The turnaround power of a simple apology

About a week ago I received a survey phone call at 9:45pm.  I informed them, in fairly direct terms, that this was way too late to call anyone unless you know them personally.  I then quickly hung up.  Fast forward one week and my wife hands me a letter saying it’s a must read. 

The survey company sent a letter of apology and two dollars as a small gift.  The letter did say they would try calling again at a better time for me.  I loved it.

For the first time, a cold caller didn’t simply mark me as rude (yes, I am when calling too late), but apologized.  The gift may have been small but it was something on top of the apology and, since it’s cash, at least I can get a quick soda on them.

The company: Scarborough Surveys.  I would highly recommend you use them.  Not only do I think far better of them, but I’ll think better of any company they represent…and may even take the time to do a survey (Scarborough, if you’re reading, just once in a long while please).

As a public relations professional, I’ve done a fair number of surveys over the years.  I would certainly want to give my business to a company that would best represent my clients.   Every phone call made by this company is not just a survey opportunity, it’s a chance to  add or subtract from their client’s reputation.  Scarborough, nicely done.

Share/Save/Bookmark

blog comments powered by Disqus