small things are important

Today I am enjoying this email that I got from Ocado.

The picture's nice, the gag is sort of OK, but the thing I like about Ocado is that they do small stuff well. Their site works really well as a shopping site, and they keep tweaking all of the tiny details to make it better and more intuitive.

As for this email, it's just them telling me something small and new. It won't rock my world but it makes me feel another degree of warmth for them. And the idea that you can ask their drivers to cover up their dirty boots is excellent. It helps do all of those things that brands are supposed to do these days - be human, act responsibly and help keep my new carpet spotless.

Thank you Ocado.

Comments

[Tom]

All very well and good Dan.

Now - if you REALLY want them to be human, try writing back to Mark Bentley (even better - try ringing) and see if you get an answer from Mark Bentley.

The little things are fine - but if he thinks he can invade YOUR space personally, then see if you can get him to honour this communication commitment he has made to you by allowing you to enter HIS.

[dan]

I reckon Mark might post something here if he's got his google blog search switched on.

And he didn't invade me. I ask to get Ocado emails because they sometimes have special offers on pickles and milk.

[Stan Lee]

I think Tom is out of order Dan. Most people who 'opt in' as you did are more than happy to be communicated with.

My issue is with the headline. I'm happy to over-look the appalling pun, but reducing footprints is something many people are interested in these days. I think it's a cheap shot to play on the term.

Then again I may just be overly sensitive given I've been doing a lot of work on green stuff of late.

[dan]

You're right Stan. The headline won't win any prizes.

And Tom is out of order fairly often, especially when he comes round to my house and frightens the next door neighbours.

[Tom]

I was aware that the use of the word 'invade' was too strong.

The principle remains 'though. You opted in to be contacted by Ocado - and that's who is contacting you here - not really Mark Bentley, unless he's prepared to be avalaible to respond to you - which he might be of course - but I doubt. In which case he should just sign it 'Ocado' so that 'Ocado' can contact you back again.

Pret give you Julian's name and number - and (at least up until recently) he's the man you got. You probably have Richard answering some people's comments on their blogs etc Dan. I bet Mark is a silent man behind a desk. There'a a difference - and if you don't feel it- then maybe I'm just more sensitive about it.

[dan]

Let's just have a fight about this, with kendo sticks.

[Tom]

Talking about Kendo sticks - are we still on for the garden party ?

[Iain Tait]

I like Ocado.

But I hated that email. I couldn't look at it for more than a couple of seconds. The image made me think of some psycho guy who chops people up and then may, or may not, eat them.

I believe that anyone who wears those kind of plastic bag shoe slippers in a domestic kitchen is a nutjob cannibal.

[dan]

I should never have posted it. Now I'm picturing the nutjob cannibal who's going to deliver the pickles and milk next week. He will come into my house and look at me in a strange way. Look at the trouble I have caused. I might just have to go to the shops instead.

Tom - I will speak to Nagasaki's boss and work out the details for the garden party. There's a good chance that one of the Bee Gees will be there.

[davidthedesigner]

You've never struck me as a man who has spotless carpets, Dan. That's ruined my day (speaking as a man who doesn't).

[dan]

This post has been a disaster. When it began, I was happy to have received news of a small, smart gesture by these online grocery facilitators. But now I am haunted by the nutjob cannibals, and pigeonholed as a carpet fetishist.

I fear I must lie down.

(David - the carpets in our house are very new, but becoming soiled swiftly.)

[Tom]

He let ME in his house - I wouldn't worry about anyone else.

I'd return the favour Dan - but my wrestling contact is both a pushy homosexual and dead.

I mean it. I've been delaying posting about him and our communication out of respect. I dread to think how he might have died - but I'd put money he had his trunks on when he went.

[davidthedesigner]

And does this very new carpet extend to the kitchen?

[dan]

The kitchen has floor tiles, but there is a small section of carpet in the hall. Next week - why I painted the curtain rails white.

[davidthedesigner]

Well, pleased to hear it. Floor tiles are more my thing.

[Katie - ocado customer]

Being ocado customer myself I feel like I need to make a comment on Tom's one - I did speak to Mark Bentley - so he actually exists and he was very helpful at the time. Being conscious that ocado has thousands customers I think we ought to understand that he is not dealing with all issues himself.

[Edd]

Those boot mitts are compulsory for the entrance into swimming pool changing rooms here in hygiene obsessed Rome.

[Tom]

Well done Mark Bentley. That's all I can say.

Although I would also point out that the only 'issue' that I refer to is the one that he has created himself by sending a letter to thousands and thousands of people.

Do you reckon he's up for a pint ?

[Paul H. Colman]

Fuck!

I can't believe I missed this.

[Ben]

Afternoon Paul.

[dan burgess]

it reminds me of HM government vets footwear in a foot and mouth stylee.

What's going on with your blog Paul? its all passworded and usernamed up - does one need membership?