Bad: Promoting the wrong product

I don't understand how, with all the data and information that companies house about their customers, they can't promote the right products.

Recently I received a mailing from Cingular, The New AT&T trying to get me to buy a new phone and upgrade my service. Two years ago I bought a Windows Mobile device from them - haven't upgraded since, love the phone, love the data capability, haven't felt the need to change. But, I would, if the right device came along. I'm sure it's out there, but Cingular, The New AT&T, instead sent me an offer to select from two new RIM (Blackberry) devices.

What the heck? I see two problems here. 1 - AT&T isn't using their data right. 2 - Microsoft's Mobility team isn't partnering with AT&T like they could be

Where does this leave me? Annoyed. Why do I, when I'm ready to upgrade, and they inundate my mailbox and inbox with junk marketing, have to spend the time to research a new phone that's the obvious next step from what I've been happy with for the past two years?

Good: Stationery with a sense of humor

Ever want to lighten the mood in your workplace? Stationery and gifts from Knock Knock are great to keep on hand just for these times. I can't even really explain their stuff so you should really check them out yourself http://www.knockknock.biz/ They have everything from sarcastic Honey-do lists, to Mad-lib style greeting cards and thank you notes, to corporate slang flash cards (sure to get the crowd interested at your next senseless meeting!)

Their products are available at specialty retail outlets like Paper Zone and some local shops around Seattle (NW Art and Frame in W. Seattle).

Bad: "Our computers are down" is not a good answer

When visiting Walgreens Pharmacy the other day, I had a simple perscription to fill for pre-packaged eye drops. When I got to the counter the clerk blandly greeted me with "Our computers are down".

I passed over my perscription and responded that "this is for a box of pre-packaged drops...does that change things?"

"It'll be an hour, there's 20 people ahead of you."

Geez, if she really couldn't help me, she could have done a much better job of making herself seem less lackadaisical. This is when I really wished I knew of a mom & pop pharmacy that could have taken my info and manually filled my perscription or at a minimum, explained the situation with a smile and a little empathy for turning what should have been a very simple request into two trips and over an hour of my time in order to do business with them.

Good: Edible Arrangements

Want a new way to thank someone - beyond baskets, wine, flowers, etc? Yesterday I recieved a thank you from a client that packed real WOW factor. An edible bouquet made from an assortment of chocolate covered strawberries and apples and pineapple flowers. Not only did it attract the attention of the whole office, but it was easy to share, completely cool, and delicious!

Apparently it's a franchise, but here are the details of my delivery location if you're interested:

Mill Creek Town Center
15021 Main Street, Suite D
Mill Creek, WA 98012
(425)337-0137
www.ediblearrangements.com