I took today and tomorrow off because I am almost maxed out on my vacation time. That is a separate story and not really important to this one.

I went to Costco to get a new pair of glasses. Once I get them, I will finally be finished with everything related to my cataract surgery. I already have a pair of frames from Costco, so I just need new lenses.

When I got to the optical department, I had to sign in using the app. There were plenty of workers there, and it wasn't busy. But I still had to sign in on the app.

Remember the old ticket-number system? Take a number, then watch the “Now Serving” display.

Well, this is basically the electronic version of it.

I can understand something like this if you have to have an appointment or there are a lot of people waiting for service. But there were literally maybe four people there, and one of them was just looking.

Then I went to CVS. At the prescription counter, there was another electronic sign-in process just to pick up my prescription.

What's next? Do I fill it too and ring myself out?

Look, I am one of the first people to embrace technology, and I love it. But some things are simply faster and better the good old-fashioned way, especially when you are the only person standing at the prescription counter.

No wonder I prefer doing most of my shopping online and having things shipped to me. It is much simpler than navigating an app while I am already standing there talking to the person who is going to help me, just so I can tick some boxes and, presumably, provide more data.

The one positive from the experience was Melina at the Costco Optical counter. She was extremely nice and professional, probably the best person I have worked with since I started going there.

I just had to share my “getting old” moment with everyone.

#customerservice #personal #shopping

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