When I first moved to Madison my aunt and uncle sent me a shockingly large gift card to Bed Bath & Beyond. In the envelope they included lots and lots coupons, and I was thrilled. With a brand new apartment, I had already taken several trips to the store, and I knew I had many more in my future.
Within two weeks of receiving the gift card I went shopping. Even though I had an absurd amount on my gift card I only bought the few things that I needed. I spent about $20, used a coupon, and left.
A few weeks later a few things had made their way onto my list, so I went to Bed Bath & Beyond. After I gave the cashier my coupons I searched my wallet for my gift card. I couldn't find it! I went through my wallet again. There was a line behind me, so I gave the woman my credit card, took my bag, and headed home, all the while my mind racing. Where in the world could the gift card be?!
I went back to my apartment and ripped it apart from top to bottom. I looked in every single drawer, pocket, purse, folder and place the gift card could have possibly managed to make it. I found the receipt from my first purchase on the gift card within minutes, just where it should have been, so I began to worry. If I found the receipt so easily and I couldn't find the card itself, where could it be?! For the next two days I repeated the tearing apart process until I was completely sure there was no way that my gift card could be within the walls of my place.
On Saturday I went to Bed Bath & Beyond, receipt in hand, tail between legs, to ask about the card. The customer service woman called the manager who came down and asked what the problem was. I told him that I had only used it once, showed him the receipt with the balance, told him I had planned to use it earlier in the week and couldn't find it anywhere. I asked if there was anything he could do to help, such as cancel the gift card. He asked to take my receipt and call corporate about the card. I was grateful for the help, so I gladly turned over the receipt. Bill made a copy for himself and was back in moments with the original for me. He warned me that it may take a little while, but I assured him that I never have an issue with wandering through the store.
Ten minutes went by.
Ten more minutes went by.
A full twenty-five minutes after Bill had left with the copy of my receipt he returned with a piece of paper and a look on his face that didn't look very promising. He told me that they had tracked the gift card and it had a balance of seventy-seven cents.
My jaw dropped. I felt like I was going to be sick.
"Oh my gosh. Really? Less than a dollar? I must have dropped it when I was leaving that very first day I used it. I can't believe I did that! Wow. Okay. Well, thank you for your help and your time."
"While I was speaking with gift card services they said the action on the screen seems a bit suspicious. Almost all of the purchases were candy and small impulse buys from around the checkout counters. And the balance was taken down to seventy-seven cents within six days after the receipt you gave to me. We think it all seems a bit suspicious. May I have your telephone number? We would like to investigate this a little more."
I gave Bill my telephone number and left, upset with myself for being so clumsy and dropping my card.
Less than an hour later my telephone rang.
"Hi, Meaghan? This is Bill from the East Side Bed Bath & Beyond. After looking into the gift card and the transactions that were made, it is clear that you didn't use the card. We have decided to reissue the remaining balance that you had on your gift card. There will be a card waiting for you in the safe at the store with your name on the envelope. When you come in just let them know there is something waiting for you, all of the managers have been informed."
"Are you serious?! Thank you so much! Oh my gosh! I cannot thank you enough. This is amazing. I really appreciate this. Thank you."
I don't know if I dropped the card or the cashier never gave the card back to me, but whatever happened, Bed Bath & Beyond went above and beyond.
Over the last few months I have continued to chip away at my gift card, carefully putting it back in my wallet every single time I use it. And every time I use it I am so grateful for nice people and nice companies. Thank you, Bill. And thank you, Bed Bath & Beyond, I am happy to shop your stores anytime.
Merry Christmas!
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