I ordered a couple of new sofas last week. The retailer called me later by phone to arrange delivery.
"Name three dates when you will be available to take delivery of the sofas," the manager asked.
"Just give me the first date you have and I’ll make sure I’m home."
"Sorry, sir, that’s not our system. You must suggest three dates."
"Okay, tell me the first three dates you have and I’ll pick one."
"I can’t do that, I have to have three dates from you."
"All right then; next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday."
There was a long pause.
"Sorry, sir, we can’t do those dates."
"What!"
"Maybe if you could tell me what you intend using the sofas for it would help."
"I had thought of sitting on them?"
"For instance, if they are for Christmas you could suggest dates in December."
"I could suggest sitting on top of the tree like a fairy."
"And what dates would they be?"
Is it me or has the world gone stark raving mad?
The views expressed here are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express
