Usually, stores hire kids who can’t add or subtract and put them on a cash register – probably just to annoy and aggrevate the customers who can add and subtract.
The Whiner likes to think of this as a step forward (of sorts); at least this store realizes that they hire incompetent help.
(Photo actually taken on a Whiner shopping trip.)
When Henny Youngman used to say stuff like that, people would laugh – realizing that it was a joke.
Now, they just follow instructions without question, and end up suffering the consequences.
Today’s specifics? The automated refill system at my local Rite Aid Pharmacy (although I’m sure the same thing happens at almost every other pharmacy in America in 2011).
Start of the month – time to call in the prescriptions.
10 am. My wife, like a good do-bee, “presses ‘1’ for the automated refill system.” Entering each of her prescriptions takes forever.
2pm. The Whiner ignores the automated refill system, “presses ‘3’ to speak with someone in the pharmacy,” ignores their exaggerated groan when he tells them “I have six prescriptions to refill,” and is done in less than a minute.
3:30pm The Whiner arrives at Rite Aid.
Guess whose prescriptions are ready for pickup – and whose are still waiting to be filled?
Has anyone ever found an automated system that saves the customer time?
Didn’t think so.
The Whiner is finally going public, after decades of annoying, aggravating and trying the patience of friends and family. The Whiner’s background is in media, business and the internet, so his Whines often focus on stupid or incomprehensible events in those areas. However, they also focus on the incredible incompetence and obliviousness he encounters in his everyday life.
You may encounter the same level of daily frustration as the Whiner does. However, he doubts it.
In real life, The Whiner does have a name, an MBA, and a consulting business specializing in common sense solutions to media and internet problems. Reach him via email – or join him on Facebook or Twitter.
