My relationship with Bose began way back in 2008. I had just left for college and when I returned home for winter break I discovered a pair of unopened Bose headphones in my dad’s office. He had been given a set as a corporate gift that year and didn’t know what to do with them. I all honesty, I’m not sure he knew exactly what they were. However, I knew and I wanted them. While I was home I casually asked him if I could take them off his hands and for some reason he obliged.
I’ll never forget the first time I put on the pair of Bose QuietComfort II headphones he gave me. As I turned on the noise cancellation and began listening to my iPod I noticed sounds and instruments I’d never head before in many of my favorite songs. I was hooked.
From then on I’m not sure I’ve ever purchased any headphones other than Bose. In fact, over the years I’ve owned the Bose QC 2, 15, 20, 25, and now 35 headphones. I absolutely love the Quietcomfort line of headphones. In addition to the QC lineup, I’ve also owned a Soundlink II speaker and a few sets of Bose SoundSport headphones. You get it, I love Bose.
Bose SoundSport Free Headphones – A Bad Apple
However, a few months ago my love for Bose hit a rough patch. I had purchased the Bose SoundSport Free headphones which are the first truly wireless ear buds offered from Bose. There were a few issues at first, but I stuck with them. Over the next few weeks though I simply couldn’t put up with the headphones anymore. There were several issues with connectivity and finally the headphones died in cold weather.
Considering I paid $250 for this pair of headphones I couldn’t live with them not being perfect. It was at that time that I finally tweeted at Bose to get a refund. Originally Bose would not accept my return, but after a few DMs Bose finally agreed to take them back and give me a full refund!
Although I had a terrible experience with this particular set of headphones, my experience with Bose was fantastic. It was through that process where I began to feel that Bose wasn’t just a huge heartless company, but rather it was a company that truly cared about customers. It felt like I was dealing with a small mom and pop retailer rather than a large faceless corporation.
I Tweeted At Bose, They Sent Me A Soundlink Micro Speaker
Nearly every week blogger(s) JohnnyJet and Chris McGinnis host a TravelSkills Q&A on twitter. Each week there is a theme which changes weekly. Some weeks the TravelSkills chat is about a specific city or country, while other weeks the chat is about ways to make flying more enjoyable. One week I was particularly excited because the topic of the chat was about Travel Tech. Travel and Tech are probably two of my favorite things so I was excited to join in that particular week.
The chat started with a simple question: “Besides your phone, what’s the most important gadget you travel with?” To which I replied: “Bose QC35 Headphones, won’t leave the house without them.”
This is a completely true statement. I keep my Bose QC35 headphones charged at all times and even have started keeping my Priority Pass card in the headphone case. If I’m heading to an airport I always have my Bose QC35 headphones with me.
Moments later, Bose responded to my tweet asking me to DM them. After a few technical difficulties Bose and I were finally able to connect. At that point they asked for my mailing address and told me to be on the lookout for a package. When I read that message I assumed Bose would be sending me a T-Shirt or a hat. However, two days later, a package arrived which contained a Bose Soundlink Micro speaker.
I couldn’t believe it when I opened the package. I would have never imagined receiving a Bose Soundlink Micro speaker for simply tweeting at a brand on twitter. It’s an awesome gift and one that I look forward to using!
Final Thoughts
I love companies that act as thought they have a heart. Bose, to me, is one of those companies. I’ve had issues with their products in the past and they’ve often fixed them for free or for a relatively very small fee. Then when I had a major issue with one of their products which I discussed on this blog, Bose took the headphones back and gave me a full refund. I had purchased the headphones weeks prior and the return window was technically closed, but they took them back anyway. It’s awesome when you deal with a company that actually cares about its customers.
To that point, it’s awesome that Bose sent me this speaker for something as simple as a tweet. I didn’t tweet at them thinking that I’d get anything in return, I was truly showing my love for Bose and they reciprocated by showing me, their customer, some love in return.
I’ve wanted a small portable travel speaker for some time now, but never felt like buying one. Now that I have one I’ll definitely be bringing this speaker with me on future travels.
Bose, what can I say other than thank you, seriously Thank You, this is too kind.
