I want to order some photo paper for the Sony digital photo printer that prints from my Sony digital camera (I’m a Sony addict – laptop, projector, camera, phone – I’d drive a Sony car if they made them).
I visit the Sony.com web site and find the paper but I cannot buy it because the site only sells direct into the USA but…
I am directed to the Sony.co.uk web site and the same paper but……
The web site links are broken and I cannot get to the purchasing area after repeated attempts so…..
I call their direct sales telephone number and reach…..
A call-waiting system.
Oh no.
“All of our customer service operatives are busy at the moment. Your call is important to us. Please wait”- (cut to music).
After a fairly short time I am through to Carol.
I explain to Carol that I’d like to buy some photo paper.
She suggests that I visit their web site to buy it on-line.
I explain that the web site isn’t working.
She tells me they have had problems with the web site all day.
She explains that I would be better waiting for the web site to be repaired because the minimum on-line delivery charge is 4 pounds but her minimum charge is 8 pounds.
I explain that I travel a lot and want to get the paper ordered NOW.
She accepts and asks me if I have an account.
An account?
Yep – I cannot buy over the phone unless I have set up and account – would I like to set an account up?
Yep – so off we go on the “set an account up” routine – name, address, credit card, blood group, high school results, sports hobbies and pastimes, would I like to receive details of promotions………..
After 10 minutes of that game we are ready……
To discover that she doesn’t have that photo paper in stock.
And would I like to try a local Sony Store or wait until the web site is fixed.
I thank Carol for the life we have shared together – and sign off the call.
No photo paper – just time gone forever.