A Smile and a Handshake

The era of the small business is not yet over. Today I spent most of the morning with a small dilemma--I bought a gift that wasn't as personal as I wished to make it. I decided to add an engraved plate, and called Things Remembered to ask about their rates. No one answered, so I called King James Galleries, a stone's throw from home but I'd never been inside the framing store.

The owner was so genial on the phone, supplying information above and beyond my questions, that I decided to pop in just to say thanks. When I went in, I told him about my gift and my desire to personalize it, and he made a great suggestion. In fact, he recommended another local business that could aid me in the changes as well.

I left him, and spent an hour at the UPS store, who graciously printed some oversize materials for me, things I could never do at home on my printer. After an hour and many resizing changes, the new manager at the Pasadena UPS charged me a grand total of $1.12! His generosity was so appealing, I promised he'd have my business in the future.

I headed back to King James Galleries with my printed materials, dropped off my gift, and went to catch an ice cream sundae with my mom and sister. By the time I finished the last scoop of my dessert, the framer was already calling to tell me he'd finished my order!

His framing looks great, and it cost me 1/4 of the money Michaels charges (and takes two weeks to do). I was so thrilled that both of these men helped me today--even with custom orders and rush jobs--that I was moved to recommend their business to friends and family. I like the small business service with a smile and a handshake, and I know I'll use it again.
Ariel Rainey2 Comments