For those of you who have never been to New Orleans, allow me to introduce you to the world’s most delightful custom: Lagniappe. This word came to the English language via the Louisiana French by way of the Spanish Creoles from the Quechua word yapay. Whew! The fact that it managed to survive so many cultures to arrive at our door tells you what a wonderful tradition it is.
Basically it means “a little something extra”, like the 13th doughnut in a baker’s dozen. It sort of reminds me of the obligatory encore that musicians will do at the end of a concert. Everybody knows it’s going to happen, but we’re still delighted when it does. Vendors in New Orleans will throw in a little something extra with your purchase if you ask. This, to me, indicates what astute businessmen these people are, because when I walk away feeling I’ve gotten a little more for my money, it makes me want to go back.
Oddly enough, my first experience with Lagniappe occurred in Asheville, North Carolina at the Open Door Boutique. I bought a dress there 30 years ago, and they included a stick of incense in my bag. I was confused, then delighted by this little extra thing. It made me feel appreciated. So appreciated, in fact, that I have remembered the experience for decades. And it probably didn’t cost them more than a few pennies. I’m sure I’ve bought things from small boutiques a hundred times in my life, but this is the only shop whose name I remember. (They’re still open by the way, but I have no idea if they still practice Lagniappe. I hope they do.)
So, for all you shop owners out there, take heed: this tiny little investment in your customers will bring you a lifetime of loyalty, and that’s worth its weight in gold.
The Open Door Boutique. Photo credit: pearlgateway.com
So here is my lagniappe for you, dear reader: something to think about.
“Calm seas do not an expert sailor make.” –Unknown
The View from a Drawbridge 
How sweet it is. A little Chinese resturant Magic Wok in Oak Ridge, TN only serves 5 or 6 items, but in every order they pop in a couple of won tons. It always makes me smile. And, if you mention you are starting a new job, or are moving or having a baby or getting married, They present you with a box of Fortune Cookies. Not 12, but 144. Love this little place of gentle people.
How lovely! And your speaking so highly of them brings them a great deal of business, I’m sure.
This will never take off in California. Everybody here acts as if customers are just there to annoy them.
They’d change their tune if those same customers went away.
Not really.
Well, they must not need the money then.
These sorts of things just renew my faith that, on the inside, most people are genuinely good. And I totally agree with you, there is just a certain special feeling you get when someone does or gives you a little extra!
It does make you feel like people care, doesn’t it?
Oh Thank You for the quote. So my Dad used to say. We cannot learn from easy but only by learning the ups, downs, over and unders of through the middle of any situation.
Your Dad was a wise man.
My mom is the only other person I know who uses the word “lagniappe” on a frequent basis. She has a knack for finding the little unexpected bonus in many situations – and will happily announce that it was a lagniappe!
Oooh, I’d like her. 🙂
You definitely would. And she would like you!
🙂