When too much caring is never enough

by Mark Rothfield on 20 Feb 2012 My teenage daughter and I are having a running battle over the usual things – skirt length, homework, suitable TV shows, appropriate bed time and the need to eat breakfast. Don’t get me started on pierced ears!

She complains that I’m intrusive but I respond by saying 'I care'. She’d have more reason to be concerned, I reckon, if we just let her roam the streets willy nilly, watch endless repeats of Glee and flunk her exams.

It should be the same with stuff you buy because manufacturers are, essentially, granting you custody of their prides ’n’ joy, in return for a splash of cash of course. Rarely do you hear from them again, however.

Not so Honda.

I’ve just bought a new 5hp outboard as a yacht auxiliary, which in the overall scheme of things is small fry. Pity really. But the company has embraced me like a long-lost son.

There’s been congratulatory letters, invites to join Team Honda and most recently a customer satisfaction survey that probes into the overall buying experience.

Since taking delivery have you had any problems? Did you dealer rectify the problem? How satisfied are you with your purchase?

It delves into the appearance of the dealership and even the staff themselves. It inquires whether you water-tested the outboard before buying. It then moves on to 'You & Your Boat' to ascertain intended usage.

I hate surveys as a rule but this is one I don’t mind answering because it shows they care about the customer and the product. They treat the guy with a 5hp, which could barely mix a cocktail, the same as the twin 250hp hero.

For what it’s worth, I’ve used the motor once so far and it still has nine hours to go in its 10-hour break-in. It ran fine, and I like it so much that I keep it indoors on its trolley … it’s in my office, next to my desk, glittering under halogen lights.

Too beautiful to ever put tattoos on …