What a Surprise..........Costco Sucks!

As I was making the old Buick ready for it's inspection today, I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans. I put my Blackberry into my back pocket, then sat down. When I took it out, the screen was gone. Just blank and nothing brought it back. I tried all the tricks I know, even rebooting, but no luck. So, after the Buick trio left and I knew my next stop would be Costco, because that's where I bought it and I bought it there because Costco is normally WONDERFUL about everything. Notice I said normally.

I was tired, since I'd gotten little sleep last night and was busy from the moment I awakened, but I knew I had to get phone service before the day was up. I sauntered into Costco and after being greeted by the usual guy that seems to remember me, I made it back to the Kiosk where they sell phones. I'd say I had to wait about 10 minutes as they finished up with customers, when Bobbie asked if he could help me. Bobbie is the manager there and he's got that cocky look that you'd like to wipe off his face rather aggressively. He was a punk. Those of you that are 45 and older know what I mean. He asked my what my problem was and I showed it to him. I handed him my paperwork that for some reason I actually had with me. I pointed out that I'd had this phone for 1 year and 10 days. Bobbie smiled and said I was S.O.L. Those words. I explained that when I bought it, it was explained to me that the warranty was good for 1 year and because I was buying it at Costco, they were doubling the warranty to two years. Bobbie matter of factly said, we don't do that anymore. I countered with, but you did do it then. Yeah, but we're not honoring it and your phone is 10 days past warranty, and pretty much goodbye. As crudely as he could, he said, "Why don't you take it across the parking lot to AT&T, maybe they'll feel sorry for you" and he turned away.

I learned long ago, not to try to reason with a punk. I internally growled and walked away. By the way, Dan, my salesman stood there like a statue as his punk boss called him a liar. As I walked towards the exit, I seemed to get angrier and madder, when I turned and headed for the management offices. The young girl called for a manager and I drew Ian. Tall, skinny and 22ish. I explained that I was a 25 year customer and I still have my Price Club card and I don't feel that I'm being treated fairly. He listened and said he agreed, but unfortunately there was nothing he could do. I just looked at him and explained that I did business with Costco BECAUSE I don't get treated this way. He said he'd go and ask his boss. I waited for about 15 more minutes while I was in the way of customers that were returning items they didn't want. In other words, I was in the way. Ian came back and reiterated that there was nothing he could do. I didn't get mad, I didn't use foul language and I didn't threaten to cancel my account, but I will.

Here's the issue. Not only do I now not own a functioning phone, but I have an additional year left on my contract, without a phone. Costco does not sell phones without contracts. If I buy a new phone, which I was willing to do, I had to add a line to my existing contract for about $70 a month. Then my bill would be around $200 a month. No fucking way!

I wandered over to AT&T across the parking lot and talked to two young guys and asked which was better with horror stories. They both said they were! I told my sad story and a guy named Chase (named after the bank) said he would make a call in my behalf. He talked to someone and after him begging on his knees, whoever he was talking to, agreed to honor my 1 year contract in spite of the fact that I was 10 days late. First I had to pass the "paid on time" test, which I did with flying colors. The worst part of the transaction was that I had to drive all the way to Paradise Valley Mall in rush hour traffic and there was a rollover accident stopping all cars for about 30 minutes.

I got home about 6 PM and the Lovely Jules had cooked a pork tenderloin with artichokes, topped with parmigiana cheese, diced cooked ham and roasted pine nuts. Not too shabby!

Summing up: I'm super-tired, with a new phone, a pile of cash, and a full belly!