While Mick Jagger clearly has trouble getting any (satisfaction, that is), I have to say, my last few customer service experiences have made a believer! We always hear about the horror stories but very rarely about when things go well, or even better than expected. Here I want to just take a little time to highlight two of the great customer service experiences I have had of late.

Now, I want to put a disclaimer out there before I start. These accounts are unsolicited and only recount my own experience. I am getting no compensation or endorsement from either manufacturer quoted below.

No later than yesterday, I responded to a tweet from @thinkTANKphoto and told them how I absolutely loved their Shape Shifter bag (reviewed here and here, and which you can buy here). Then in a private conversation with them, I mentioned how my hip belt had fallen off some time ago and that I wanted to purchase one. In no time, my query was transferred to a thinkTank Photo product specialist who asked a couple of questions and immediately shipped me a full hip belt replacement free of charge. No questions asked. What more can I ask for? So kudos to Simon and Chris at thinkTank photo!

Now, let’s jump a few weeks back. My fairly new Acratech ballhead clamp seemed to be loosening up from time to time, but I didn’t do much about it. That is until my camera fell off and hit the ground and water! Very unhappy Younes! Now this is a ballhead I only ever heard great things about. It’s beautifully built, extra light, solid as a rock and extremely precise. I mentioned my unfortunate accident to a photographer friend of mine who insisted I contact Acratech as they are also well known for their excellent customer service. So I did. And all I can say is: WOW. I wrote my email on Sunday evening, by Monday I had a response from Acratech. They offered to replace my ballhead immediately, no questions asked. Now, how can I work without a ballhead until my new ballhead arrives, you ask? Well, I asked the same. Don’t you worry I was told. Hold on to your current ballhead. Wait until you receive the new one, then you can send us the old one. Again, no questions asked. Before I knew it, my brand spanking new ballhead was on board, and this time works just like advertised. Absolutely brilliant piece of machinery that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone (more info on Acratech can be found here). Again, a big thank you to the Acratech team for their terrific service.

Anyone out there with similar experiences?