Here are some follow ups to some of the “memo’s to” I have been writing. None of the companies in question have replied, it’s just observations I’ve made.

Memo To First Buses

Their bus stops are slowly getting updated with the new maps and numbers, but still nearly 3 weeks on after the timetable change there are lots and lots of out dated bus stops. Not good enough. First buses HQ is in Aberdeen. You’d think they’d get it right in their home city… think again.

Memo To Somerfield

So yes the Wellington Road branch of Somerfields in closing. Apparently being replaced by Tescos but I can’t confirm that and naturally they aren’t going to advertise that in Somerfields. They are advertising however that you don’t need to worry that branch is closing because you can go and shop at your next nearest Somerfield branch on George Street. Now anyone who knows Aberdeen should know that if you normally shop on Wellington Road for your food, chances are you’re not going to go to George Street. Apparently the Somerfields in Lerwick is now displaying a sign with “your nearest Somerfields store will now be Wick”. I’m sure my dad will be popping there to do the shopping instead.

I don’t know if the staff are transferring, you’d think they would, but the staff in the Wellington Road branch don’t seem to even care any more. One woman today on the till didn’t even say a word, she just looked at me when it came to the point of handing over the money. I’ve worked in a shop before, and yes the job wasn’t that exciting, but I made an effort, that was just ridiculous (I’m turning into an old complaining duffer by the way).

Bring on Tesco!

Memo To BT

I did a bit of research into why they charge me £4.50 a pop to pay my bill. That’s £4.50 ON TOP of what I already need to pay them. It’s because I’m paying by card rather than by direct debit. Paying by card (or cash or cheque at your local post office, that’s if there is such a thing any more) is more expensive to process than direct debits. OK, I can see the logic in that. But £4.50?! Surely it cant cost £4.50 to process my payment by card? If it does then BT are being ripped off somewhere too.

My life as a moaning idiot continues.

David

Memo To: British Telecolm
CC: Watchdog

Dear BT,

Why do you insist on charging me to pay my bill?

£77 I had to pay today.  Although I think your charges for the internet are a bit high, I will happily pay it.  Then there was VAT.  I don’t like the idea of the government making money from my internet, but hey, I’ll pay it.  But £4.50 payment processing fee is really taking the biscuit. What’s that all about?

You’ve even setup your own limited company to handle the processing fee, “BT Payment Services LTD”.  Do you really not make enough from my £77 that you need to take another £4.50? I really don’t believe paying with my card incurs a charge of £4.50. I used to work in a shop that charged 35p for using a card and I found that a bit steep, but £4.50?! Really.

Can’t wait till my 18 months are up. Sadly I’m only 9 months in.

Yours money-less,

David