Sunshine...

There’s nothing more beautiful on a woman—nothing more feminine—than a pretty dress.  One that flows around your ankles when you walk, a dress that makes you feel like a princess.   I was thrilled to find a dress just like that on the Internet—long and flowy, its color a rich and gorgeous lavender.  It arrived on my doorstep on a Saturday afternoon and I couldn’t open the box fast enough!  It was more lovely in life than it looked on-line and when I tried it on I fell in love… but the matching fabric belt was missing. :o(  I searched the box and its packaging again and again—but the belt was gone.  I called the company right away and they were very kind and accommodating.  A belt could be found for sure and they would e-mail me on Monday to let me know.  And they e-mailed me on Monday, just like they promised.  Here’s what happened, direct from my e-mail…

Dear Mary, Thanks for calling in! I am so sorry that you did not receive your belt. As promised I sent a request to our shipping team to see if they were able to locate one in our inventory. I am sorry to say that there were none in our fulfillment center. I have issued you a refund in the amount of $XX.XX and you should see that posted back to your account in 3-5 business days. Also here is a coupon for 10% off your next order as well as free ground shipping. Again I apologize for the inconvenience.
COUPON CODE: XXXXXXXXXX   
I hope this helps and again I am sorry for the inconvenience. As always if you have any other questions feel free to contact us via live chat, email, or phone X-XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Miss “T”

What company issues a refund before the merchandise is returned? I was kinda confused, so I wrote her back…

Dear Miss “T” - Thank you so much for getting back to me - you were so helpful on the phone and I appreciated your kindness to me.  Miss “T”, I am wondering... did you refund my account with the idea that I would return the dress?  Because I really do like it and want to keep it - I think I'll just buy another belt somewhere else that would look nice with it. Please let me know.
This was my very first XXXXX purchase and so far, even though the belt was not included with the dress, you have been so wonderful and I will definitely shop at XXXXX again.
Thanks so much for getting back to me,
Mary

Here’s what happened next:

Hey Mary,
No, I didn't expect you to return the dress :) I hope that you can find a belt for it somewhere else :)
Miss “T”

A FREE dress? I was stunned, to say the least…

Dear Miss "T" - I just can't believe this... I have never in my life known such kindness from an on-line clothing company - and I shop on-line for everything.  Thank you so much Miss “T” - I really am speechless and don't know what to say... thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ~ Mary

Then Miss “T” said…

Dear Mary,
I'm sure you'll look great in the dress no matter what belt you find. I'm glad I could bring a little sunshine to your day, even if it was just for a moment. Just do me a favor and pay it forward! ;)
Miss “T”

I promised her I would. :o) 

**God's goodness never ceases to amaze me... He always knows when I need some sunshine and faithfully sends it my way - even on the cloudiest days.