Lack of Customer Service is Astounding!

I'm sure I am not the only one out there already well into my shopping for Christmas.  With 6 kids, if you don't start early, you just don't have time or money to get it done.  So, this year as the big shared gift we found an item we loved but didn't buy it that moment and the local stores sold out.  It looks like it's going to be a popular item for this year as several places online are sold out as well.

Then, wonder of wonders, I find it at 2 sites still in stock. Sears.com and Amazon (because let's face it amazon has EVERYTHING!)  But, Sears has it cheaper by about $13.  I know it's not much but every little bit adds up.  So, I try to order it and get a blank page when I select pay with Paypal.  Great.  But I have no time to deal with it at that moment so I leave it.  I come back today with a little more time.  The item has now gone up in price by $8.  Arg!  Oh well, that's what I get for waiting.  Same problem again.

But wait, there is hope.  The site says the item is available in store in Norman.  Okay, I can work with that.  I call the store to be told, nope, they don't have it.  She says sometimes the sears.com shows items in stock inaccurately.  I get that.  It happens.  She assures me they can order it by phone and gives me a number for sears.com.  Alright!  Progress.

So, I call and explain the issue to the "customer service" rep.  She says we can go ahead and order it at the new price, she just needs my credit card.  Nope.  I want to use Paypal.  There are reasons for my selection.  None of those reasons are her business but I'm still trying to get my item.  I explain to her I don't want to use a credit card but would like help with ordering the item using Paypal.  She continues to insist that ordering by credit card is the best option and they will match the online price.  I am obviously not communicating with her.  I ask to speak to a supervisor.  She again explains how I need my credit card to order.  At this point, frustration takes hold.

I tell her that I don't want to use a credit card.  I have asked to speak to a supervisor and that request was ignored as well.  So, I will not be shopping with Sears at all.  Instead, I will spend a few dollars more and buy the item at Amazon.

What a hassle!  But, my item is now ordered from Amazon and will come with free delivery instead of store pickup or $28 in shipping.  I should have started with Amazon and saved myself the headache!