We've all been there, whether it's a busted gadget or a malfunctioning home appliance that needs a trip to the repair shop. To keep things smooth, some brands and stores offer loaner devices, so you're not left high and dry while yours is getting fixed.
A Japanese X user recently shared their incredible experience with Japanese appliance giant Zojirushi's after-sales service for their rice cooker. What started as a simple repair request turned into a delightful surprise: Zojirushi not only agreed to fix their old unit but also thoughtfully provided a "loaner" to tide them over. The kicker? The replacement was their latest model, and the rice it cooked was unexpectedly delicious! The user jokingly called it a "willing surrender to a marketing ploy," sparking a massive online discussion.
X user "Yomakusu" recounted how, upon contacting Zojirushi customer service, they not only agreed to the repair but proactively offered: "You use your rice cooker every day, so let us lend you a replacement!" While not the same model, it turned out to be Zojirushi's latest release. After cooking just one batch of rice, they discovered a dramatic upgrade in deliciousness, exclaiming, "That's it, I can't go back after using this! I have to buy a new one!" Talk about next-level customer service!
The post quickly went viral, with many netizens calling it a brilliant marketing trap. Once you've tasted truly delicious rice, it's tough to go back to the ordinary stuff! The user also mentioned that their old unit would take three weeks to repair, but at this rate, they might just cave and buy the new model before the old one even gets back, LOL.
The post resonated with countless users, with some commenting, "I've seen this marketing trick before with car maintenance." Others pointed out that this is a well-known "loaner vehicle sales strategy," often employed by car dealerships to let customers experience a higher-end product during repairs, ultimately boosting their desire to upgrade.
Even Zojirushi's official account chimed in, replying: "Thank you for your appreciation of Zojirushi's after-sales service. We will continue to strive to make more people love Zojirushi products." Yomakusu responded, confirming that the "Enbu-daki" rice cooker they borrowed cooked incredibly delicious rice, expressing genuine gratitude for Zojirushi's thoughtful service.
Following the viral buzz, many Zojirushi rice cooker owners enthusiastically chimed in, praising the brand not just for its practical products but also its stellar after-sales service. Comments like "Who wouldn't love this kind of thoughtful move?", "Old-school brands like National used to do this too," and "The best marketing is letting people experience it themselves" flooded in. Zojirushi's quiet marketing masterstroke seems to have truly won over consumers.
via： togetter