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January 31, 2007
Am I on Mars ... or is this New York?
I often feel like my email doesn't work, or people's voice mail doesn't record my messages. In many cases, I want to GIVE THEM MONEY in exchange for goods and services. But they don't call me back.
Take California Closets, for example. I walked into their showroom two weeks ago, and said I wanted someone to come and design closet organizers for us. She says "How's a week today?". Sure, I guess, but that seems like a long wait. They came, half an hour late, and we agreed on a design. All I'd have to do is sign some paperwork. That was last week, and despite 6 emails and 7 voicemail messages, I only today got the word that the paperwork was ready. Installation? 2-3 weeks! We bolted.
New York Loft is the designer and supplier of our kitchen cabinets. I have called every day for the last 9 days asking for someone to give me a price on additional shelves. Nada. "Be persistent" says the developer.
I attempted to wire money between Chase and Wells Fargo. I could do it online, but first I had to register for wire transfers, then wait 5-7 business days for a special code by mail. When I was all set to do it, I got an error message "You have exceeded the maximum amount. Please try a smaller amount". I called Chase-by-Phone. I was on hold for 45 minutes while various call centre people attempted to find out the maximum amount. When they finally told me, I would have to send 7 wire transfers, each with a $25 fee. But I could go to the branch and send it in one lump for one $25 fee. You would think they would incent people to online banking, no?
Cooper Square is the property manager for our building. Starting about two weeks before our closing, I sent various emails with questions, left umpteen voice mails, and only just yesterday I got a return email, which only vaguely answered my questions.
We bought a wash/dryer from Bloom & Krup three weeks ago. "Abe" said he would deliver it the following week. When it hadn't arrived by Friday, I called Abe. Abe didn't call back. I called again and again, until finally he called to say they were backordered, and he couldn't tell me when they would be available. Yesterday, I told them to cancel the order and reverse the charges on my credit card. "I'll send your request to the office". Think I'll get my money back? Or better still get the washer/dryer?
Don't get me wrong. Not everyone in this town is like this. But more often than not, short of screaming at the top of my lungs in the middle of Sixth Avenue, I can't get people to do stuff, even if I offer to pay more. I must be on Mars!
Posted by dave at January 31, 2007 01:34 PM