Soap Box Rant - Customer Service

The Alberta Advantage.
Booming economy.
Blah! Blah! Blah!
We all know this so-called economic boom brings a multitude of challenge to our city as well as the province. Housing shortage and elevated costs, a shortage of staff, infrastructure challenges, etc, etc. One area that I have noticed which is drastically affected is service. Customer service in any industry. This frustrates me to no end. My favorite husband and I have had many conversations about the lack of quality or friendly service and that we need to simply change our expectations to having no expectation. Expect nothing and we will not be let down. Well, it's gone too far and has to come to an end eventually. Doesn't it??? Recently I was frustrated by a company in SK that makes blown glass items because they didn't send my order for over a month after the order was placed. However, they made it up to me by sending an apology gift. Very nice. Recognized their error and apologized. All is well.
Then, in August we signed a contract to have the exterior of our home painted by College Pro Painters. This contract has not been upheld. Numerous phone messages left and two "no-shows" has led me to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. How will any company find the will to change if concrete action isn't taken? Just ignoring the problem will not make it go away. (However much we love the Ostrich Method of conflict resolution...it's not that effective.) So, here's hoping that something positive comes of this.
On a happier note, I was in Staples and Home Depot within the past two days and received such friendly, happy service. I'm going to write them a letter too! Gotta share the love!