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[drupal=64]Microsoft says "sorry" with free Valentine's Zune 80 players[/drupal]

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Layne P. Heiny / Administrator for Tux Reports Network

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Hmm...on the other hand, it may have been a fantastic publicity move. Look at the news stories showing up about this event. I think people will be impressed with the customer service. Surely most customers will have enough sense to not expect free merchandise if it's a day late, but this item was highly advertised for a specific date, and if MS couldn't deliver, they sure made the customer feel all warm and fuzzy to get a freebie, even if it's late!

The other side of the coin is that consumers are expecting companies to go beyond customer service and instead give things away.

What about this belief: "Gifts from people are well received and appreciated but a gift from a company is never expected."

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Layne P. Heiny / Administrator for Tux Reports Network

Please do not send private messages requesting technical support. Place your request in the proper forum and hopefully someone can help you.

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I don't think anyone was expecting a free Zune. That's why it's made such a huge splash. This whole thing is unprecedented generosity on the company's part, and it made jaws drop. I know I would never expect such a thing to happen again in my lifetime, but I imagine I would gratefully accept the gift and I'd be sure to write a lovely thank-you note, with the end result being that MS isn't hurt at all (they can afford a few donations) and has gained a truly loyal, thankful customer.