Curmudgeon mode... on!

Sam's Club credit department has an odd way of collecting debt: if you are past due on a payment (which I happen to be this month), they won't let you register to pay via the web. Also, when I visited the Wal-Mart in Durango a while back (the 6th?), their computers wouldn't accept my Sam's account number, leaving me with no choice but to pay by phone (for an additional $10 charge, natch). I made that payment yesterday, over the phone, and was called by Sam's today, asking whether I was going to make a payment anytime soon.

This, from an outfit that claims to be "in business for small business." I'm beginning to get the feeling that they're really "in business to give small business the business." <wink, wink, nudge, nudge>

On a similar note, I find it curious that the table grapes I bought yesterday cost more per pound at the local City Market than steak. (Okay, yeah, I know, it's December.) While paying, I noticed that the store's management moved the signage advertising their competition-beating shipping rates down to eye level.

Ya gotta love those weaned-on-bowb-your-buddy-week management types... though they'll get their comeuppance once Wal-Mart comes to town, I'm sure.

Cheers...