If you remember way back when I had an interesting conversation over chat with an AT&T representative where they prove they really can’t do anything.

Today we present to you, the customer and the agent that would like to hang themselves.

Ever wonder what happens when you drop your car off to be repaired or to have general service done?  Well this guy in Louisiana found out the hard way.  3 times he took his tuck in and all three times the service people stole his change out of his vehicle.  But the difference is, the 3rd time he had a camera running.  Hampton Toyota in Lafayette, LA.  (a dealer that I’ve actually been to when I lived in Louisiana…) had its employees caught stealing, rummaging, and watching porn.

I love their website too:

Hampton Toyota located in Lafayette, LA is proud to be Acadiana’s premier dealership. We strive to make your experience with Hampton Toyota a good one – for the life of your vehicle. Whether you need to purchase, finance, or service a New or Pre-Owned Toyota, you’ve come to the right place. Contact our Internet department at 337-984-5010 for your Special Internet Pricing today!

Anyway here is the link to the article that talks about exactly what happened and includes the videos.   But just in case I’m including the video of the change being stolen here:

And in case your interested the employees were fired.

I’m missing a single screw on my Black Macbook.  Now I live near not one but two Apple Stores.  I haven’t had a chance to drive in so I just wanted to check the Apple website to see if they had any listed or if they had any that I could just have sent to me, cause come on its a screw we’re talking about.

I couldn’t find anything immediately on the online Apple Store website so they have  chat feature.  They immediately ask me to call Apple Care (1-800-275-2273).  And along the way ask if I’m under warranty.  I’m not, but all we’re talking about is a screw here again.

I call the number, wait just a couple minutes which is great for support hold time.  I get a support person who asks for my serial number and reminds me that yes, I have a 13″ Black Macbook, and yes its not in warranty.  I politely inform her I know that and was told by the Apple Online Chat/Store people to contact them.

She informs me that I need to go to an AppleStore.  I then ask what if I can’t get to one – she tells me that they could send it she thinks but it would be a charge of shipping etc.  But she wasn’t sure.  Come on, we’re talking about a 5 cent screw here.

Just for the heck of it I go back to the Chat online, this time I took screen shots.  Basically if you live far away from an Apple Store and need a screw, you’re screwed.

Apple Chat referring me back to Apple Care

We don't sell parts online...

So here are your options.  Either A) You drive to the nearest Apple Store.  B) You find out where an “authorized” apple retailer is.  All for a SCREW!??!

Update: (8/17/08) I went by the domain store and met a really helpful Apple employee, he took my laptop and said “No problem, I’ll go see what I can find in the back for you.”  I in turn waited around with Jenn in the Apple store and we looked at MacBook Pros (something I think about upgrading to).

About 5 minutes later the employee came back, handed me my laptop and said “I’m sorry, we don’t have any black macbook screws.  We’re going to order some consumables and have them back next week so you can either schedule a time to come in or just swing by.”

A FREAKING SCREW?!?!?!

Anyway, I thanked him, and I’ll go back.  While there is another store, its way down South Austin, so it looks like I’ll be heading out again to get a replacement screw, that I can’t order online, can’t get used…etc..  I feel bad for people who don’t live near Apple stores or retail outlets.

Update (8/22/08) I ran by the domain store again and YES! They had a screw, put it in for me and took like less than 5 minutes.  I have absolutely no complaints about apple employees at the store and for the most part on the phone (aside from not knowing their own policies).  My main complaint is what it took to get a screw.  Again, what if I didn’t live in Austin?  Why does Apple Corporate have these strange processes where you can’t get a screw?