[taustin]

Originally Posted by anamardoll

Why is it sad?

Misses a lot of opportunities to deal with reputable companies that offer great produces and good service. And that tends to encourage the crappy behavior that people complain out from faceless corporations. Amazon is particularly notable in that regard, in fact.

Originally Posted by anamardoll

I can think of a number of reasons to only buy from Amazon and/or sites with nearby B&M stores available.

So can I. But lack of a 24 hour 800 number isn't one of them. (For me, at any rate.)

Originally Posted by anamardoll

Toll free customer service is necessary for people with limited income and/or don't have hundreds of "free" cell phone minutes to burn on a CS call. 24-hour CS is necessary for people who work hours that would prevent them from calling during "normal business hours".

All of which assumes that you must contact them by phone. Or, to quote a friend's very wise mother, "Instant gratification isn't quick enough." Is it really that critical that you talk to them right now? You can't wait a few hours for an email response? Really?

Originally Posted by anamardoll

A B&M store ensures that you will have a person to talk to -- usually during a wider business hour range -- which is particularly crucial for certain hearing disabilities.

I have never noted that hearing disabilities interferes with reading email.

Originally Posted by anamardoll

Ordering mostly or wholly from Amazon is necessary for people who can't easily leave the house to shop but don't have the privilege to take a risk on smaller online retailers (who usually charge expensive shipping for heavy household items).

Which has nothing to do with whether or not they have a 24 hour 800 number.

Originally Posted by anamardoll

(I hate to wave my ableism sign around... oh, who am I kidding? I love to wave my ableism sign around.)

Nothing wrong with that. But what's the big deal with sending their CS people an email and waiting a few hours for a response? I mean, really.