Differing levels of service
This is a tale of two purchases with some reflection on how we shouldn’t give up the good old model of “retail” just yet. Part of the story is all my fault (for not believing the fine print), and part is a tribute to people who look their customer in the eyes and then decide to go for the satisfaction factor.
I’m a person who likes to complete the set when I buy something. I’m a sucker for the “accessory” aisle, a person that imagines the gestalt of an item. If an object is complex, then it is MORE complex when I can purchase something that can be attached. Camera gear fits the bill; that’s why there are so many threaded sockets. My new camera (from almost a year ago, but like the government, new is a lasting etiquette) needed the base that is available, and eBay had one. I bid, and I accepted the new ownership mantle with great joy. Only one small hitch.
The previous owner was ignorant about interstate commerce. In fact, he would not “deal” with anyone outside the 48 contiguous ones; no HI, no AK, no foreign destinations. I’d noticed the minor detail in the product description, and with the optimism of Canadians everywhere that believe we are here on earth to be loved by others, I placed my winning bid just the same.
Then, I begged. I suggested. I forwarded links to hints for those who would sell outside their own country. The seller would not give in. I had no family living south of the border, so I turned to the six degrees of separation principle that I hold so dearly; the sister of a friend of my sister agreed to act as my designated receiver and the transaction was completed.
Slowly, from hand to hand, my parcel continued along from there to here, and after seven weeks, the deal came to closure this afternoon. In terms of time and distance covered, my purchase resembles something brought from the Old Country in the time of my great-great grandparents.
Let’s contrast the above scenario with my visit to a retail outlet this evening. The similarity; my need to “accessorize” a piece of photo equipment. The situation; the part was rare, indeed, a special order item. The result; a tribute to a clerk that actually likes his job. He considered the options, dug deep into the drawers of knick-knacks that bring delight to photographers and found a set of adaptive rings and filters that would fit my need. In house, while I’m there. To top it off, he reduced the price because it seemed like a good thing to do with a repeat client. Total time including a gab session and travel, less than one hour. Commerce for the Internet generation.
Of course the story is laced with irony. I could also have bought the part from the first section from him, but my need to try out that online commerce model meant that I saved a few dollars and spent almost two months. My logic was flawed. As well, I have proof that the world has differing levels of service, and sometimes the good old ways work just fine.
