I got the oil changed in my car today. And while my life is much more exciting than that, I wanted to tell you a little about my experience.

I pulled up to a little locally-owned auto care shop. It happens to be across the street from my daughter’s school, which is how I first came to know about it. When I stepped into the place, I was greeted warmly by the employees, who were eager to assist me, just as I had been the first time I visited almost 6 months ago.

After telling the Senior Service Advisor about the list of issues with my vehicle and services that I needed (I tend to let them accumulate before finally going in for service, which is a horrible habit, I know), he smiled knowingly and promised to get me a quote on everything before proceeding to service my vehicle.

Now as I waited in the inviting client area, I enjoyed free WIFI and watched “Love It or List It” on HGTV. I also helped myself to the complimentary coffee and snacks.

When he came back with my quote, I immediately said, “That’s fine. I would like my car to go ahead and be serviced. Thank you.” Now in my head, I knew that I could save some money on my car service if I went to another place down the street. Before coming in, I had an idea of the total cost of my repairs and services.

But for the quality of customer service, and the fact that I trust this shop, I don’t mind paying more.

After about an hour and a half, my car was ready and pulled out to the front of the building. As I entered my vehicle, I smiled at the complimentary vacuum of my car mats, and was just tickled when I sat in the driver’s seat and realized they left a small pack of Oreo cookies above my steering wheel with a “thank you” note on it.

It’s the small touches that matter. And why I don’t mind paying more for my car services there. When I find I small businesses that I love, I continue to support them. I know that my business means as much to them as their service means to me.

***

Back in the day (think 10-15 years ago), these things wouldn’t have mattered to me. I would try to find the cheapest service I could find in order to save a few dollars. Now, however, great customer service is so much more important to me, and something I work very hard on in my photography business. I want my clients to know how much I appreciate their business, and I want them to continue to come back milestone after milestone, year after year, for family photographs.

I want them to know me, and to trust me as their family photographer.

This is what I work hard for everyday in my business.

Did you enjoy reading this post? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Xoxo,

Sharetha

Sharetha Monique is a maternity, newborn, child, and family portrait photographer in Charlotte, NC. Follow me on Instagram: @sharethamoniquephotography and on Facebook: Sharetha Monique Photography. To keep up new content, and stay informed of exclusives and special offerings, sign up for my newsletter!

Note from Sharetha:

Thank you so much for reading this blog post! I love featuring my clients’ images on my blog (as well as some personal favorite images), and this will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me for your Charlotte Family and Children’s Photography.

If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. Some of my favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame, an album, or displayed on your walls!

For pricing information, please click here. If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please fill out my contact form or email me directly at sharetha@sharethamonique.com.

Due to the custom nature of portrait sessions, I take a limited number of clients each month.

Capturing a family’s story and creating beautiful images brings me tremendous joy, and I would be honored to capture yours!