Toy Story

Why can't every company be as easy to deal with as a big, money-lovin' toy company? This afternoon I placed two calls. One to Baby Einstein in search of a replacement piano for Charlotte's Musical Motion Jumper. I was ready to give the customer service rep my credit card number when she said the battery-operated part would be sent and shipped, free of charge, today.

So, feeling surprised and lucky, I called Fisher-Price to see if they would let me exchange a bubble mower Harry received for his first birthday. It just came out of the box for a test mow this week. He loves it, but it doesn't work properly -- no bubbles! I saved the box thinking they'd let me send it back for a swap. Two minutes into the call I was told they'd be happy to just send me a new one, no questions asked, no need for a return. nothing strenuous on my end.

So is it me? Am I that charming suddenly? Likely not. Rather these companies figure it's better to keep the money-spending parent happy with their brand, even if it costs them a few bucks. And boy do I appreciate that.