I ate crow. How to fix?

Anyone on this site knows I am not the biggest fan of my local FedEx driver. He couldn't find his own way home from his driveway. That being said, I have to say some things. Recently I have shipped out WAY more chameleons than I could have ever hoped or dreamed for. All arrived in great condition, so I am told. Thank you all involved in their delivery. This post is more about the OfficeMax employees though and how my opinion of them and their store went from a 0-10 in the course of several weeks. First of all, I still think they are overpriced. Done with that. I go to drop off a chameleon like normal one day. This employee, who always looks at me like he hates me, turns to the employee helping me and points to a sign. OfficeMax doesn't accept Live Animals for shipments. The store manager comes over, agrees to do it, since they had been doing it, and says he will look into it. I get home and look up the article on SYR just to reconfirm, call the manager back and inform him of the policy and why his website says they do take the shipment. All is well again. Here is the meat and potatoes. I find out, all of the employees, including the hater, have been setting my packages to the side for last, and directing the driver to place on top and what they are. How about that? Turns out the hater, just has a scowl on his face like me also, doesn't dislike me. How do I reward these guys for this? Let them know how appreciative I am. Two of these girls are absolutely petrified of my chameleons also. The hater could care less. So it is a big deal, in my opinion, to go the extra mile. thanx for any input and just wanted to share.

I would find out their names and write a letter to the manager and corporate letting them know that you appreciate their excellent customer service. I'm not sure if they could accept a gift or tip, since a lot of companies have policies against that. But, a letter of recognition of fantastic customer service is always allowed.

MelissaB said:

I would find out their names and write a letter to the manager and corporate letting them know that you appreciate their excellent customer service. I'm not sure if they could accept a gift or tip, since a lot of companies have policies against that. But, a letter of recognition of fantastic customer service is always allowed.

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I agree ^^^^
its so nice to hear a GOOD story

The store manager already knows, as he was there for the whole policy conversation and everything. I guess I should go by and get their names and follow thru with it. It was too weird, it threw me off my game. Applebees and Chic-Fil-A are right beside them. Maybe try and treat them too or something. They all said their boss was REAL laid back about policy.

There are a lot of people I like to thank for special service or just for being great in general who technically can't or won't accept tips or gifts. I always try to call the manager later that day or the next day with a compliment.

Another great thing to do is compliment someone by name on Twitter or Facebook to the corporate account. I have had numerous flight attendants, hotel staff, or just random employees be extra kind when travelling for work and having delays or changed plans - companies pay attention to social media and are always looking for compliments and positive spins (instead of complaints).

I have had Southwest, Delta, Marriott, Holiday Inn, and several other companies respond via Twitter. Hopefully, it trickled back down to something at the employee level.

As someone with a friend who works in a copy/shipping center, I can attest that food is a highly valued commodity.
She always gets excited when a customer brings in thank-you treats, and absolutely LIVID if any of her co-workers eat her share.
Food for thought!

I think both kudos and treats would be best.
My inclination would be to write directly to the corporate HQ to compliment the outstanding service these employees have provided, rather than solely via social media.

I have to admit that I find myself transforming into my parents (or grandparents) as I age...
"When I was growing up, it didn't matter whether you were a store clerk or the president of the company; people took pride in their work, no matter what their job was."

Nice that you've "caught" people behaving better than expected, as far too often, particularly in jobs where the pay is lower, we see apathy and carelessness.

Junglefries, it was truly refreshing to read your story.
You've successfully knocked my cynicism level down a whole notch
Thanks for sharing it.

For lovereps: I have literally switched people, since my son was born. I cared for two children for a friend of mine, while doing opposite work schedules. That way he could keep custody. No change. Low and behold, my own got to me I guess. The example I set for him, meant everything. Even though he is autistic and may not understand everything, I still catch myself behaving in ways I never would have before. I always had high moral and ethical values, but really didn't care about small things. Now, both my parents literally can't stand to be around me. I'm too goody too shoes. My dad actually hasn't talked to me in three years because of it. Would think he would be proud, not ashamed to have an upstanding child. About the only bad habit I kept was my humor and Pepsi. As far as the employees, you know they are making minimum wage working at the copy station, most likely. Yet, they took time to help me out, with an animal they are afraid of. I too, had though the world was doomed for my kid and our kid's kids. Maybe not.

Galaxy said:

As someone with a friend who works in a copy/shipping center, I can attest that food is a highly valued commodity.
She always gets excited when a customer brings in thank-you treats, and absolutely LIVID if any of her co-workers eat her share.
Food for thought!

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One of the ladies there and I had that discussion about the one employee who always steals the lunches. This person, stole the magnetic strip to her name tag back.

I know it's already been said, but as a person who works with the public, and gets to see them in all their glory, a letter to the higher-ups goes a long way. Added to that, a personal note of thanks to the employees in the store with some home-baked treats or a muffin basket really makes their day! Another idea might be gift cards for a local place for them to get their lunch for each of the stellar employees. Anyway that you go they will be thrilled!

update

The story gets even worse!!!!!! So again, I go in today to ship 6 more chams. A new girl is working with the hater. She smiles and goes 'I love chameleons!' I didn't even tell her what was in the box. She already knew! Starts in on a story about a previous Fedex driver who had one stick it's tongue thru an air hole. Now, I believe the driver may have storied a little to flirt with her, but still interesting. I can't catch a break for nothing. What is OfficeMax putting in their breakroom coffee? Other things aren't legal here, so I know they aren't just happy. Anyway, got everyone's complete names finally to send up the ladder. Was thinking of just offering a free baby to each of them also. The one older lady, wants chickens, I know. Where were these people when I used to be in charge of hiring and customer service. Ridiculous!

Sounds like it's time to leave cookies, too.

As a nurse I can attest to food (treats) being a big hit!! We are not allowed to accept gifts or tips etc but never say no to treats. As for social media it is a big thing and companies to pay attention to that stuff. I used Sears' social media site when I was having issues trying to get my dishwasher repaired. I kept getting cancelled or not the right parts BS and they would need to come back again. Meanwhile I am out a dishwasher for about 3 months. So my son posted something on their twitter and within hours I heard from the executive offices. They set up some kind of repair visit that once again got cancelled but in the end I got two years added to an extended warranty AND a brand spanking new dishwasher. So I am now always in favor of using social media!

Lathis said:

Sounds like it's time to leave cookies, too.

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Even found you a cookie cutter!

Nice!

I would do the social media kudos, but.... I have never been on facebook, twitter, grinder , myspace, none of them. Having fixed computers for people, I learned from their mistakes. Don't open emails either. Men shouldn't be on that stuff anyway. Yep, I said it!