I recently criticized Bank of America's customer service for being very rude and sarcastic. But they're not the only company that has poor customer service. Usually the problem isn't so much that the CSRs are rude, just that they're clueless.

I tried to register at Walmart's online photo department so I could get some digital photos printed. Their registration page was messed up... it kept displaying "Servlet error" which as an IT geek I know is a problem on their end. So I called the 800 number and the CSR said it's a problem with my computer. That I should reboot my computer and/or install a new browser. I tried to explain that I think there is a real problem with their site, but instead he put me on hold and then hung up on me. WOW. So I just went with Target's photos (first 20 photos free, by the way) and had no problems.

Also since I'm still looking around at new banks (since BoA was so disappointing), I thought I'd send an email to Citibank asking them whether I am in area that qualifies me for ATM reimbursements. (If you look at the fine print on their e-checking account, you can get ATM reimbursements if you live in an area outside of their branch locations -- but it doesn't specify those locations.) The response from Citibank was one of those generic responses that tell me how I can search for branches in the area by clicking "Locations" or something like that. It's like these places are running a program that looks for a keyword like "branches" and then sends you Generic Email Response #37. That is really really annoying.

Funny MSN Money article...

I'd seen all the comments on the forums about how bad Bank of America's customer service is but I thought, nah, people are overreacting.

Anyway, I opened a checking account with them because they're nearby and I'd get a bonus for opening the account. Well there were problems from the get-go so I had to call them a couple of times. WOW. First of all the hold times were ridiculous. Second, both times I called I had to be transferred to 5 different people and re-explain my situation each time. Third and most importantly, the customer service people were not friendly and some downright rude.

So I figured if a new customer is treated like this, how do they treat other customers?! I canceled the account. They're response? "Ok." as if they were saying "Your loss." How does this bank stay in business???

This is fascinating stuff. But you have to question your life's meaning when you might not just be in someone's simulation, you could be in the simulation of a simulation.

Interesting blog entry from Web Worker Daily:

Just got another survey on my Super Target grocery receipt. Supposedly someone will win 4 Schwinn bikes and a $500 gift certificate. Does anyone really win these things?

At least I feel like I can express my opinion to the management. My biggest beef... Offer more coupons!!!