I recently purchased a brand new car. I have had several cars in my life so far, but all of them were used or passed down to me in some way. Last year I purchased a brand new SUV for my wife since we were pregnant with our first child. I wanted something a bit more reliable than what we had. This year it was my turn. I shopped around and researched as much as I could. Realistically though it boiled down to what kind of payments I would be making. In the end, I purchased a 2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium Edition. This has all of the bells and whistles (something I am not used to) and it was very affordable.
In January of this year I received a letter in the mail asking if I wanted to participate in a survey from Ford regarding the Fiesta. Normally I scowl at such letters for wasting precious seconds of my life, but this survey was different. In big bold letters the survey said, “takes a few minutes and you will receive $150 for your time.” My interest was piqued. In short, the letter stated that Fiesta owners were being asked to participate in both an online survey, and a panel interview. I figured I would take a few minutes and see what would happen. After completing the survey I received a phone call. Then I received an invitation. Then I answered some questions in person from some very nice automotive engineers. Then I received a check.
Almost every business in the service industry distributes some sort of survey to their customers to rate their experience and see how they could improve. At restaurants they tempt you to participate with promises of winning $10,000. I have never really heard of anyone winning said money. Often times companies use these to give employees incentive bonuses. For example, if our location scores ____% on this area of the survey our site will win (insert prize). I’m not sure if the locations are actually concerned with providing genuine costumer service, or winning prizes. When I do these surveys I complete them as though I am grading an essay. I might get really good service, but give them an 8 or 9 because hey, it could have been better.
I don’t mind giving feedback, especially to a major company that makes vehicles. But this experience made me realize something about myself. I am very easy to please. That is not to say that I settle for mediocrity, oh no. I aim for perfection. In fact, I often set the bar way too high. But I found myself having nothing to contribute to these very nice engineers. I am sure there are plenty of flaws with my affordable American compact sedan, but for me it fits. I t offers exactly what I really need (which is four wheels and a motor) and has a few perks (heated seats to keep my ass warm).
Sometimes we set our goals and expectations so high that we do not appreciate or value the simple things that make our days easier. We often wish we had more, overlooking what we should be thankful we have. Set the bar high and have goals, but remember what is really important in life. I am not trying to get all preachy and self-righteous. In fact, I bought a 2014 Ford Fiesta because it fit my needs for my lifestyle. I’m not going to lie, I probably would’ve purchased a Mercedes if I could make the payments. This survey however really put things into perspective for me. I am thankful for my little ride. I am also thankful for my wonderful friends and family. I am thankful for my career, and for all of the opportunities I have in life. And I am thankful for the easy $150 I was paid just to smile and say I like my car.
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