Are You Old Enough to Remember 'Customer Service'?

I finally kept that infamous medical appointment in Fresno yesterday; the one I had to keep postponing because it kept snowing on those particular days.  We (Katie & I) drove down to Fresno in the morning and followed the map and driving directions exactly as given; this being my first  appointment at this facility.

From Hwy 41 turn left onto Chestnut, turn left again at Dearing, turn right at Fir, follow to Recreation, parking lot is to your left.  Sounds easy, huh?  After driving up & down Chestnut and now I'm no longer early but will be late instead, I call and get a recording telling me I'm caller #2 and should have no more than a 3 minute wait.  Finally get the operator who tells me that the reason I can't find Dearing is because a few months ago the street sign was knocked down by a car so there is no sign any longer.  Apparently the city council feels if you don't know where that street is, you don't need to be there.  And, it wouldn't occur to those making appointments and sending maps & directions to advise that there is no street sign and to describe the now nameless intersection so new patients know what to look for.

Called Citicard after I got home.  Granted, I'd just driven to/from the city and  I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.  They'd sent me a letter awhile back telling me they've canceled one program and are replacing it with another and were sending me a new card.  I received an email yesterday regarding this new program and my participation in it.  I've not received any new card yet (they were due out the end of March, first of April).

When I finally got through to a human (or replica thereof), who is NOT the most intellectual individual in all of India or wherever, he asked for my name & account no., which the automated 'operator' had already taken.  I gave him this again and he (took a nap and then) asked for it again.  In my sweetest tone I responded, "they haven't changed since you asked 2 minutes ago."  He couldn't answer any questions, didn't appear to have any information. then he asked for my social security number.  "You want what?"  Aren't we told - repeatedly - NEVER GIVE OUT YOUR SSN?

I called a different number and found a young lady (still out of country) who, without asking inane and non-essential questions, looked up my account and answered all my questions ... new card was mailed Thursday and should be here next week.  And, and, and.

Okay, maybe I was just a tad cranky but, with the exception of the above young lady, what the dickens happened to customer service and assistance?  "Your call is important to us ...".  Man, if those people worked for me --- they wouldn't work for me!

Sun is out this morning, maybe today will be a better day; especially if I stay off the phone.