Setting: Right here
Time: Right now
Context:
You placed an order for a board from a new start up company. They quickly provided shipping information and you received your order in an expected amount of time. After spending some time with the board, you decide to call customer service due to an issue you have not experienced with boards coming form other board manufacturers. After calling the customer support number, you are placed on hold after navigating a maze of options from a computerized operator.
You listen to the soothing sounds of the soundtrack that is their customer service hold line. Eventually, a customer service representative answers.
Customer service [no one]: Thank you for being a loyal customer. How may I be of assistance?
You: Hi... I... um... recently bought a board from you guys and I am wondering if it is defective.
Customer service [no one]: Well, thank you for reaching out to us. Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us here. Can you describe what type of issues you are experiencing? For example, is the board de-laminating or splitting plies vertically in an unusual manner that would suggest it is a matter of manufacturer defect?
You: Thank you for asking, but no, it is not necessarily either of those per se.
Customer service [no one]: Thank you for helping me better understand your position. Can you describe what types of issues you are experiencing?
You: Well, I received the board and set it up day 1 and it skated great. Excellent pop, great dimensions, firmness, etc. It was perfect timing too because I planned on going on a weekend trip with friends the next two days.
Customer service [no one]: Okay...
You: The rest of the weekend the deck was completely soft, like I had left my board in my truck for a month in the desert.
Customer service [no one]: [audibly angry breathing out of irritation]
You:.... are you still there?
Customer service [no one]: Oh, I'M HERE.
You: Oh okay, sorry. I guess I just wanted to find out if any of your other customers are having the same issue with the wood not maintaining rigidity.
Customer service [no one]: MAYBE THE BOARD IS GOING THROUGH A LOT OF STRESS RIGHT NOW AND HAS A LOT ON ITS MIND AND THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR IT TO STAY HARD. DID YOU EVER THINK OF THAT?
You:... I uh....
Customer service [no one]: MAYBE THE BOARD NEEDS A MORE COMPASSIONATE RIDER WHO IS LESS JUDGEMENTAL AND UNDERSTANDS IT IS JUST A TEMPORARY PHASE.
You: I'm not getting a refund or replacement, am I?
Customer service [no one]: -click-