This is true, I swear. Today er indoors decides we finally have to have a tumble dryer. (Managed thus far ... sigh, I so hate the smell of tumble dried clothing).
So in we go to Comet; she has a Bosch in mind, condenser type. She makes a decision so I say I'll go find an operative; (easier said than done). Decent sort that I find says ... just a moment sir, I'll get a chap who knows his stuff .... (yeah right) I thought.
"Right sir, sorry to keep you waiting ... how can I help?" So far so good. He is maybe a teenager, but couldn't swear.
"We'd like a Bosch Tumble drier; it's over there with the TD's (spooky that is), and if it is in stock we will take it now."
Operative walks straight across store and stands in front of washing machines! "Tumble Drier .... errr BOSCH" I said.
"Yes, which one sir?"
"TUMBLE DRIER" I said. "NOT a washing machine!"
"Yes sir, but which one." Currently he is scanning the row of washing machines!
"It's behind you, with the TUMBLE DRIERS!"
"Oh right .... yes." As he turns round to face the TD's. "Yes OK then, which Bosch TD is it then as we have several."
"Errr, it would be that one. The ONLY Bosch TD you have!"
"Ahhh right, this one."
"YES, that one, that's right."
"OK then this comes with a 12 month warranty. (wait for it) I expect you will wish to take our extended warranty?"
"Errr NO, it clearly states TWO YEAR warranty!"
"Ahhh right, yes .... err two years, yes you're right."
"Jolly good then, can we take one from stock?
Cut a long story short. A further twenty minutes and no, it is to be delivered. I then dared to ask how the hell they would deliver it without our property details. With lots of coughs and splutters he finally got the gist of how to do it; after I showed him how to work his little computer!!!!
I mean, come on retail trade; if you really want to cut the mustard you'll have to do a lot better than that! Normally I would have taken my business elsewhere, but with er indoors with me I just wanted a job done and get home for a cuppa.
This then, is the retail trade pulling out all the stops!!!!!!