Welcome that no-problem guy!

Having spent a small fortune on a new pair of shoes I kept it to be used on special occasions. The pair of shoes was lying in the shoe-rack for a number of months waiting for that special occasion.

One day, however, I had to attend an interview. So, I thought that it was the best occasion to wear my new pair of shoes. I took it out, dusted it and polished it thoroughly. On the following day I wore it and stepped out with a happy heart.

While travelling on the bus I looked at my new pair of shoes with a sense of satisfaction. When I reached my destination I got off the bus and walked a few steps towards the office where I had to face the interview. At once I saw something running away from me! I checked whether my purse was in my trouser pocket. I heaved a sigh of relief when I felt the purse with my fingers.

After walking a few more steps I experienced some difficulty with my new pair of shoes. I stopped on the way only to find that both the heels had dislodged from the shoes and vanished.

I looked everywhere for the missing soles. Finding none to be seen in the vicinity I looked for a cobbler. Again I had to draw a blank because it was too early for any cobbler to start work. There was no way for buying a new pair of shoes as all the shops remained closed. Finding no alternative I attended the interview wearing the pair of shoes which had no soles!

On the way home I stepped into the shop which sold me the pair of shoes. A clumsy shop assistant welcomed me warmly thinking that I was another potential customer. When I explained the purpose of my visit, he changed his attitude and asked me to produce the purchase receipt. I never thought the purchase receipt would be of any use as I used to buy shoes at this shop for a number of years.

"How do I know that we sold this pair of shoes to you? If you don't have the receipt you can have the shoes resoled", he said.

"How much will it cost?"

"About Rs. 800".

"Rs. 800! I bought this pair of shoes for Rs. 1,500 and I couldn't wear it even for a day. And now you demand Rs. 800 for resoling. Is that fair?"

Before he could say anything, another shop assistant made his appearance. He listened to me patiently and asked me to follow him to the manager's room.

"Sir, this customer has a complaint about one of our products. He has not worn this pair of shoes even for one day because the soles have dropped. Shall I give him a new pair of shoes?"

The manager asked me to sit down and examined the pair of shoes carefully.

"I think we can send this to the factory. Since you are one of our customers, we can't send you home empty handed. Please select any pair of shoes and we'll give it to you free of charge".

I walked out of the shop with a new pair of shoes. The shop assistant or the manager did not demand the purchase receipt. I think both of them are no problem guys!

On another occasion a lens fell off my pair of spectacles. I immediately walked into an optician's shop to have it fixed.

"You might leave it with us for repairs. Our factory is at Ratmalana and it will take about a week to fix the lens".

"But how can I wait for such a long time?

I want a pair of glasses for reading purposes".

"We have no technicians here to fix the lens. However, you can buy a new pair of reading glasses".

I left the shop in disgust and walked into another optician's shop to have the lens fixed. He too tried to sell me a pair of reading glasses!

Out of desperation I walked into yet another optician's shop and spoke to an assistant and explained my problem.

"Oh, this is a simple job. Please wait here, I will have it fixed in no time".

I couldn't believe my ears. I sat down as he disappeared into an inner room. I waited patiently looking at the array of beautiful frames displayed in the showcases.

In a few minutes the shop assistant emerged from the inner room and handed me the pair of spectacles. The lens had been fixed and I did not know how to thank him.

"How much do I have to pay?"

"We just fixed a loose nut. You don't have to pay anything."

"Thank you very much."

"No problem. Whenever you need to buy a pair of good spectacles, just walk in. We'd be glad to serve you."

So saying, he handed me a visiting card. I thanked another no-problem guy and walked out of the shop.