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.

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By Carly Okyle

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Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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.

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