So finally there is no reprieve the little piece of England that I have called home for the last few years is coming down and I have to move.
I got the keys to my new place last Friday about 4.30 in the afternoon so no time to organise anything before the weekend. First thing this morning (Monday), arranged for removal, (working on the theory that this date would be wanted by telephone and utilities etc.).
O.K. so moving Thursday, first people I ring telephone 'cos I need my broadband, on hold for 20 mins, finally get through, no sorry this is sales you need to ring......, ring, ..... on hold 25 mins, Moving? o.k. postcode for new address, thank you, yes, you have a line from us to that address so it won't be a problem.
Me Erm well actually the house I'm moving to has just been refurbished and I noticed that your cable is just lying disconnected in the back yard.
Telephone person Why is that?
Me I don't know I just noticed it like that when I was viewing the house.
Telephone person Well you shouldn't have left it like that, there will be a £150 reconnection fee.
Me But I didn't leave it like that, that is how it is, could I have an engineer to sort it please?
Telephone person One minute caller and I'll check, .(on hold rubbish music, thank you for calling, you are important to us, etc, etc), right thats sorted the engineer will be with you on the 9th of March.
Me That seems a long time to wait?
Telephone person well they require a fortnights notice if you had rung earlier it would have been sorted earlier.
I didn't bother taking the conversation any further just thanked her and promised I would be in between 8a.m. and 8p.m. on the appointed day to let the engineer in.
The house I am moving to is I believe supplied by a different company to the one that supplies my gas and electric, on the back of my last bill is a free 'phone number for if you are going to move.
Ring number, waiting 15 minutes for answer.
Utilities Telephone person How can we help?
Me I'm moving and would like to transfer my account.
Utilities Telephone person When moving?
Me This Thursday.
Utilities Telephone person That's a bit short notice we require at least four weeks notice!
Me I'm sorry I only found out myself this Friday.
Utilities Telephone person just a minute while I check Who supplies that address.
Me Well actually it's Scottish power.
Utilities Telephone person I'm sorry I can't just take your word for that I will have to check on the computer.
Me (a very subdued), sorry.
Utilities Telephone person Oh dear that side of the computer isn't working, who did you say is the supplier?
Me (Very tempted to say I can't remember), meekly reply Scottish power.
Utilities Telephone person Right, well in that case you will have to ring them and sign up with them, then in a months time we'll send an engineer out and tranfer your meters to us.
Me I don't think so, I think I'll just sign up with Scottish Power.
Utilities Telephone person What? (and just a touch of annoyance in her voice), why?
Me Well, I've been with you for a few years, not had a problem, now I'm moving your forcing me to sign up with someone else, well if I have to sign up with another company once I've wasted yet another hour trying to get through and giving them my details I will stick with them I'm not going through these stupid conversations for fun and if you can't make it any easier for me then I will tell you goodbye,
forever!
Anyone else I need to ring I'll leave until tomorrow I just don't think I could cope with anyone else that values my custom so much as these people do.