Due to experiences both today and elsewhere in my life, I have come to the conclusion that there are some companies that just really don’t want me to give them my money.
This is different from companies I’m boycotting or companies I avoid (Wal-Mart). These are places where I go in ready, even willing, to give them my money, but they never seem interested in taking it.
Today I was a little early in getting to the train station. I had to pick my girlfriend up from work, but by the time I would’ve gotten home in traffic, I would’ve had 10 minutes or so at my apartment, and then I’d be back out driving in traffic. So I decided to head out her way, which happens to be in a Major Shopping Area with a number of stores. Since I had some time, I decided to swing into a store and purchase Unreal Tournament 2004. For those who don’t play computer games, this is a Big Deal Release. Number One Bestseller kinda thing.
Of the stores on my route, I first came to a Circuit City.
“I hate Circuit City,” I said, “They almost never have what I want. But they should have it. This is a Major Title we’re talking about, not some weird indy release.”
Nope.
Second, I came to a CompUSA.
“I hate CompUSA,” I said. “I usually never find what I want. But sometimes I do. Besides, this is a Major Title, not some weird indy release.”
Nope.
Then, I was driving by the mall.
“Oooh, there’s an EBWhatever in there and the Express one…but they do that weird thing where they won’t sell it to you unless you reserve it, or whatever. Screw them.”
And I drove on.
Finally, I came to a Best Buy. Somehow, I always wind up coming to Best Buy. And, once again, they have it. And I am greeted by reasonably cheerful (and yes, having worked retail, I know they have to be, but it sounds convincing) employees, whereas at the other store, the sweaty men in tight shirts didn’t even acknowledge me.
You may have noticed the number of “nevers” in my post, which indicates the number of times I’ve been on this particular journey and usually wound up at Best Buy. I can only conclude Circuit City, CompUSA, and EBWhatever do not want my money, which is perfectly good, straight from my checking account.
What companies don’t want your business?