I want to live in their world...

My dear friend Angelee called yesterday morning asking me for a referral for a veterinarian that wouldn't cost her an arm and a leg.  Her dog Moxie had injured his paw.  Isn't he a sweet boy?

I gave her the number for a vet that we had used and has her office in her home.  She called me back and said that they told her that she wasn't taking any new patients.  Um, okay, really?  Small business owners are turning away income?  In this economy?  I rationalized it by thinking that maybe she is closing or retiring/moving, or a myriad of other things that would keep someone from taking business.  I mean, pets don't exactly have the lifespan of most humans, so really, you'd think a spot would open up weekly, right? 

Anyway I came to find out when I took Timmy to the groomers that she still goes to said vet and she still is practicing....

Today I called an auto mechanic shop that my parents and Tony & I  have used of and on for the past 30 years.  We want to get one of our older cars repaired for my kids to drive (I've just been blessed with a new vehicle).  The quote we got from a local service center seemed excessive, so I decided to give our old mechanics a call and even though they are further away it would be worth it for a better estimate. 

I explained to the mechanic, Mark that answered (not one of the owners), that I have a list of things to be fixed on our vehicle and if I told him those things could he give me an estimate to repair?  Mark's answer was that they were very swamped and if I'd like to drop off the list that they'd take a look at it.  I told Mark that it wasn't an urgent matter.  I told him that we don't need the vehicle repaired immediately and I asked him when would be a better time to call back since I lived inconveniently from their shop.  Mark's answer was to give me an name of another shop to call....

My internal dialog was asking, "WHAT THE FRENCH TOAST IS GOING ON?!!"  Is this the way small businesses are handling customers these days? 

In my world  I don't have customers beating down my door enough to turn down business, and even when I did I always took the order. In my world if someone calls to request a scent that I don't carry I tell them I will do my best to find it.  In my world I would have a fit if one of my (non-existent) employees gave long-time loyal customers the brush off.  I'm flummoxed.  It must be nice to live in that world. 

Then again, in the long run, maybe not.

This daily gripe was brought to you by Women Who Need a Good Book, a Beach Chair, and a Frozen Drink With a Pretty Umbrella in It Pronto.