Venting about one of my Pet Peeves

I experienced a situation concerning one of my pet peeves this week and I really need to vent about it. I’d also love some feedback on how you think I should handle the situation.

I had the pleasure of hearing Kim Richmond of Richmond Marketing & Communications speak at my Women Owned Business Network meeting. The topic was “The Power of a Personal Brand.” I got a lot out of the presentation, but one of the biggest points she made was how your brand represents you personally. She spoke about defining your brand message and asked, “what are the things that make you unique?” Of course, I feel my jewelry designs are unique, and I strive to give my customers good value for their money, but the thing I’m most proud of is my excellent customer service. My pet peeve is not getting this excellent customer service when I’m the customer.

So….here's what happened. I had two treatments at one of the spas in my area. As I was checking out, the total for my services was $19 more than I expected. I had received a coupon in an email from the spa, but I didn’t bring it with me. I explained this to the gal and she said she was sorry but that I had to bring the coupon in to receive the discount. I told her that I hadn’t been told that when I made my appointment and that I didn’t remember the email stating that I needed to print the coupon and present it. I told her she could look and see that I was on their mailing list. She said she could see that I was but that they track the coupons. She was very sorry but she couldn’t give me the discount without the coupon.

I think coupons are great and I’ve used them myself as a marketing tool. Rules are rules, and policies serve a purpose, but you know what? Sometimes rules and policies can and should be broken. In this case, to satisfy a customer and make her happy, I know what I would have done. If one of my customers is not happy with a piece, they can return it for a refund or pick out another piece. If I get a customer order to design something and it’s just not perfect, I will go back and rework it until it’s perfect for that particular customer. I will do just about anything to make the customer happy and feel that I gave them excellent customer service.

I didn’t want to make a fuss, partly because that’s my personality (after all, it was only $19) but also because I had planned to ask to speak to the owner about selling my jewelry in her spa. So I paid the bill. I did meet the owner, and we have an appointment next week. Now I’m trying to decide if I should tell her about the coupon situation. Today, I was getting ready for another appointment and had to actually stop blow drying my hair and come vent about it by posting this on my blog. I guess I am more upset about it than I thought and that’s what pet peeves are all about. They are situations that just don’t sit right with you.

I need to go to my appointment but I will think about this some more before I make my decision. What do you think about it? Should I discuss this with the shop owner or just let it go? I would love to get your feedback.

Recycling gift cards

We should all try to be as "green" as possible. With gift certificate season approaching, I found this article on recycling plastic gift cards very relevant. If you get the chance, please read how you can recycle yours: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/recycling/stories/recycling-plastic-gift-certificates

I'm Back from Italy

As some of you know, I've just returned from a trip to my hometown of Belmonte Mezzagno, Sicily. I had a wonderful time with my mother and oldest son, Michael. I've posted a photo journal on my facebook page if anyone is interested @ http:www.facebook.com/AnnaChinniciServati#!anna.servati.

It took me a while to get back on track with my Ciao Bella Mia Jewelry business.....that's always the case after an awesome trip, isn't it? Now, I'm heading into my busiest season.....my Fall Schedule is listed below. I hope to see past, present and future cutomers at these events.

If anyone is interested in hosting a homeshow, please contact me ASAP as my schedule is filling up quickly. I still have some prime dates to host a show and earn free jewelry.....and who doesn't love FREE?

October 9 – Nazareth Academy HS Craft Show, 4001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia; Sat 9am-4 pm

October 10 – Whitpain Parks & Rec 15th Annual Community Harvest Festival, (only if rained out on Sat, Oct 9); Wentz Run Park in Blue Bell, 11 am-5 pm

October 17 – Father Judge HS Fall Craft Fair, 3301 Solly Ave., Philadelphia; Sun 9:30 am-2:30 pm

October 30-November 28 – Victorian Boutique, 53 N. Main St, Telford, PA; Saturdays 10-5, Sundays 12-5, Mondays-Fridays 10-8, Closed Thanksgiving Day

November 6-7 – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School Holiday Craft Fair, Doylestown PA; Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm

November 10 - The Event (open house) at Barb Cooper’s, 403 E. State St., Doylestown,PA 7 pm-?

November 14 – St Rose of Lima Christmas Bazaar, 428 S. Main St., North Wales, PA; Sunday 8:30 am-2 pm

November 17 – Corpus Christi Holiday Shopping Extravaganza, 900 Sumneytown Pike; Wednesday 5:30 pm-9 pm

November 18 – Gwynedd Mercy Academy Shopping Night, Sumneytown Pike, 6-9 pm

November 19 – Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Christmas Shopping Night; Upper State Rd, Montgomeryville, PA; Friday 7-10 pm

December 5 – La Salle High School Christmas Shopping Spectacular, 8605 Cheltenham Ave, Glenside, PA; Sunday 12-5 pm