Service

Today I ran some errands. One trip was to the Walmart on the Boulevard. Lately Jarod and I have been noticing how people don't care about service - customer service or otherwise anymore. The ironic thing is that in this economy, the amazing customer service is what brings people back. Now, Walmart seems to be the exception because they can monopolize the market with their cut-throat prices most of the time. In some areas, the Walmart is the go-to place because it is close, cheap, there are not other options, or one might describe it as a place of routine.

Today was different. I was on my own and doing a quick run-through for the things Jarod had requested. I arrived at the front of the store with my 10 items, debating which line would get me through the fastest. Do I pick the speedy check out lane? Do I find the one with the shortest line? I have always picked poorly according to Jarod because by the time we reach the front of the line the person in front of us undoubtedly always uses a check. Come on, who in this day and age uses a check at places like Walmart? Anyway, I was debating my choices so I could get home the quickest and opted for the speedy, 20 items or less lane. (These are usually not the best choice when there are other available options. In our area, the speedy lane is where the slower cashiers work so they don't slow down the heavier flow lanes.)

To my surprise I was met with a guy who seemed to take his position seriously. He sped through the items of the customer in front of me, placed the items in their cart as they paid, and was swiping my own items before the customer in front of me had even exited the space in front of me. By the time I could get my cart into place to grab the bagged items, this cashier quickly put my things in my cart and was ready for my payment. I was given the receipt as soon as my card was put in my purse.

Cheesy as it may sound, I was probably halfway to the door of the Walmart before I even realized what had actually happened. Normally I am a customer who is patient enough to wait in line by checking my Facebook on my phone or looking at the 'As Seen On TV' items in the check-out lanes. I wish I would have taken note of this worker's name so I could give him some kind of recognition. These days, great customer service is such an unfamiliar concept (sad but true) and when it appears it should not only be noticed but greatly appreciated.