Customer Service?

Here's the thing. I order pizza's for our young adult bible study every Thursday evening from Papa Johns. This is how they've answered the phone every time for the last 5 months.


Papa: "Thank you for calling Papa Johns would you like to try our new barbecue chicken pizza for only $12.99?

Me: No, I just have an order for delivery.

Papa: Ok will that be for pick-up or delivery?

Me: Delivery

(You can imagine how the rest of the conversation goes)


Than I called Uhaul the other day as Sarah and I were moving her stuff across town. I made these calls on my drive from Dallas to Austin. Everytime I called Uhual, which was about 10 times, I tried different Uhaul places in town, this is what I got.


UHaul: Thank you for calling Uhaul, will you be needing climate controlled or non-climate controlled storage today?

Me: Neither, I need to rent a 6X12 trailer for an in-town move this evening to be returned in 24 hours.

UHaul: Ok Sir, will you need a truck or trailer?

Me: Trailer

UHaul: Are you moving an apartment?

Me: Yes, a 1-bedroom apartment.

UHaul: Ok, we recomend our 6X12 trailer for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Me: Yeah. (Inside my head I'm choking the life out of this guy)

UHaul: Ok Sir, when will you be picking this trailer up?

Me: I'll be by this evening.

UHaul: Alright, and how long will you be needing the trailer?

Me: 24 hours.

And this conversation happened all 10 times I called.
I don't know what bugs me more; businesses that answer the phone asking me if I want some specific product, or the lack or hearing every phone-answering employee in the world seems to have. It bugs me in the same way that "Can I help you find something?" bugs me when I'm in any store in town. I dread walking into Blockbuster, because it's on their protocol to say hello to everyone that walks in. . .(even if they're across the store at the time) And don't even get me started with Best Buy. I love that place, but most of the time I'm there shopping by myself, and if I wanted other opinions I would have brought my friends. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I need help finding something, or I need more info on a product; but if I need that help, I don't sit around clueless until someone 'saves' me by asking if they can help. I find someone, (reluctantly, because they'll never leave you alone now) and ask a quick question. But then, of course, I get some dialogue like what you read above.
Actually, I was in Best Buy looking for a router a couple weeks ago, and some nerd employee asked me if I needed help. I said 'no, I'm just looking' but instead of going away and doing something productive, he stood next to me like we were best buddies and asked "so what are you trying to do?" as if I'm a retard and he's my merchandise-savior. Look pal, if I don't know what to do, I'll ask you. If not, go mop something or organize the shelves. Unless you're bringing me my complimentary 'shopping-beer' I don't want to see you. I dread the next time I need shoes and I venture within 20 yards of a 'Foot Locker'. It's not that I hate retailers pushing their crap on me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oh wait, yes it is.
Peace out,
Brandon