It happened again – I spent a whole day reaping the benefits
of the lightening speed of electronics!
I had a short list of three items I wished to have repaired
or replaced and I chose to look on the net. My first item,
a Philips-Norelco razor, led me to a number of companies listed
under Norelco Razor but I could not find a repair facility.
I
did locate the manufacturer’s phone number and after
the required button pushing was completed; I reached a young
woman who apparently did not like to talk to anyone. I wasn’t
even using my sexy voice yet her first question was, “What
is your phone number?” She then needed my email and location
addresses.
I
interrupted her monolog of questions and asked; “Do
you have another of the razor I presently own and am very happy
with, (I provided the model number) or can I have it repaired?” She
responded she was unsure but if I took my razor to a repair
shop they might fix it.
At
this point, I told the person I thought that was a good idea
and asked if I could have the location of a shop near
where I lived. I was told, “Look in your yellow pages.” When
I said I lived in a very small town and my yellow book totaled
only 25 pages and 13 of them advertised my local phone company,
she expressed disbelief. So I took a new approach by asking
if there was an authorized repair service I could contact.
I was told in an irritated voice, “Philips Norelco no
longer has an authorized repair station for razors” and
then she hung up.
The
cost of the model razor I own was over $100 several years
ago. I can only guess what it may be priced at
now (I could
not ask the manufacturers rep due to being hung up
on). I am convinced after the conversation however it is
time
to
try
a different brand of razor so I chucked the old one
I loved in the garbage and now have another item to add
to my list – find
a new razor I like as well.
The first item on my list only took half a day so I moved
on to the second. I needed a common, replaceable part for
my Frigidaire
window air conditioner. When I once again (with lightening
speed) canvassed through the choices on the Internet I found
10 pages of parts sales outlets. They all offered quick response.
I tried a company which advertised discounts thinking I would
get a deal. Back to pushing buttons on the phone and after
eight or 10, I found a person. I was asked for the model
number of my unit and I gave it happy to know I was going
to locate
the part I needed. Unfortunately it was not to be, I was
told there was no such model number.
OK,
so I actually doubted myself and checked the model number
I had provided again on both of my identical
units and learned
it was correct. Now back to the astounding, speedy
Internet to find yet another choice of whom to
talk to. I located
a factory service (they still had them, unlike
Norelco) and began
the push button ordeal on the phone. I guess we
can assume no one answers a phone; they all have the
leisure
of
letting us punch our way into them. Finally, a
person answered
and verified my model number, took my order for
the part I requested
then announced it was “out-of-stock.” Of course,
isn’t it always? She did provide the part
number, which led me back to a list of parts dealers
who
numbered nine.
At no time did I get through the nine calls without trying
to wear out the buttons on my phone by having to punch them
repeatedly. I was told; the part was not available, there
was no after market replacement, there was no such part number,
etc., etc. Exhausted, I gave up for the day.
The
next day, I called the factory number back and asked to place
my order on back order if
needed. Lucky me,
they had
just received a shipment and would send it
in seven to 10 days, hope it doesn’t get too
hot before then.
My
third item was a remote doorbell. I learned that most of
them have a short life expectancy
(that’s
why I had to get a new one). After consulting
my lightening-speed Internet,
I learned there was an extremely great model
that will work with numerous push buttons
for various
doors.
Back
to the speedy
phone and after sorting through several choices
and pounding and punching the buttons, I
found a company
that could
sell me the doorbell. Lo and behold even
though they said on their
confirming email (yes this time I had to
provide it) it would ship the day of order,
they ran
out and it
went on
back order.
I
have received a “maybe” ship
day each time I inquire, with the assurance
my credit
card
will not
be charged
until the item ships.
To
conclude, after days spent with the time-saving Internet,
I have two of my
three items ordered
(none actually in
my hand) and still need to look for a
razor. I’ll purchase it
locally because I’m too weary to start the search routine
and be disappointed and frustrated — again.
As
I see it, perhaps all the search engines have ganged up and
turned against me — or
maybe everyone?