I just had such a great experience with LL Bean that I wanted to drop you a quick note. I was already frazzled and aggravated from dealing with other "customer service" people at other call centers (particularly that of a credit card company whose name rhymes with "Crapital None"). But I had "call LL Bean" on my list. I needed to exchange a gift I'd received and to order a gift for someone else. I didn't anticipate any problems because I've heard from many people (including Consumerist fans) that LL Bean's customer service is legendary. So I dialed.

After the first or second ring, a REAL LIVE HUMAN BEING answered. I've
heard tales of such wondrous, magical, fantastical happenings, but this
was happening to ME! Anyway, a very pleasant woman named Michelle helped
me with everything and I hung up very happy. It's true. LL Bean rocks.

I've decided that every time I have a craptacular "customer service"
experience from some other place (credit card companies, utility
companies, etc.), I'm going to reward myself (for not strangling anyone)
by calling up LL Bean and ordering something.

Given the state of customer service in most places, that could get
expensive.....

-ACAMBRAS