A few years back, my husband and I fell in love with a trash can. We’d seen one like it in my niece’s kitchen and then we encountered this one on display in a local gourmet kitchen shop. It was the OXO 40 liter wide-touch can in stainless steel.
You see, we’d been making the long walk to our trash can (out by the shed) every night. We didn’t have the right kind of receptacle – one that would shut tight with no possible chance for any bugs or dogs or anything else to explore the contents. Then we saw the wide-touch and we fell in love. It was expensive and a part of my mind was saying “…for a trash can?” Oh my friends, it was worth it. We have loved not having to traipse out to the big old rubbermaid trash can every night in the dark, wondering what critters we might encounter. It opened easily with one touch and closed up tight as a drum.
A month or so ago, I saw a crack in the plastic on the top. I glued it together. Then I noticed another crack in the back (again in the plastic) and it was impossible to glue. By last week, the top no longer popped open at the touch of my finger and had to be opened with the help of some tape and a binder clip that my husband put together to make a handle.
binder clip handle & crack in the rear covered with duct tapeWe had to get a replacement top, so I wrote to OXO on their website inquiring how or if I might purchase one. I heard back from Brooke in Customer Care almost immediately and she asked me some specific questions about the exact make of the can, whether it was stainless steel, where we bought it and how the damage happened. I answered her questions and sent them back.
Now, my friends, understand that I had no receipt. All I could tell her was the name of the shop where I purchased it. And I honestly told her the damage was from every day use over the course of 2 or 3 years. Imagine my surprise when Brooke wrote back that a replacement was on its way via Fed Ex. This was 2 days ago.
This morning our replacement arrived. Free of charge.
You’d laugh if you saw how excited we were. There it is – all shiny and pretty and it opens and closes smoothly.
I’m writing about this because in this day and age where customer service seems to be a thing of the past, OXO treats its customers with courtesy and respect. I don’t know about you, but I dread it when I have to complain about a product in writing (will they believe me?) or call customer service (how many buttons will I have to push before I talk to a real person…and will they believe me? How many hoops will I have to jump through?) I’ve had my share of battles in the past.
OXO believed me, didn’t ask for proof of purchase, and though I was perfectly willing to pay, didn’t charge me. And they sent it Fed Ex so it got to me as soon as possible. They have made loyal customers out of us. Thank you, OXO!
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Mom is still in the hospital. She is going to rehab tomorrow. She is very down about everything. I’ll keep you posted.
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I also want to mention my friend Kelee Katillac’s party this weekend for Colette’s room makeover. Colette was suffering from cancer and was in need of a space that was uplifting to help her through her healing process. Kelee and Guideposts magazine teamed up and did a makeover. So Kelee is hosting a Magnificent Miracle Party. Please stop by Kelee’sto read all about it. For every comment left, $1.00 will be donated for the next makeover for someone in need.
is your mom o.k.?
i loved your garbage can story…nice company oxo.
i just had a similair experience with Frosty Paws from Purnia.They are those little cups of doggy ice cream…i thought Teddy would LOVE it cause he LOVES when I eat vanilla ice cream..he always eats all of it. that’s o.k. I want him to be HAPPY and i don’t need it…but Teddy didn’t like the Frosty Paws…as I went to toss it out..i noticed the side of the box said satisfaction guarenteed..so i called the hotline number…and NO PROBLEM…no hassles..sending me a gift certificate…nice going Purina…
kary and teddy
xxx
This makes me smile. It is wonderful to read of a company that stands behind their products. And, I love OXO products, too.
We are participating in The Miracle Makeover Party on Pink Saturday tomorrow. I hope you join in.♥
Hi Claudia,
Congratulations on finding that needle in a haystack of companies that care. Your mom is still in my prayers.
Hugs,
Meri
Sweet that they replaced it for free, Claudia
!
Hope your mom is feeling a little better.
~ Zuzu
Isn’t it amazing how much we as Americans just throw things away now and buy new. I have been surprised recently by the same thing with my Bird Feeder and then our coffee maker. They put the parts in the mail to you right away. It’s kind of cool isn’t it.
Thanks for keeping us posted on your mom. I know how that can be.
Yes, I think you need to pick up that hook again. It is the biggest de-stress-er I know. I also know you love color. Have at it.
Great Weekend Wishes,
Kate – T.G.B.
All I can say is that WE must be pretty pathetic when WE can get so excited about a trash can, sweetpea. Yep, I understand this and would DIE for my trash can. I love it and when it bites th’ dust I will be very sad because they just don’t make them like the one I have anymore. I call it the “Green Machine” because it is indeed green. Love it.
xoxo,
Connie
That is amazing! I’m so glad there is some customer service that is helpful out there. I think your mom is just weary and seems very depressed unfortunately. But then you knew that.
Brenda
hi claudia,
ok, i fell a lot better now admitting that i was in love with a table. you have me beat.
~janet
ps ~ glad to hear your mom is doing better.
Yeah for you!
After my NIGHTMARE experience with hhgregg during the past 4 months, I have been pushed to the limit. Hhgregg didn’t credit enough money back to my credit card so today, after several phone calls, listening to far too many recorded messages of “press 1 for this, press 2 for that,” being transferred from one department to another, and 45 MINUTES ON HOLD with the credit card company, I NEVER got through to a single human being who could help me. Errrr!
It’s just downright shameful how some companies handle “customer service” but it sounds like OXO should get a big pat on the back and two thumbs up. :)
Wow. I am so impressed with OXO– and so happy for you!!! There’s something to be said about great customer service in this day and age.
I’m so glad that your sweet mom is going to get some rehab. I work in Occupational Therapy, mostly with elderly folks. I love it– I never cease to be amazed with the great people I meet. Please tell your mom to hang in there– things will get easier as she becomes stronger and more confident. I’ll be sending some good, positive, healthy thoughts her way!
Hugs,
Jill
PS: Isn’t Kelee amazing? I just adore her and the wonderful work she’s doing. I need to post a link on my site also.
It is amazing that this company stood behind their product and their customer like this! Yea!!!!!
I’m am still praying for your mom and you! Love to you…..Hugs, too (())
…I think they realize ~
A happy customer = repeat customer and share the product love customer…which you have just done!! Now each of use can feel confident in purchasing this oxo trash can (one of which I just happen to be in the market for!!)
Thanks for the happy story.
Sending prayers and love to your mom and dear you!!
xo, Rosemary
Claudia,
Thanks so much for posting about this company…we don’t hear many stories like this very often. Hope your mom gets better soon:) I need to keep up with you better…so I’m adding you to my sidebar!
Blessings,
Linda
I love to hear about a company that stands behind its products! I hope your mom will be feeling better soon~ I will keep her in my prayers…
I sincerely hope that your mother will recover very soon.
My best wishes.
Sending many positive thoughts your mom’s way.
Have a wonderful weekend, Claudia xxx
Wow! I love their stuff and how great they are so helpful! Enjoy your fixed can!
Hugs,Lisa
I love it when that happens and it IS quite rare! I get excited about quirky things too and so does my husband! We are not rich so when we get a good deal we are thrilled! Glad that happened to you!
I LOVE good customer service. It’s a shame it’s so hard to come by these days!
I’m sorry to hear about your mom and sending healing wishes your way!
Claudia! I know the excitement of finding a place where customer service is not a thing of the past! Good will and friendly treatment should be an everyday occurance but so often it is not.
Your story makes me smile! Thanks and have a great day!
Hugs!
Coralie
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and enjoying all my mermaid treasures.
Love that huge trash can!
Cath
LOL, funny story Claudia! It’s great to hear though that some companies STILL care about their customers! Have a wonderful weekend, blessings Nan
PS, I did not realize your Mom was in the hospital, I must have missed that post somehow. I will keep her in my prayers!
Hi Claudia,
It is good to know there are still companies out there that value your business and stand behind their product. Hurray for XXO!
I am sending well wishes to your Mother and I will say a little prayer for her and you.
hugs
Sissie
I can vouch for every word of this.
Thank You.
Respectfully,
Claudia’s secretary and cook.
Nice to hear that there is still great business’s out there. Customer service is a huge part of where we shop…..love the trash can, very nice!
Claudia, I do hope you Mom is doing better…..it gets harder when you get older to recover from anything and everything, and even a UTI is serious…..I have kept her in my prayers.
I am off to go and read Kelee’s blog, you are a sweet friend!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Just finished catching up on your posts. My prayers go to your mom and your family….and YOU!
I love to hear about those companies you still stand behind their product…..who offer amazing customer service. It seems there aren’t too many left in this day and age.
It was so great to “peek” at your livingroom and kitchen. I think they look gorgeous!! LOVE your coffee table…it looks like one my best buddy uses in her living room. The top on hers turns like a lazy susan….and it’s very old. She keeps stacks of magazines and books all around the perimeter of it for each access!! It doesn’t look junky either…it looks functional and used!
Hope your nice weather continues. I was in my first fall sale yesterday…..it was outdoors. The temps were wonderful….the sales were SLOW! :) That’s the name of the game!
Have a great Sunday! L, Dana
WOW!! THAT IS SOMETHING, AND SO RARE. TODAY YOU GET THE RUN AROUND ABOUT BRINGING SOMETHING BACK. FORGET THE PHONE, THAT’S 10 TIMES WORST. YOU WERE REALLY LUCKY, I AM GLAD YOU GOT A NEW OXO. RIZZI
Nothing screams technology like a great working and good looking trash can. They can be such an eye sore in a home otherwise.
Good wishes being sent your mom’s way from Virginia!
Di