I went to the usual place to get my headlight replaced, since my car has to have the bumper loosened and lowered to get at the bulb. Not something I wanted to do myself.

I called the day before to set up the appointment and told the person specifically what I needed. I asked that the parts be picked up and ready for the 7 a.m. appointment.

I mean, it's an ordinary headlight replacement for heaven's sake.

They didn't order the parts. Their warehouse didn't have them in stock. Time crawled by....

Two and a half hours later I paid my bill and drove off the lot, headlights shining brightly in the hot midmorning sun.

They were very apologetic. They didn't charge me for the labor, and the parts were covered by my savings in the "frequent buyer" program they have. They even threw in a free car wash.

I asked the service writer to have a talk with the young woman who took the call and made the appointment. He said he would do that and he circled her name on the form.

Moral of the story: never leave your Starbucks coffee and your breakfast in the car.

Second moral of the story: ask for a discount when service or product has not been satisfactory. When times are tight, as now, they want to keep your business.