wigblog

Once the dust had settled from the various Christmas events, I had gathered enough gift cards to get what I was really hoping for this Christmas, the black 60GB iPod video. The closest store to me is the UTC store in San Diego, which is still about 25 miles from me. So not wanting to drive there in vain, I thought it would be prudent to call ahead and verify stock since I know these things have been flying off the shelves.

I proceed to call the store and in the now traditional corporate America fashion am presented with a IVR system and must choose from several options for call routing. The one that makes the most sense for my situation is option 5: “For all other questions..”

I press 5 and am “transferred” somewhere where the phone begins to ring…. and ring… and ring. I sit there listening to the phone ring for about 6 minutes before deciding to hang up and try again figuring I had been sent to an extension somewhere in the basement at corporate HQ.

Second try…. selecting the same option 5 I listened to the phone ring for about 3 minutes before I heard someone pick up the line and immediately hang up. I’m just a bit frustrated at this point.

I call back again and knowing someone is there, select option 5 again. Listen to it ring for another 3 min before becoming fed up and decide to call back selecting another option.

On the fourth call, I select option 3: “If you are calling from a business and want to buy something for your business…” I get an answer after about 3 rings. Thoroughly perturbed by this point, I explain what has just happened to the guy who informs me how “crazy” things are in the store and that no one’s available to answer the phone. Sure whatever. He agrees it’s bad and apologizes, but too late… the damage is done.

Anyone else had an experience like this?

He did verify stock for me and I was able to go down there and get my shiny new iPod (upgraded from a 2g). And in case you’re ever wondering, I don’t think you can pay for anything with more than 10 gift cards.