A few months back, I opened a package of Kraft Sliced American Cheese. I handed our youngest daughter a slice. Immediately after doing so, I smelled a horrific scent in the kitchen. I immediately kicked into bloodhound mode and began to sniff my way around to track down where this horrible smell was coming from.
As I closed in on our daughter, the smell worsened. Then, I did it – JACKPOT – I found the smell. It was the cheese I had just given her. What upset me was that it was a brand new package and this was the first slice. So, I immediately picked up the remaining slices and tossed them into the trash can…..tears rolling down my face for throwing money away like that.
As the day went on, I wondered if it was just me or perhaps others had the same issue. So, I sat down at the computer and brought up Kraft’s “Contact Us” page. They had a great form to fill out to provide complaints or compliments on products.
I ran back into the kitchen and did a little dumpster diving to retrieve the packaging which contained the lot number, UPC and other information I was required to include in my submission.
They allowed me to make my own comments, and so I left a message that read a lot like this:
We love Kraft cheese. In fact, it is the only brand that we purchase for our family. We have never had anything but positive feedback from your product. However, we recently purchased one and upon opening it, realized that it was spoiled. The smell was horrible. We had to toss the entire package of 16 slices into the trash can. This really surprised us since we have never had this happen to us in the past. We wanted to let you know so that you could look into the matter to ensure it wasn’t a problem with the batch – or perhaps this was an isolated incident.
Within 3 business days I received a response from them. They apologized for what happened to use and immediately mailed us a coupon for a free product. I didn’t contact them to get anything free. I did it because I felt they needed to know so they could look into it.
I will say that I have also emailed companies and complimented them and gotten free products as well. I emailed Pepperidge Farms and received high value coupons. Breyers Yo Crunch sent me coupons for free products. In the emails of compliments, I am honest and tell them what my family loves about their product. And usually, I get something in return for taking the time to write to them.
Here are a few things to always keep in mind when sending your email:
1. Be Polite. The old saying “You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar” couldn’t be more true. Even when complaining, don’t “yell” at them. Do not use all caps. Always remember that emails do not show emotion or facial expressions, so you want it to be taken in the correct way.
2. Be honest. If you don’t love a product – don’t lie to get free products. On the flip side – don’t say you hate something if you love it. Be forthright.
3. Provide actual information. Don’t make up information about yourself. If you are taking the time to contact them, you need to be honest with who you are.
Taking the time to contact companies can get you high value coupons or even coupons for free products. Just taking 2 minutes every day can really help you build a great coupon supply to help save you on the products you use and love.