Tale of Two Services

I've been putting off getting an oil change for over three months now. Sadly enough, it's something I feel guilty about every day, but even that wasn't enough to get me to do it. I hate oil changes with a passion. Finally, I decided to bribe myself. I made up a list of 25 things I've been putting off for way too long, and determined a reward if I complete the list in a reasonable amount of time.

So, I set out today for an oil change and a passport photo (2 actually - one to renew my passport and one for my concealed carry permit). I ended up at Walgreens first, where I stood in line for 10 minutes behind one person who was picking up various photos. Eventually, my patience was rewarded by the "service" person telling me that a weekday morning (between 9-11 specifically) was the best time for passport photos. She would (reluctantly enough) take my picture right then, but I would have to wait until after three to pick it up. Crushed and defeated, I said an insincere thank you and left, cursing myself in the parking lot for not just going ahead and taking the dang picture.

My next stop was at Big-O, mostly because I had a coupon from them. Yes, same company that actually dented my car with my last service - but different location. I walked in there and waited another 10 minutes while three guys talked and joked with one customer. About eight minutes in, another customer (male) walked in and waited by the counter. I was in line behind the chatterer. When he left, the counter guy (the other two had wandered off to do who knows what by this time) looked at the male customer and asked if he could help him. I left, with a great deal of attitude. Seriously?

Highly upset, I decided to go to JiffyLube. Much more than I ever want to pay for an oil change, but I remember them being quick and friendly. Before I'd even walked in the door, a guy asked what I wanted, took my keys, and held the door open. They had my oil changed in less than 15 minutes and were very nice doing it. And, yes, it was super expensive - but so worth it!

Then I thought I would try another Walgreens, since I had another errand close to a different one. There was nobody at the photo counter, but after waiting for a couple customers, I asked the cashier and she sent someone right over. They took my photo and told me to wait 15 minutes for the print. Really, it was that easy.

My point being, assuming I actually have a point - decent service pays off! And, I finally got the oil change - YAY!