AC Drama

I got an email ad from Costco today and of course I went to check out what they had. There was this portable AC that was on sale, a good $150 off plus free shipping, I was so tempted! I looked at their other ones and decided that this one was my top choice. I called Dave and told him about it. Just as we were discussing this portable AC versus regular window types, this on-sale AC became unavailable on the site! I refreshed the page a couple more times, nope, it was gone! I could not believe it!

There was another more expensive one on the Costco website, with more power - 12,000 BTU, and had a seemingly better-fit installation kit. We talked some more, and I felt like I should wait so I just closed the page. Half an hour later Dave called again and he found that Bestbuy got this same 12,000 BTU AC at their City of Industry location. I was kind of surprised. Because I saw it earlier on Bestbuy's site too, but I typed in Dave's zip code instead of mine (I don't know why I did that, I guess I was hoping to go to the store near him since he drives a VW wagon, lol) - And there was none available at the stores near his house.

Anyway, Dave said I should buy it and test it out. He also advised that I call before going there. I agreed, then I placed the order. I got two emails from Bestbuy, one confirming my order, the other verifying the AC was ready to be picked up. It was pretty fast too, like within 10 minutes I received both emails. So I took off and was excited about finally having a working AC in my bedroom.

No, of course I didn't listen to Dave completely. I didn't call them to make sure they had it in stock. Major mistake! That was a really good advice, by the way. Because when I got there to pick it up, I was told that every portable AC in the store was sold out! I said that was impossible, I received the emails telling me I could pick one up now! Of course it was a computer error, or someone didn't do his / her job. I ended up cancelling the order there and was given a customer number to call, or to vent.

I called Dave in the parking lot and told him what happened. I should've listened. He said I need to go back in the store and demand a rain check at this price, in case they decide to raise the price later. I told him I was going to call the customer line first, and if that didn't go well, I would do that.

To make the long story short, the Bestbuy customer service agent was extremely professional and courteous. He cancelled this order for sure, then gave me a 10% discount plus free delivery on the same AC. I was very pleased with that outcome and thanked him. I also gave him a 10 on the survey. The customer service experience with him was that good.

I kind of wondered if I had just made that phone call after placing my order, instead of driving there, and figured everything out over the phone. Would I still get the same result?

I had dinner with PK and Yu at Hwa Ro Korean BBQ & Tofu tonight. It was a pretty good deal, for all you can eat Korean BBQ, it's $17.99 per person. We first ordered their entire selection of meat, I know, we were so meat-hungry hahaha. For the second round we ordered three different types, then for the last round, two. Honestly I couldn't tell what meat corresponding to which number on the menu. Yu cooked for us and he was fast and fierce. We had a real good time there, a great place to revisit definitely.

I came home thinking I sure spent a lot of money this weekend. The AC, dining out with friends, CD shopping, etc. I haven't done this kind of buying without thinking in a long long time. I think I was feeling good about my new job and wanted to celebrate. Sigh. Wait 'til I receive the credit card statement! Hahaha.