. We developed a positive relationship and I decided to buy from her. I was convinced that I would make future purchases from the store and give her credit for each sale.

A few days later, I discovered the "relationship" that had been built was flawed. I spoke to her a couple times after I purchased the items. She was short with me and treated me like a second-class citizen, which is frustrating. It's one thing to receive terrible customer service, but it's worse to receive good service and then be treated terribly. I expect the person to be fake to a degree (commission-based job), but I didn't expect to see a 180 degree change after the sale.

It's easy to be bitter in this situation, but I am going to remain positive. For starters, my products weren't damaged (thank goodness). More importantly, when I go to bed each night, I know that I am not the type of person I know I couldn't, and wouldn't, treat someone the way the sales person treated me; that is a blessing. If you go through a similar situation, know that you are a good person at the end of the day and the person who wronged you has to live with him/herself.