Get All Access for $5/mo

This Surprising Customer Service Exchange Has Gone Viral When a Zulilly shopper wanted to return a winter coat, she got an answer she didn't expect.

By Carly Okyle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Pexels

Customer complaints are the norm on social media, but a recent Facebook post shows positive interactions can easily go viral.

Kelly Blue Kinkel bought a winter coat from online retailer Zulily before Christmas. When she decided not to keep the purchase, she contacted the company to see how to return it. That's when, she says, the representative she spoke with gave a shocking response.

kelly-blue-kinkel-facebook

Image credit: Kelly Blue Kinkel | Facebook

She posted about the exchange on Facebook: "I spoke with a sweet young man named Patrick, and he let me know he would refund my money immediately. I asked again how to send it back, and he said, "Please don't send it back. If you know someone who needs a winter coat or if you would like to donate it to a charity, that would make us very happy.'"

Related: Study: Most of the World's Richest Philanthropists Are Self-Made

Kinkel says she's now a lifetime patron of Zulily. Besides engendering good will and some excellent PR, Patrick also likely saved the company both time and money. Returns are a hassle for both the buyer and the business.

Whatever the motivation -- whether it's practicality or philanthropy -- it's a pleasant surprise.

kelly-blue-kinkel-facebook-post

Image credit: Kelly Blue Kinkel | Facebook

Related: How to Make the Most of Your Charitable Donation

Carly Okyle

Assistant Editor, Contributed Content

Carly Okyle is an assistant editor for contributed content at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.