We've changed some of our menus, so please listen carefully

[substitute]

I ordered an item from Best Buy on their web site. This went fine. I wished to pick it up in a store nearby. My nearest store had the item. I completed my order. I was told by their site that the store would confirm via email in the morning.

This morning I get an email that the store in fact does not have this item. Strike one! The inventory system is broken.

I am instructed to call a toll free number. I call, and get a moderately annoying telephone tree. I am asked to speak my order number into the phone. I do this, and I am told that my order requires that I speak with a human. The human answers, and immediately needs me to tell her my order number again. She claims that another store has the item. The cycle starts again.

1. Why was an item that was in stock after closing Sunday night not in stock Monday morning?

2. Why do all these systems require you to tell them your order number/customer number/prisoner number multiple times? Shouldn’t the rep see it on her screen when she gets the call?

3. Why did I need to talk to a human just to try to find the item at another store, when all she was doing was looking at the same information I’d see on the web site?

I wish our capitalists were better at capitalism.

Comments

[fattmike.livejournal.com]

"We're sorry, the automated system that redirects your order number to our screens is not working. However, we can't fix it because we don't know why it's not working. Furthermore, we don't know how to disable the system option that requires you to enter the order number that we can't use. If this addresses your complaint, please press 1. If this does not address your complaint, please say your account number and wait for the next available customer service representative. Thank you for calling. Your call is important to us."

[trinnit.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry, I didn't understand you. Please repeat your 42 digit account number now.."