Holy Customer Service Batman – Hiller’s Rocks!

Okay – something just happened that really shocked me, in a good way!

I have been having difficulty getting a uncut, uncured pork belly so I can make my own bacon.  I have called around to a bunch of the more independent grocery stores, those who had substantial meat departments, asking if they could procure me one.  All of the answers have been no.  These are stores that pride themselves on selection and customer service.

I was resigned to the fact that I was going to be heading to Eastern Market this weekend to try to find one, but yesterday I thought I’d try one last thing… 

Hiller’s is a small, independent grocery chain here in the Detroit area.  I feature them every week in our “Goin’ to the Market” update.  I took a shot and went to their website.  I selected the meat department from the navigation and on the page they had a contact us link.  So I figured what the hell and sent them an email asking if they could help me.

Well this morning I got a call from Fred Pawlusiak from Hiller’s.  Not only can he get me the specific cut of meat I need, but asked at what store I wanted to pick it up at.  I was floored!!!  I seriously have never had a customer experience like that.  Hell, even if he just called and said he couldn’t meet my request, the fact that he called as opposed to just responding via email would have floored me.

So Wednesday I will be picking up a 10-12 lb. trimmed slab of uncured pork belly at a cost of approximately $1.85 lb. at the store closest to my house and literally right on my way home from work.  I can not begin to tell you how flippin’ happy I am.

Hiller’s – to you (and Fred) - thank you!!!  You just converted a part-time shopper to a evangelist!

Related Stories:

• July 6, 2009 -- Goin’ to the Market…Week 26
• April 27, 2010 -- Goin’ to the Market…V 1.15