SELL, SELL, SELL

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I recently purchased a house that was built in 1920. Needless to say some renovation were required. During the 'house reno' process I had the opportunity to negotiate with various sales people in the world of retail. Most of those opportunities ended up being poor experiences.

How is it that during the initial 'building relationships' stage sales people are so sweet, wonderful and educated? Then how is it that those same sales people make you the enemy when things go sideways with their sale? Suddenly Stupid becomes a perpetual state. Possessing the ability to deflect any wrong doings must be a core competency to be hired.

How is it that the cupboards you order from an industry expert at Canac who takes your imperial measurements and converts them to metric proudly delivers a finished product that is the wrong size? Oh, but it is your fault because you signed off on their math, regardless that they told you that they were the expert and have been in the industry for years...

How is it that it takes Sears Canada over two months to try and deliver a washer and dryer set...today, still no dryer? Everyone promises to call you back right away and when you call them back they are on vacation for two weeks and no one knows what the issues are. There is no paper trail.

How is it that the dining room set that you ordered from Leons is being delivered in 8 weeks and after 10 weeks still nothing? A couple of phone calls later, the salesperson who sold you the goods is no longer with the company. Someone on the other end of the phone tells you that a container with your furniture is on route from China and is likely in Vancouver. You ask them how they know it is likely in Vancouver. They don't know how they know. They think they know. Do me a favour, stop thinking that you know what you clearly don't know.

Setting up wireless internet was a thrill. To have the LinkSys help desk staff in Indian either hang up on you, put you on hold and then hang up on you or blame your local service provider and hang up on you warrants no felt frustration. When you sooner set your hair on fire and put it out with an axe than deal with the 'easy to use' product and services, you begin to question your own sanity. And of course there was no communication barrier. None.

What did go well were the contractors. I called them the 'Dutch Connection' simply because they were Dutch and everyone they subcontracted to were Dutch. They were all easy to do business with; Fair with pricing, timely, had a sense of humour and actually took the time to educate me along the way. I did worry a bit about the plumber who electrocuted himself...slightly.

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