We returned from Florida to discover that the seat controls on the driver's side were not working. That meant that I had to drive home from the airport. It also meant that I had to drive to the wake and home in the rain that night. And, it meant that I had to drive in the funeral cortège yesterday. I've been a passenger in two funerals so far, and have never driven in one. I was driving the first car immediately behind the hearse. I'm glad to be able to tell you that I rose to all those occasions, but I'd really like to get the controls fixed so that my husband can drive again.
I stopped at a nearby dealership to pick up the fuse that I thought we needed. The parts manager told me that I probably had to have the seat heater looked at. Since my mother was in the car, I couldn't stay while they determined the problem. I wanted to buy a fuse, and then give them a call if our solution didn't work.
His response was that the part was non-refundable, and he would have to order it for me. I never intended to use the fuse and return it, so that was not a problem, but it's irritating that they don't keep parts in stock. This afternoon, I will be taking the SUV back to the dealership where we bought it. THEY will determine the problem, and order the part.
I'll be driving for a while.
Comments (6)
I believe that our friendly big-box store (W-M) started the "pull" concept of supply/demand. It used to be that stores stocked goods in anticipation of demand: they used the "push" concept. The wholesalers did likewise. (And, I remember having 100s of small airplanes sitting, unsold, on the grounds of the Little Airplane Company.) Now, the supply chain has become shorter and leaner. Nothing happens until someone orders something--which causes a "pull" at one end of the supply chain. We didn't know how good we had it, did we?
There was never any doubt about your rising to the occasion--at least, not among your faithful readers. You have that part behind you. It will be a long time before Dear Husband gets to the point where he can function in the full-normal mode; but, he'll make it--especially with you there to provide an understanding partner.
Posted by Cop Car | January 12, 2006 9:38 PM
Posted on January 12, 2006 21:38
Thank you for the explanation of the change in marketing strategy. It hasn't bothered me much in other areas, but this particular situation burns me. The dealership is easily a 30 minute drive away, so at the very least, I'm out an hour that day. Then, some of the people holding down chairs in the office are not the brightest bulbs, so there is always the need to double check their work.
You're right about Dear Husband. This is something that will take him a long time to accept. I'll have to find ways to let him talk about it, when he's ready.
Posted by buffy | January 13, 2006 11:12 AM
Posted on January 13, 2006 11:12
Just read an article in yesterday's "The Wall Street Journal" about "Just-in-Time [another term for the pull system] Inventories Make U.S. Vulnerable in a Pandemic". The sub-header says, "Low Stockpiles at Hospitals Boost Efficiency but Leave No Extras for Flu Outbreak". The by-line is Bernard Wysocki Jr and Sarah Luece. Recommended reading.
Posted by Cop Car | January 13, 2006 11:37 AM
Posted on January 13, 2006 11:37
It's one thing when your car dealership uses the pull system and another when the local hospitals does. That should strike fear into your hearts!!
Posted by buffy | January 13, 2006 2:24 PM
Posted on January 13, 2006 14:24
So sorry to hear about all your problems, on top of everything else, buffy.
It's hard being supportive, and knowing what to do when, and what not to do, isn't it? 15 weeks on and it is getting easier... Hang on in there.
And don't forget that you need treats to keep you going.
Posted by Blue Witch | January 17, 2006 3:38 PM
Posted on January 17, 2006 15:38
BW, you are a girl after my own heart! Actually, I had to do a little grocery shopping today, and I brought home donuts because I knew the sweets would tempt my mother to eat. Of course, I had a "sweetie" too. *G*
I'm really lucky that I don't have a terrible sweet tooth. Both my parents like(d) their sweets. For my Dad, it was hard candy and ice cream. Elegante Mother will push her food around her dinner plate but practically lick her ice cream bowl clean at night. And dark chocolate is a must in her book!
Things will get better, BW, and until then, we always have treats.
Posted by buffy | January 17, 2006 4:46 PM
Posted on January 17, 2006 16:46