Often it feels that companies make things intentionally difficult.
Yesterday I wanted to have UPS pickup a package. Unlike FedEx you couldn’t just call a number and have them pick it up. You had to fill out a web form, and provide a credit card number which they charged $19 for the pickup. FedEx picks up for free for the end user.
When I went to google their number it only provided local UPS drop off stations. I didn’t want a drop off station, I wanted a pickup. When I have gone to local UPS drop off stations just like FedEx the pickup time is random. So you don’t know when they will be picked up. The local UPS branch has two car parking and is always crowded and dirty. It isn’t pleasant at all to do business with them.
Why am I sharing this? I think people choose convenience and that is why Amazon became so popular. If they have to struggle with getting something, they don’t want to do it. I know that is part of the reason that I rarely visit a physical store. Most of the time their inventory systems are not correct and you go there and they don’t have something they said they had in stock. It is frustrating.
First world problems am I right? I can’t spend money easily. Boo hoo. Why would UPS charge to pickup? Wouldn’t they say that people would more likely use them if they made it more convenient? I think so. I think that shipping companies have been spoiled. For the most part it is easy money delivery things in a urban setting. Some bean counter at UPS said we can make more money having dirty and inadequate shipping drop offs because those suckers have no choice. We do have a choice, and I am more inclined to FedEx after the experience yesterday.
People do remember how they are treated and choose to work with companies that are a pleasure to work with. Companies go out of business who forget this.