a compromise of conscience

I find myself on the horns of a dilemma.

Customer service is important to me. I try to learn something from every interaction that I have with businesses--how do they treat people, what's the atmosphere like, how do I feel while in their place...

Today I went to the mall to hear our kids sing. They were great, btw. While there, I decided to shop for some new running shoes. I'm past due for a pair, and my legs are starting to feel the effect of the worn out shoes. I knew exactly what I was looking for--last year's model of the Asics shoes that work for me.

Store #1-Not in stock, but they could order the shoes, offer me a sale price, and have them delivered to my house for free. The salesman was energetic, upbeat, helpful, and friendly. I told him I wanted to see what the other stores had in stock.

Store #2-nada. Dan Saxton was my sales guy, and he said he'd go back to store #1 and have them ship the shoes.

Store #3-Shoes in stock! But not on sale. I had to wait for a salesperson to break away from her conversation with the other person behind the counter to ask about the shoes. I got short/one-word answers. No smile, no enthusiasm. When asked about the possibility of the shoe being on sale (since it's last year's model) she simply said, "Nope." I told her about the other store's offer to find and ship the shoe to me at a discounted price, and she said she would match the price.

Even though I value energy, positivity, and friendliness I caved. I bought the shoes from the salesperson who was the least helpful.

Now, after thinking about the whole process, I'm feeling uneasy about it.

I think I'm headed back to the mall tomorrow to take the shoes back. I want to go talk to the guy who was helpful, give him my business.

Customer service counts in my book.