Yes, We Have No Microwaves

Well, it is oft said that “nothing lasts forever” and this certainly is the case with microwave ovens.  Like virtually every electronic device in the home, the microwave will finally head off to that great kitchen in the sky.  Thus, was the case for us recently, while cooking a microwaveable meal, there was a flash and hardy “High Ho Silver” and our microwave became a boat anchor.  Once we got past the distress of a half-cooked meal, then the reality of having to shop and shell out money sets in.  Oh, joy-of-joys, another shopping trip with the hopes of actually finding a happy store “associate” to help us in our decision-making process (you might remember the TV adventure I wrote about recently).

In today’s world, shopping has been enhanced by the advent of the internet and its associated technological bedfellows.  So, scanning the different brands of microwaves online (and every other appliance) has never been easier but at the same time overwhelming.  Now, our microwave is mounted in the cabinet above the stove (a design that I am not fond of), which will require a certain amount of labor to remove and re-install it.  The replacement microwave will have to be the same size as the one that it is replacing and must fit in the cavity-like hole left by the removal of the old unit. After extensive research, we found a name brand appliance that we liked, that fit our budget and came in the size of the previous unit which had to fit in the space left between the cabinets by its predecessor.

For the purpose of full disclosure here—I am not a handyman.  My hobbies of choice are things like fishing, hiking, traveling and the occasional party, but home-repair is not listed among them.  So, in making our decision on a new wave we felt it might be better to utilize a local vendor who had the model we desired and could do the installation.  Unfortunately, in my community, all small, local vendors have been replaced by corporate behemoths, so we would have to give our money to oligarchs.  The final decision was to go with one of the two giant home repair retail outlets that pervade the U.S. shopping scene (hint: they want to build something with you).  Well, after finding our brand choice of microwave on the website of our corporate empire home improvement store, we trundled off to the local location with high hopes of an easy transition back into nuking food for dinner.

Much to our dismay, the model that we had hoped to purchase was out-of-stock, however, we were assured that the store would have that model back on the shelves within a couple of days. We looked at other models of waves, but none fit our needs or budget, so we decided to wait for the new inventory to come in.  After leaving our contact number we were assured that we would be called by the store within the next couple of days when the new unit arrives, in the meantime, they could have someone come out and remove the old wave and haul it off (presumably to be recycled).  We paid a deposit, scheduled the old unit removal, obtained the associates’ card and headed home with high hopes, although my skepticism is always on high alert in these situations.

The following day the store called to schedule the removal and hauling away of the old microwave, no new units had come in yet.  The next day a man from the store arrived three hours after the scheduled appointment and removed the deceased microwave but had no news regarding the replacement unit, we would have to call the store ourselves for info.  Fast forward one week, still no call from the store, I picked up my cell phone and attempted to get to the bottom of this aggravating situation.  Once again I was told that the new unit had not come into the store, but they are expecting it anytime now.  Starting to get the picture here?

Finally, after two more days, I decided that it was time to go back to the home improvement behemoth and demand to see a manager.  At the customer service desk, a manager arrived, and I told my story.  The manager began pecking on a computer, looked up at me and cheerfully announced that they had 4 of those models in the warehouse.  Curious, furious and ready to begin using curse words, I asked the manager how long they have had those in stock?  The managers’ reply is the reason why I write these blog pages—”oh, we usually have three or four of them in the warehouse”.  After the blood ran back out of my face, I calmly said thank you, insisted that the deal be canceled and demanded my money back as we had paid a deposit on this fateful transaction.

After several minutes of spirited debate, we came to an agreement where I would get a refund of the deposit and free installation of the new unit and a discount on the sticker price.  Finally, somewhat satisfied with the deal, I scheduled another appointment for the installation and returned home feeling somewhat victorious although I am not sure for what.  Two days later I am happy to report the new wave is installed and working magnificently.  Once again, our food is being radiated to a DNA altered, sterilized, mutated but warm state.

This is just another in the many stories of shopping frustration that is out there, since the corporate takeover of virtually every type of business, customers are only numbers.  The only number that really matters is dollars and your ability to pay them.  How I long for the days of the small, privately owned businesses where you received better treatment and customer service.  If you were not treated well it was very easy to spread the word and potentially hurt future business for that store or company.  Today we trade customer service for cheaper prices or some discount coupon to ensure that you return to the store—how sad!

Talk to Ya Later

The Grumpy Old Fart Customer @2019 All Rights Reserved