Wow, what a cool trip. Because I used a film-based camera, I have to wait
to get the film developed. Also, I didn’t carry a laptop this time, so I have
to type this stuff in. It’s so much easier to just carry a computer. Anyhow,
for the impatient, I didn’t get all the way to the CT border, for logistics reasons.
But I got within spittin’ distance. Kinda. :)
Also, on a random note, I just received an order that I placed from
Bluefly. In case you haven’t heard of ’em,
they’re pretty much your average on-line shopping place. But they have a good
variety of stuff, more than more places. Also, their site is clean and functional,
which is more than I can say for most commerce sites. Anyhow, I though I’d
place a test order to see if they’re any good. They’re not.
It was an easy order: two pairs of boxer briefs (Calvin Klein, button fly, black, if you
must know) and a pillow. I had to get a Ralph Lauren one, because they didn’t carry
anything not fancy-schmancy brand name. I was going to get a pair or two of
jeans, but they only had one size of every type of jeans, and it was always something
like 24/45, or something equally useless.
So, I get a confirmation of my order saying that they’ll be shipped. And, "as
you know," they’re in the process of moving, so my order was to be delayed.
As I know? I had no idea. So the order didn’t come for 12 days. And when it came?
No pillow. The enclosed invoice made no mention of the pillow, nor what they’d be
charging my credit card. So I double-checked my e-mail. No note saying that the
pillow wouldn’t be coming.
So I call them — 877-BLUEFLY. "Sorry, the mailbox that you’ve called is
full. Please call back later, or dial ‘0’ for help." I hung up and called
back, just in case. Same message. So I hit ‘0’. An operator directed me to a
customer service rep. He informed me that they must have been out of pillows.
So why, I asked, didn’t they tell me? He said that they don’t do that. Such a
useful answer. So would I be getting the pillow? Nope, not unless I ordered
again. But how would I know if I’d get it that time? I wouldn’t. See, there’s
really no relationship between something being in stock and appearing on the
website. But I could e-mail them with the exact specifications of the pillow
that I’m looking for, and they’d special-order it. I said that I wanted
something to put my head on, and that perhaps this wasn’t the place to get such
a thing. He offered me 15% off, but I pointed out that would require me placing
another order from them, which wouldn’t be happening.
Moral: Skip Bluefly.