A Late Tote Bag Isn't a Tragedy

A friend sent me this HelloFresh email with a note: “For your blog. Like I’m sitting here fretting over my free tote bag.” Sometimes communication and customer service people need better perspective.

The email is clear enough: The free tote bag is delayed. But I agree it’s a bit much for the transgression. The email reads as though something far worse has happened. Calling it an “isolated incident” and saying they’re “work[ing] through” issues is language best left to crisis communication strategists. That last bit—thanking the reader for understanding and patience—is overdone and, in my view, a bold assumption for any message.

Students might agree that customers should be notified, if only to avoid questions. But students could write a simpler, more appropriate email.

Although tempting, sidestepping the issue entirely—“Your free tote bag is on its way!”—doesn’t feel quite right either. I don’t know all the history, but it seems as though some apology/explanation/acknowledgment is appropriate.

Maybe an email could be as simple as this:

Your free HelloFresh tote bag will be delivered within 60 days. We apologize for the delay. [And then something uplifting. They could show a picture of it, offer a small discount, or say something cute like, “It’s worth the wait!”]

This is technically a bad-news message—but not that bad. Demonstrating compassion could include a recognition of other, far worse problems in someone’s life.