FedEx Dud

Mom had embroidered 2 angel squares that did not fit in my wall hanging. I decided to add some calligraphy to each of them and have them framed for my 2 grand daughters in North Carolina - a joint present from Mom and me. I spent considerable time at the framing store selecting just the right color and frame type to set them off (great deal considering I had a coupon for 75% off - but even then it cost a pretty penny).

At last they were ready to be picked up. They came out beautifully - something the girls will treasure in time. I asked the artist about the best way to mail them out. She gave me some special packing materials, but cautioned that I ought to cover them with plenty of peanuts and bubble wrap. Hum. Where to get the right box and all that wrapping material? I decided to head to the FedEx store near my place. After a small wait, I stepped up to the counter and explained my project to the woman. Her response?

An unbelievable "Geez, I have no idea. I guess you should use a lot of bubble wrap."

That was the best she could do! I plied her with questions, but although she mentioned a number of box types and items they sell, she basically told me I didn't want to use them. Now totally frustrated, I asked her where I could go to get the kinds of things she was suggesting (special kinds of bubble wrap etc.). She allowed that there were FedEx shipping centers that would help me, but they were, in her words, "way over on the east side of the city. You won't want to drive all the way over there." What???!!!

I could not even get her to tell me the addresses of these places. Either she was new or stupid, I couldn't decide which one. Finally, I asked her point blank to tell me one address. She hemmed and hawed and kibbutzed and eventually allowed that there was one on Jefferson Road near 390S. I thank her and headed out, shaking my head. If her boss ever heard that conversation he would likely fire her on the spot! She certainly had a strange idea of what good customer service is.

After driving the short distance to the center, I climbed out of the car with my precious pictures and headed inside. We stood waiting until the clerk was free. I explained my situation. He said "We can do that." and took the pictures to a large table behind the counter. He had a special box, all the wrap and tape necessary and in less than ten minutes, I paid the bill and was happy to note that they were on their way, professionally wrapped and insured. That was easy.

Maybe I should suggest that the other woman take a field trip and see how its supposed to be done!