First, it was our kitchen cabinets. Three years ago, we go in to buy the other half our kitchen, only to find that collection has been discontinued. "Going in," by the way, was. All. The way. To DALLAS. By the time we finished the project, about 4 trips to Dallas. From Colorado.
Okay, so we made it an excuse to see family too. But I digress.
So now we're trying to get some patio furniture, and this is what I get from IKEA's lady-on-the-phone after learning a) I can't buy it online, and b) it's almost out of stock at the stores nearest to where we live.
LOTP: "Well, do you want to check another store--perhaps, one closer to you?"
Me: "Well, I live in IKEA-no-man's-land-Colorado. Utah or Texas are the closest IKEA locations to us."
LOTP: Nothing
(like she can't believe there's a HUGE HOLE in the middle of the country, the exact shape of an IKEA!)
Me: "We pretty much always have to make a trip for anything IKEA."
LOTP: Quiet...then: "Well, how about we check one of the four franchisee locations that can ship this to you? Would you like me to check inventory there?"
Me: (in my head, Is it me? Am I stupid? Or is she assuming I know what she's talking about?) "Oh. OK. I didn't know there was that option. Sure, let's check the other stores."
(on hold...)
LOTP: "Seattle seems to have plenty of inventory, as does Houston. Perhaps you'd like to call them directly, if I give you their numbers, so that they can ship to you?"
She gives me the numbers.
LOTP: "And IKEA-Centennial" (Denver) "should be opening in the next 2-3 years." (Like this will help me.)
Me: (chuckling) "Yeah, they keep telling us that."
LOTP: Silence, then: "Is there anything else I can help you with tonight?"
Uh, newwww. But thank you.
