Good, Old Fashioned Customer Service
Starting this month, hundreds of parents and kids will arrive at 166 Chief Justice Cushing Highway in Cohasset in search of something that not even the world’s most powerful, largest retailer can provide. They will resist the temptation of utilizing the most efficient warehouse ever built instead opting for an old school experience that over the past few decades has all but gone extinct. They will seek assistance from a familiar face because when it comes to their children’s safety that is, not even the most elaborate, the most eloquent algorithm can possibly provide the level of comfort and reassurance sought. And the irony, the smile icon that appears on the brown boxes delivered daily to your doorstep pales in comparison to the one that beams every time you walk through the front door with the nerf basketball above it.
Since opening its doors in 1977, The Good Sport has always put the customer first. Upon arriving, without exception, you’re immediately met with a welcoming smile, a friendly greeting, and a genuine interest to understand how they can help you out. The person behind that smile and at the helm of the ship is Austin Lyne. His trusted first mate, his son, Austie. The family run business has been successful for so many years by simply focusing on helping parents of young players, select quality equipment that is reasonably priced.
What’s their secret sauce?
They focus on what matters the most; relationships and community. They don’t see the people who come through the door as just paying customers but rather as neighbors, friends, and even something much greater, a community of kids and adults all eager to play and enjoy sports.
In the fast paced, 21st century world we live, where no one ever seems to have any time to chat, most customers who enter typically enjoy themselves a good 15 minute catch up session with Austin and company. Why? Because at The Good Sport, you’re remembered. You are called by your first name. Asked how the family is doing and how the season went. When you have a question about where a product is located, it’s answered by someone walking with you to it. And when you check out, you’re not just handed a receipt with your goods, you’re accompanied to the door with reassurance and a smile. As one customer of many years noted, Austin doesn’t just let you come in and buy a pair of cleats. Rather, he’s committed to ensuring you feel good about your purchase, you’re excited about the upcoming sporting activity, and you know that if something doesn’t fit quite right, Austin and Austie will be there waiting to help you figure it out. Alas, old school, honest to goodness customer service is not dead.
What’s more.
Over the years, The Good Sport has employed dozens upon dozens of high school kids looking to make a dollar. Starting in September when the school year kicks off, seniors typically work on the weekends and help out by doing everything from assisting customers to making dump runs. When July comes around, and it’s time for those kids to head off to college, they end up leaving The Good Sport with a few dollars in hand, but more importantly valuable life long skills of customer service thanks to Austin’s tutelage.
The Good Sport has solidified its place in the hearts of parents and kids all across the south shore. For five consecutive years, the store that carries everything from soccer cleats to lacrosse sticks to swimming goggles has been recognized as Best of South Shore Sporting Goods Store. And while the accolades are always nice, what matters most to the Lyne family is the opportunity to help the next generation of kids.
In today’s world, where anything you want is at a click of a button and delivered to your door the next day, there is something to be said about the fact that droves of parents from Plymouth to Quincy will choose to travel through the multiple stoplights on 3A en route to a place ‘where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came’. That place is The Good Sport. That place is where we shop local. And that is the place I will be headed to next weekend to buy my kid’s lacrosse gear. I hope to see you all there.
Respectfully,
A patron and fan of The Good Sport since 1983.
