Little things make a big difference in customer service. As I reflect on stories of my sales servant heroes, I realize their “superpowers” are little things that they do that make the biggest impact on their service.

Judy Ansfield aka the “Gift Basket Lady”, is the owner of Basketree Gifts here in Madison WI. We’ve been partnering with her for a few years now and working with her is excellent. The thing that makes Judy a hero to me is her super ability to pay attention to detail. Here’s the story of how her superpower was revealed to me:

I was in the midst of packaging up multiple Lemonade Stand orders when found myself without a box to fit a pile of goodies. I had plenty of boxes way too small and a fair amount of boxes twice the size or better than I needed. This package was an expedited one — it needed to go out that day, AND it was already 5 pm, AND the post office closed at 5:30. So I called Judy in a near panic and asked if I could buy a box from her. She said of course and I dashed out the door to go pick it up. When I arrived almost literally huffing and puffing, despite the fact that I drove, she had a couple boxes for me to choose from waiting at the front counter. As I pulled out money to purchase the box, she told me not to worry about it and then she handed me a package of chocolate covered cherries, just because she thought I sounded like I needed them. It made my day. And whether or not the chocolate was key to me making it to the post office on time, Judy certainly saved my day.

Judy’s attention to a little detail, how I was feeling, made an impact on me that day. I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. It’s something that is intrinsic to the service she gives. And now I strive to develop my power of observation with all the people I interact with day to day.

Thanks Gift Basket Lady!

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