press 1 for a schmuck. press 2 for some other schmuck. press 3 to be ignored

April Fools' Day was four days ago! It's over! Or so one would think. For some companies, where customers are concerned, every day is April Fools' Day. This next, true life story is in the "you just can't believe it" department.

I have decided that I hate corporate America. Nobody answers the phone anymore. Only machines work in the billing department.

I had insurance on my van with one of those online-only insurance companies. my car was stolen, totaled, and the driver was killed. that sucks to begin with. I bought my mother's car because she doesn't drive anymore. it is already insured. so I cancel the insurance on the van in December 2010. They continued billing me. come on. It's April 2011!

I finally got my refund on April 2. Then they billed me again on April 3!

I have spent hours on the telephone and even had to drive to the bank (on my dime no less) to resolve this. we will see if they reimburse me -- and when.

automation is good for business, especially if you don't give a damn about people and don't want to talk to those pesky customers anymore!