Customer Service

Not long ago I needed new tires for my car. This sort of chore always seems to occur when I am busiest: short deadlines, long TO DO lists, too many meetings.

I called to find out when the new tires could be installed. They were booked up on Thursday (my first suggestion), but they could do it next Tuesday.

I asked about a 'loaner' car for the day. 'No need,' the customer service person said, 'we will do it while you wait!' Needless to say, I was delighted.

I assumed -- you see the problem already, don't you? -- I assumed that 'while you wait' meant that it would be a quick turnaround. That's where I went wrong.

Only after I had waited a hour and a half, did it occur to me that customer service had not mentioned how long I would wait. I could wait all week, and they would still be true to their statement. They were doing the work while I waited.

My mind conjured images of me sitting in the waiting room with cobwebs stretching from my head to the wall. Oh, well. Live and learn, I heard my grandmother saying.

Note to self: remember to ask the follow-up question next time.