Today a valuable lesson was re-enforced into my awareness: We all have a voice, and nobody cares. Yes, that sounds dire and loathsome but hear my tale of woe and judge for yourself. Today I ventured for the first time into a Teavana store in Oak Brook Illinois with 2 co-workers at lunch. Drinking too much coffee I found my daily drinking habits needed a healthy boost and so there I stood in this small shop facing two friendly Tea Experts ready to guide me into the world of the Samurai. Well, at least that was what I thought it was. Upon entry I noticed something odd. The door to the shop was open. Normally at a mall one would expect this, but it was 9 degrees in this outdoor mall and the small space heaters just were not up to the demand. I asked if I may close the door and the two employees smiled a weary smile saying it was corporate requirement that the door stay open. That is stupid, I and my co-workers responded as we proceeded to learn about tea and each spend a very large chunk of cash. Back at the office I tweeted and remarked on Teavana’s Facebook that I did not appreciate the cold store and quickly found my voice was silenced. My post on Facebook, while visible to me, was quickly hidden from other Facebooker’s in the office. If they don’t like what you say, not only will they remove your post, they will show you that your post is still there to feed your greedy needs.
Later in the evening I was on the phone with Wells Fargo Retirement Services needing to transfer a modest amount to a new 401k. The young, friendly man on the phone, nearing the end of the conversation, quickly noted that there would be a $25 closing fee. Excuse me? Why, I asked. He didn’t know. I told him I didn’t want to pay it. He said too bad. I remarked that I did not charge a $25 fee when I deposited the money. That kinda stumped him. Where am I going with this, and why is this like Teavana. Simple: I am not that special. They can charge whatever they want, keep the doors open as wide as they like and treat however they wish. It doesn’t matter. I have no voice. An neither do you. Prove me wrong.
Edit: What really irks me about the Wells Fargo is that they will be taking out the $25 from pre-tax money. That just does not make sense. I can’t touch that money without the feds fury…what makes them different?
