I called a customer service line today about a back ordered item that had not yet arrived. I was feeling impatient almost to the point of complaining and wanting to cancel the order altogether. When the customer service rep answered the phone, and I heard the tone of her voice, I changed my mind about complaining.

The service rep's voice was softspoken and nurturing. I saw no reason to let her have it because her company can't stock the item I ordered. Instead, I asked if it were possible to switch my order to another item. I was happy to hear that I could.

As we began looking at the inventory on line I asked her for some help with picking something out for me. Most of the other merchandise seemed acceptable to me as a substitute. Apparently my request for help was unusual. No one else had ever asked this rep for an opinion before, and she leapt at the chance to help me. A few funny one-liners later, and we were fast friends. Not only did I get the substitute items I wanted, I also got a nice discount, and immediate overnight delivery as a bonus. It was a total win-win.

After we finshed the transaction the service rep told me how much she appreciated my humor and niceties. More often than not she deals with angry and upset customers that call to pass blame. It was refreshing for her to speak with someone like me for a change. I blushed.

After hanging up the phone I realized I had just learned an old lesson: You can get more bees with honey!