Box Store Service

We were just finishing the planning for the installation of new cup boards in our condo and realized that to complete the job the old fan over the stove should be replaced with a microwave exhaust system. The vent piping was in place and why not do this right.

We looked for a suitable purchase in several stores without luck. Our last option came as a result of seeing an ad for Sears scratch and bump sale. This was Friday and our construction was only 24 hours away. We looked around this enormous store and tried to catch the eye of a salesperson. They all seemed busy so Theresa and I wandered through the aisles of bedding, furniture and a mirage of colour and delightful items to dress up any room. Finally we were approached by a well dressed man in a three piece suit and he explained that they were very busy and someone would be with us in a while. He pointed out the direction of the micros so we headed back there.

I have patience but this was beginning to try them so we carefully examined all the merchandise. We found exactly what we wanted and at the right price.We were guided over to the desk where a salesman was completing a transaction and he indicated that we were next.I leaned on the countertop and tapped my fingers as I sometimes do when I am trying to hurry up the action.

Finally a younger, happy sounding lady came and said she was there to help us and what did we have in mind. I led she and Theresa to the Microwave and said this is the one and we need it today. She smiled and said a week from tomorrow would be the earliest. We had to have one for tomorrow and Theresa asked if there might be a scratched or bumped one. She thought for a moment and ran off to a floor model a few feet away. It was more than we desired but as she examined it she said it was in mint condition.

Now we had our foot in the door. I could have scratched it or more but thought that there might be a way to get it off the display. She left and on returning informed us she could sell it to us today. She even gave us a discount of about $100. All this after we explained to her that we were Sears customers and we used every ploy to get this item. She registered the sale on the computer and phoned for help to get the item removed from the display. A boss looking man entered the scene and asked why she was selling the best selling micro from the display. She continued the completion of the transaction and Theresa proceded to pay and gather all the paper work and made sure we had all the nuts and bolts to complete the installation in our condo.

I watched and tried to help with the removal of our micro but store policy would not permit me to help. It also had to be shipped out the back door even though our van was parked just outside. We did manage to get our wish and microwave installed on Saturday. Looking back I think we took over an hour to complete a deal that should have taken ten minutes. Five or six people were involved and a handful of paper signed and sorted. All this with a thousand dollar computer sitting on the counter amid a load of paper and forms.Computers do create jobs and a waste basket full of paper. I only wish they re-cycle their garbage.