Small Town Perks

While getting ready for a trip earlier this year, I took my keys out of my purse, along with a lot of other stuff. We were flying, and I figured I’d lighten the load of things I didn’t need while on the trip.

Just one problem – when I got home, I couldn’t find my keys anywhere. I searched and searched, and finally concluded they were thrown out with the trash right before we left.

I figured it was a nuisance, but what I didn’t realize is how much of an EXPENSE it was going to be. Replacing car keys, with their special transponders in the plastic top of the keys costs $75 for one key. I thought that was bad, but when I checked on replacing the key to our safety deposit box at the bank, I was totally blown away to learn it would cost more than twice that much. It seems I’d have to pay for the locksmith’s trip to the bank and his time to re-key the lock on the box. At the time, I told the lady at the bank I’d go home and redouble my efforts to find the second key.

So what has this got to do with small town perks? Fast forward to this week and the lady from the bank called Tuesday. She was wondering if I could make a trip to the bank Wednesday morning, as the locksmith was going to be there. She figured since he was already there, she could get him to rekey our box – NO CHARGE.

Okay, first of all, this kind lady remembered my problem all on her own, and it’s been a couple of months since I talked to her.

Secondly, she made the effort to get hold of me, not once, but twice, as I discovered when I checked my answering machine.

Thirdly, she not only did all that, but she really doesn’t know me, yet still helped me out by making a way for the key to be replaced without the huge expense.

I’ve never gotten that kind of service from any bank in a “bigger city.”
No, I think it’s the kind of perk you get when living in a small town.

Small town perks – what a blessing!

Tagged as: hometown